When it comes to cosmetic procedures, time can make all the difference. While most treatments can be performed year-round, there is value in scheduling certain interventions during specific seasons. Here is a practical guide to help you navigate the world of cosmetic surgery and choose the perfect time for your cosmetic procedure. Keep in mind that a consultation any time of year with one of our cosmetic dermatologists can put you on a treatment plan to achieve your desired skin goals, whether it’s for the next year or the next decade!
Treatments for all seasons
Fortunately, common and popular cosmetic procedures can be done all year round.
- Injectable based treatments such as Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, and soft tissue fillers (ie, Juvéderm, Restylane, RHA) are safe and effective regardless of season. They also show results quickly (within hours to weeks) making them popular in the weeks before any travel, holidays and special events.
- Skin tightening and body contouring procedures it can also be done throughout the seasons, although there may be strategic reasons to time them at certain points in the year, as explained below.
- Miradry treats excessive underarm sweat with permanent results and can be performed throughout the year.
- Dermaplaninga manual and gentle facial exfoliation technique, can safely renew your appearance all year round.
Summer
In New England, the summer season is when most of us spend a lot of time outdoors. Despite sunscreen, hats and sun-protective clothing, UV rays still reach our skin. While these harmful rays are difficult to avoid, summer is the ideal time to include them in procedures for which the post-treatment risk will not increase with subsequent sun exposure.
- Tightening Devices based on radio frequencies (Thermage) or ultrasound (Softwave) are suitable even for patients who spend more time outdoors.
- hydroscape, ideal for instant radiant skin during the summer months, it provides a safe relaxation experience even for slightly sun-kissed skin.
- Microneedling targets local problems such as acne scars or fine lines around the mouth. It can be done safely on lightly tanned skin, but avoiding sun exposure for 1-2 weeks after treatment while the skin heals is important.
Fall
As the temperatures drop and the tan fades, opportunities arise for specific treatments:
- laser hair removal, an extremely popular treatment, requires a series of treatments at 4-6 week intervals, on untanned skin. This makes mid to late fall the perfect time to start a streak and provides plenty of time to fit in all the sessions throughout the winter and spring months.
- Tattoo removal, like laser hair removal, cannot be done on tanned skin and requires a series of treatments. Plan during the season when you are least likely to get a tan.
Autumn, winter and early spring
As the summer tan fades and the days get cooler, consider the following remedies:
- Laser treatments for brown and red discoloration it generally cannot be performed on tanned skin and post-treatment recommendations include no sun exposure for days or weeks depending on the device. This is why fall, winter, and early spring are better times for many lasers, including the VBeam (pulsed dye laser) and Excel V for redness like that seen in rosacea. Fraxel for diffuse brown pigmentation and the Ruby and Enlighten lasers for focused brown spots.
- Sclerotherapy, an intervention that reduces the appearance of spider veins, requires you to wear compression stockings and sun protection after treatment. Therefore, the procedure is generally more comfortable when it is cooler and less sunny outside.
- Cellulite procedureslike Aveli a one-time minimally invasive treatment, it is best done before the summer months as results can take a month to start showing, swelling and bruising can last up to a month and patients will need to wear compression garments.
Winter
Embrace winter for treatments that focus on the body:
- Body outline with CoolSculpting and truSculpt Flex are suitable for the winter months. CoolSculpting, our most popular non-invasive fat reduction device, may require more than one session, and truSculpt Flex, a muscle strengthening and toning treatment, requires 4-6 sessions over 2-3 weeks. With results for both procedures appearing over time (2-3 months for CoolSculpting and a few weeks for truSculpt Flex), starting treatments during the winter will help prepare your body for the early of summer.
Spring
Think of spring as your time for finishing touches before summer.
- Apply a Dysport and/or filler treatment before your summer travels.
- Treat yourself to a hydrafacial to pamper your skin after a dry and cold New England winter.
Regardless of the season, remember that some procedures require time and patience to see results, while others don’t like tanning or carry the risk of bruising and swelling. With careful scheduling and help from an experienced and qualified cosmetic dermatologist, you can enhance your natural beauty year-round and achieve your unique skin goals. SkinCare Physicians near Boston is ready to work with you to plan your cosmetic journey. Make an appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists.
