We’ve all heard the phrase “summer bodies are made in the winter” and there’s some truth to it!
Though most cosmetic treatments can be safely performed at any time of the year, many patients find it more convenient to schedule treatments during cooler months when they’ll be spending more time indoors, and of course, so they’re ready to flaunt their final results come summer!
Here are some of our favorite treatments and procedures to schedule during the winter months and why:
Laser Hair Removal
Winter is the perfect time to begin getting beach ready with laser hair removal treatments for your legs, back, bikini line and underarms.
The number of treatments needed depends on your skin tone, hair color and what growth phase your hair is in but typically, 5-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart are necessary in order to treat your hair follicles at their ideal growth phase (about 20% of your hair will be in the growth during each treatment).
Since you can’t be tan during your treatment; this includes sun tanning, tanning beds and using tanning lotions, scheduling your laser hair removal sessions over the winter is a no brainer.
Spider Vein Therapy
Spider vein therapy, or sclerotherapy, reduces the appearance of spider veins. Women and men alike often seek treatment for spider veins on their legs though other areas of the body can also be treated.
It’s very important that you stay out of the sun following spider vein treatment. Sun exposure can cause skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) in treated areas. Wearing pants and avoiding sun exposure and tanning is important!
You may also be asked to wear compression socks after your treatment. You’ll be able to discreetly and comfortably wear these under long pants during the winter and won’t need to contend with high heat and humidity of the summer.
It takes a few weeks for the spider veins to fade, and some patients may require more than one treatment, so you may want to consider having your treatment done before shorts and bathing suit weather begins.
truSculpt iD
If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to reduce stubborn fat, then truSculpt iD may be right for you! Each treatment is only 15 minutes and it takes around 12 weeks to see your full results. For optimal results, we encourage patients to book two treatments.
There’s no downtime following treatment so you can resume your normal routine, including sunbathing, though we highly recommend against unprotected sun exposure.
If you’re hoping to flaunt your bikini body this summer, consider truSculpt during the winter so you can see your results just in time for beach weather.
Chemical Peels
Though chemical peels can be great year-round, the fall and winter months are more ideal for the following reasons:
- Your skin should not be tan prior to treatment
- You’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 1 week after your treatment
- Because chemical peels are designed to exfoliate your skin and increase cellular turnover, you will experience some flaking or peeling of your skin. If desired, you can easily cover up by wearing your hair down or wearing a scarf.
Winter is also a perfect time to consider a chemical peel on your back to treat stubborn bacne or on your chest for pigmentation and anti-aging!
IPL Photorejuvenation
IPL, Intense Pulse Light, is a perfect option for treating sun damage and related conditions such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the chest, hands and face.
Typically, it takes 2-6 sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart to achieve optimal results and during this time it’s imperative that you avoid the sun and cover up!
Tanning and sun exposure after IPL treatments can increase melanin regeneration which may result in hyper-pigmentation.
Following your IPL treatment, your physician will advise you to stay out of direct sun for a few days and to apply sunscreen. Getting treatments in the winter makes it easier to cover up and it won’t interfere with your beach vacation plans!
Plastic Surgery
Any cosmetic surgery procedure should be done at a time that works best for your schedule to allow for proper healing and the best possible results.
For many patients, winter, especially after the holidays, is an optimal time to schedule surgery as vacations and holidays are out of the way and there is ample time to heal before we retire our winter wardrobe, attend graduations and go on summer vacations.
As far as healing and recovery, the colder weather makes it easier to remain covered up as you’re healing. You have the option of wearing turtlenecks to cover up any immediate bruising or scars as you’re recovering from a neck or facelift and you can wear your hair down without getting too hot. clothing that
If you need to wear compression garments or any type of bandaging such as after a tummy tuck or liposuction, the cooler temps will make this much more comfortable and there will be less of a chance of developing any irritation from sweating and being too hot.
Another consideration is that swimming will be out of the question while you’re recovering from surgery. Thankfully in the winter, at least in New England, going for a swim isn’t likely.
With most surgeries, whether cosmetic or medically required, you won’t be able to travel immediately and will be required to rest. If you have summer vacation plans, schedule your surgery well in advanced over the winter so you’ll be healed and ready to show off your body come summer.
At Advanced Specialty Care, Dermatologists and Skincare and Laser Specialists offer chemical peels in conjunction with other medical and cosmetic treatments including IPL, Phototherapies, HydraFacials and more. Offices are located in Danbury, Norwalk, Ridgefield and Stamford, CT.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (203) 830-4700 or simply click here to fill out an appointment request form.