From a patient’s perspective, opinions can be divided into two groups: those who believe surgery shouldn’t be done in summer and those who think it’s unsuitable in winter. So, who is right, and which is the better choice?
Which Surgery is Suitable for Which Season?
From a patient’s perspective, opinions can be divided into two groups: those who believe surgery shouldn’t be done in summer and those who think it’s unsuitable in winter. So, who is right, and which is the better choice?
From the Perspective of Work and Rest
Every aesthetic surgery involves a recovery period. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, this can be due to either aesthetic or functional reasons. While some surgeries only require a few days of recovery, others may take up to 10 days. Therefore, selecting a convenient time frame is essential. For this reason, early or late summer, as well as holiday seasons like Eid, are often popular choices among patients.
From the Perspective of Wound Healing
Wound healing is the most critical aspect for me in this discussion. Aside from the actions of the doctor and the patient, environmental factors also play a significant role in healing. While I don’t prefer the cold exposure of winter, I also discourage excessive sun exposure during summer for optimal wound healing.
From the Perspective of Post-Surgery Care
Another aspect to consider in the relationship between seasons and surgeries is post-surgical care. Compression garments are essential for many body surgeries, with usage ranging from 2 weeks to 4–6 weeks, depending on the procedure. However, even for patients operated on in summer, this has never caused any significant discomfort. Compression garments are designed for localized compression and are breathable, not made from heat-trapping materials like wool.
Patients with allergies, however, should be mindful if undergoing surgery during seasonal transitions. Continuing their allergy treatments is crucial, as allergic symptoms can impact comfort levels and, in some cases, cause minor issues, such as sneezing, which may affect procedures like rhinoplasty or abdominoplasty.
In Summary
The best approach is to understand that all aesthetic surgeries come with specific post-surgical precautions, regardless of the season. Additionally, there are certain season-specific considerations to keep in mind. No surgery is tied to a particular season, and no season is exclusively suited for a particular surgery.
See you soon,
Mehmet Tapan