Fall means both the temperatures and leaves are falling—and that’s the signal to break out warmer clothes. The onset of sweater weather is also a good time to schedule a body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty). My Sacramento and Granite Bay, CA, offices see an uptick in plastic surgery requests during the fall and winter months for a number of reasons, and abdominoplasty is one of the most popular.
How do you know if a tummy tuck is right for you?
A tummy tuck is a popular procedure for women who have had children, and it can also benefit men and women who have excess abdominal skin after losing a significant amount of weight. Additionally, it can tighten and repair the abdominal muscles of women who have tummy tuck surgery after being pregnant, as we discuss in a related blog post.
Why have a tummy tuck in fall or winter?
Why have a tummy tuck now, though? It’s fair to say that any time of the year is an acceptable time for tummy tuck surgery, but there are a few advantages to choosing a time when the weather is cooler and the days shorter:
- Bundling up: Heavier clothing worn during the fall and winter easily conceals the signs that you’ve had surgery, such as the bruising and swelling that typically occur. And by the time summer rolls around, you’ll be especially happy to shed the layers and show off your trimmer, toned tummy in a bathing suit.
- Staying indoors sounds good: The recovery following a tummy tuck can take several weeks. Most patients can return to work after 2 weeks, but don’t expect to participate in physical activities outside, such as biking or running for a few more weeks after that. But when it’s chilly or rainy outside, being inside more often doesn’t seem so bad anyway. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers more information about recovery and other tummy tuck issues to consider.
- Avoiding the sun: One of the most important ways to minimize the appearance of a surgical scar is to avoid direct sunlight, especially in the first few months after an operation. In most cases, I’m able to hide tummy tuck incisions low on the abdomen so they are concealed by underwear or swimwear. (You can see how well the scars are hidden in our tummy tuck before-and-after photos.) But that’s not always possible, so it’s important to protect the scar from the sun’s rays. You’re doing that automatically by dressing for cooler weather, so it’s one less thing to worry about.
No matter what time of year patients choose to have a tummy tuck, patients often find great satisfaction in combining it with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation and liposuction. A mommy makeover is a common procedure and, when completed during the fall or winter, can restore your pre-pregnancy body in plenty of time to get back to the fun in the sun as the days grow longer again.
If you want to discuss your body contouring options with an experienced plastic surgeon in Sacramento or Granite Bay, request a consultation using our contact form. Or call us at (916) 929-1833 (Sacramento) or (916) 773-5559 (Granite Bay) to schedule an appointment.
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