25 Nov 2025
One of the questions that I get asked most often is about the best time of year to schedule an aesthetic procedure. Is a certain month better than another? Honestly, the right time to book your procedure is the time that best fits your schedule. Any body contouring procedure, especially surgery, is going to require some downtime for recovery. For this reason, some patients like to get something on the books during the school year when kids are more occupied. Others like to fit it in before a long holiday weekend and/or set vacation. However, having said all that, if you are looking for a gift to give yourself in the new year, January can be a fantastic time to schedule surgery. Here are a few of the reasons why.
Cooler Temperatures May Mean Less Swelling
January in Boston is not a favorite time of year for most of us. The turkey has been decimated. The twinkle lights have come down, but the snow and ice are still around. So, while there is a lot about January that may not go in the “positive” category for you, there are some benefits when it comes to a surgical body contouring procedure. One of the inevitable side effects of:
You are going to have swelling. It is the body’s natural way of healing. Unfortunately, it’s also what may make the recovery more uncomfortable. The great thing about the winter months, however, is that cooler temperatures often result in less swelling. This may lead to a faster recovery. Furthermore, the compression garment that is a non-negotiable component of most body contouring procedures is probably going to feel more comfortable when the ambient temperature is colder.
Winter Clothing Can Provide Natural Camouflage
It’s also important to keep in mind that the compression garment is not a one or two night ordeal. It will be part of your daily routine for many weeks. The garment helps to reduce your swelling, promotes faster healing and creates the end result that we both want. The nice thing about having your procedure during a Boston winter is that it is totally natural to be wearing the kind of bulky clothes that can help hide any tell-tale signs of your recovery. I pride myself on delivering incredibly natural looking results. I want the decision to be yours as to whether or not you tell people that you had something done. But even if you are someone who has no problem showing off your new, flat abdomen to your friends and family, you may not want it to be obvious to your local butcher than you had a tummy tuck.
Scheduling in January = Final Results by Spring Break
Last but not least, scheduling in January will have you bathing suit ready by spring/summer. Despite what the internet may say, recovery from a body contouring procedure, even a breast augmentation with an implant, is going to take time — anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Generally, I like to tell patients that they can expect 80% of the final result by 3 months post-op. So, if you are planning a warm getaway for spring break, having your procedure done in January means that your new body contour will be ready to hit the road come March/April. Another factor in favor of winter scheduling is that I am going to want you to avoid the sun, especially during the early healing phase as this can help the scars to fade more effectively.
To find out more about liposuction, breast surgery, tummy tuck, gynecomastia, or any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
