Plastic Surgery on the Rise During Holidays
When one watches the media these days, it’s natural to conclude gadgets and clothes are the most popular items desired for Christmas and the holidays. The very cool BB-8 droid toy from the upcoming Star Wars movie was reportedly sold out already in Tokyo. Lines of customers queued up at Best Buy, Wal-Mart and other retail stores for hours on Thanksgiving to grab deep savings on flat screen TVs and other electronics. However, what many may not be aware is that cosmetic surgery is also on the rise during the holiday season.
What are some requested plastic surgery procedures during this time?
Rhinoplasty (a nose job) and blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift) are examples of some surgeries requested. Perhaps an enhancement to one’s upper profile may make one more noticeable at the upcoming New Year’s Eve party. More commonly requested procedures include Botox and fillers (such as Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, etc). These minimally invasive procedures are easily performed in the clinic and achieve great results instantaneously. While many may have felt a stigma attached to getting cosmetic surgery in the past, that is no longer an issue today. In fact, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported demand for cosmetic surgeries and procedures jumped about 25 percent from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The most likely reason being people wanted to look their absolute best during the holiday season, filled with office parties and family gatherings.
Even if you’re satisfied with how you look, or are never bothered by possible comments and criticisms from colleagues or overly critical relatives, gifting others with plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments is becoming a major trend. Facial plastic surgeons are seeing an increase in “people shopping for gift certificates for facial rejuvenation treatments for a spouse, parent, sister or friend.” According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the list of the most popular cosmetic gifts this year includes such procedures as rhinoplasties and eyelid surgery, as well as injectable treatments like Botox. Other popular gifts include other minimally invasive treatments such as non-surgical fat reduction under the skin, skin resurfacing with lasers and peels, and lip, chin and cheek enhancement with fillers and fat. If you’re thinking of getting one of these procedures, or giving a gift, remember that certain procedures will have a down time for healing. Botox and fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse can be done a few days before parties. However, if you’re thinking of getting a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, you should allow about 10-14 days to heal. By that time, the majority of swelling and redness should be gone, with any residual bruising easily hidden with make up.
There’s also another reason for undergoing such procedures during the holiday season. The holidays may be the only time of the year when some patients can take a week or two off from job or school for post-surgical healing. While I doubt we’ll ever see people lined up for hours at plastic surgeons’ offices the day after Thanksgiving, the increased public acceptance of cosmetic surgery does means practices will expect more patients calling after Halloween for appointments. It’s important to remember that even though plastic surgery is more open and acceptable, it’s still critical you find a board-certified surgeon if you want something done. Your face and body can’t be returned like a TV–you need an experienced cosmetic surgeon if you want great results, but delivered with safe techniques.
Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a qualified team of experts serving the San Antonio, Texas area. To schedule a consultation, please contact our San Antonio-based office at (210) 876-6868 or info@dryuplasticsurgery.com.
