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The Best Time of Year to Have Liposuction: Seasonal Considerations

By: Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons

Losing weight and building muscle are best achieved through a combination of diet and exercise. However, some areas of the body can be particularly resistant to these efforts, which can impact your confidence. For those looking to address these stubborn areas, liposuction may be an effective solution to help achieve your body goals.

Liposuction is designed to target areas that are often a source of frustration, such as the thighs, arms, abdomen, flanks, waist, hips, back, and buttocks. This procedure can help you feel more comfortable in your skin. Surgeons work closely with patients during consultations to understand their concerns and create personalized treatment plans to meet their goals.

If you are considering liposuction, it is essential to think about when to get liposuction. Planning ahead ensures you’ll feel your absolute best when it matters most.

Factors to Consider When Timing Liposuction

Planning the timing of your liposuction procedure is essential for achieving the best results while ensuring a smooth recovery. Factors like recovery time, personal schedules, and lifestyle goals all influence the ideal time to proceed.

Recovery Time

Patient with IV line. 

The recovery period is a critical factor in scheduling your procedure. Most people feel ready to ease back into light activities in about a week, but full recovery can take a few weeks. You will want to plan your liposuction at a time when you can step away from your daily responsibilities and focus on healing.

Winter is a preferred season for many patients, as the cold weather allows you to wear loose, layered clothing that can conceal swelling or bruising. It is also easier to stay indoors during this time, which aids recovery. On the other hand, if your goal is to look your best for summer, scheduling the procedure in early spring gives you enough time to recover and enjoy outdoor activities confidently.

Lifestyle Changes

Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution. To maintain results, you should pair the procedure with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Timing your surgery to align with personal health milestones can maximize its benefits.

Many choose to undergo liposuction at the start of the year to align with New Year’s resolutions, using the procedure to jumpstart your fitness journey.  Or, scheduling the surgery in late winter or early spring allows you to recover and focus on your fitness goals.

Personal Schedules

Your daily commitments, including work, family, and social obligations, should also be considered when choosing the best time for a liposuction. It is smart to pick a time when things are a little less hectic. For a lot of people, winter or early spring works well because there is usually less going on.

It is also worth checking in with yourself — are you at a stable weight? Feeling healthy overall? Ensuring your weight is stable and your overall health is good before the procedure will also contribute to the best results.

Social Events and Activities

Your social calendar can significantly influence the timing of your procedure. If you have major events like weddings, vacations, or family gatherings planned, it is important to know that liposuction is not something you want to rush, so plan it well ahead of any major milestones.

For instance, the post-holiday season is a popular time for liposuction, as January and February are quieter months that allow individuals to focus on recovery. Similarly, if you are preparing for a wedding or other significant event, it is best to schedule your procedure three to six months in advance to ensure you are fully healed and can enjoy the occasion without any worries.

Consultation with a Surgeon

Doctor with stethoscope. 

Before you make any decisions about when you should get liposuction, a consultation with a qualified surgeon is a must. During the consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, lifestyle, and recovery goals to recommend a liposuction appointment guide.

Surgeons may also discuss different techniques which often involve a shorter recovery period. Understanding your options and setting realistic expectations will ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome.

Seasonal Considerations

Each season has its benefits and challenges, and the best time for liposuction often depends on personal schedules, weather, and lifestyle preferences. Here is a closer look:

Spring

Spring is an excellent choice for people aiming to feel their best for summer activities.

  • Moderate Weather: The mild spring temperatures make the recovery process more comfortable, with no need to contend with extreme heat or cold.
  • Summer Readiness: Scheduling liposuction in early spring allows enough time for healing before summer, ensuring individuals feel confident for vacations, weddings, or other seasonal events.
  • Health Reset: Spring naturally encourages outdoor activity and healthier habits, which can complement the recovery process and long-term maintenance.

Fall

Fall is often overlooked for liposuction, but it offers plenty of advantages.

  • Mild Temperatures: Cooler weather creates an ideal environment for recovery without the extremes of summer or winter.
  • Holiday Planning: For those looking ahead to holiday gatherings, fall provides a comfortable window for healing before the festive season begins.
  • Slower Pace: With fewer social commitments than summer, fall allows people to focus on themselves and their recovery.

Winter

Winter is one of the most popular times for when to get liposuction, offering practical benefits for recovery.

  • Concealment: Bulky clothing and layers naturally hide any post-surgery swelling or bruising, allowing for a discreet recovery process.
  • Indoor Rest: The colder months encourage staying indoors, which aligns well with the downtime required after the procedure.
  • A New Year Reset: Winter often inspires people to focus on self-improvement, making it a great time to address body goals.

Summer

Depiction of beach time in summer

While summer is not the most common choice for liposuction, it can work for those who plan strategically.

  • Flexible Schedules: For some, summer vacations provide an opportunity to take time off for the procedure and recovery.
  • Special Considerations: The heat and outdoor activities may complicate recovery, but planning downtime and avoiding direct sun exposure can help.
  • Looking Ahead: Those who undergo liposuction in summer can enjoy their results in the fall, making it a stepping stone toward future goals.

Liposuction Recovery Considerations

Liposuction can provide impressive results, but it is important for patients to carefully consider their recovery process, especially while planning when to get liposuction around the summer months. Recovery requires attention and patience, particularly during the warmer season, when outdoor activities and sun exposure are more common.

Compression Garments

After liposuction, patients are required to wear a compression garment for 24/7 during the first two weeks of recovery. This garment helps reduce swelling and supports the body as it adjusts to its new contours. While the desire to show off the results may be strong, it is important to continue wearing the compression garment during this critical healing period to ensure optimal recovery.

Swimming

Person swimming in body of water

Swimming should be avoided immediately following the procedure. The incisions made during liposuction need adequate time to heal before being exposed to pool water or any other bodies of water. It is generally advised to wait at least a couple of weeks before swimming, as it helps prevent infection and ensures the healing process continues without complications.

Exercise

For most patients, light exercise may be resumed within a few days after tumescent liposuction. However, more intense physical activities such as vigorous exercise or outdoor sports should be avoided for at least two weeks. It is important to allow the body sufficient time to heal before resuming more strenuous activities. Planning hikes, watersports, or other high-impact activities during the recovery period should be postponed until healing is complete.

Sun Exposure

While advanced techniques minimize the risk of scarring, sun exposure can still darken healing incisions. It is recommended that patients avoid direct sunlight until the incisions have fully healed. Using protective clothing or sunscreen can help protect the skin from UV damage, but patients should aim to keep the treated areas out of the sun during the recovery phase.

Making the Right Choice for Your Liposuction Procedure

The decision to undergo liposuction involves much more than just choosing a treatment plan because timing is equally important. From recovery considerations to personal schedules, the season in which the procedure is performed can impact both the process and the results. 

At Oklahoma Plastic Surgeons, we specialize in helping patients choose the best time for liposuction procedures to ensure optimal recovery and results.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your goals with Dr. Clinton Webster. Together, we will plan the perfect timing for your transformation.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.