One of the most common questions patients have after their consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery is, “When is the best time to schedule my surgery?” The answer is rarely the same for everyone, and that’s because the timing of your procedure and the factors that influence it are very personal and unique to each patient. Beyond the availability of your plastic surgeon and simply finding a free day on your calendar, you’ll want to consider a number of lifestyle and health factors to ensure the best possible outcome and recovery experience.
Here are six key factors our surgeons encourage every patient to think about when choosing the right time to schedule their plastic surgery:
#1 – Time Off Work
One of the biggest mistakes plastic surgery patients make is underestimating how much rest their bodies will need after surgery. Whether you work in an office or have a physically demanding job, your body needs time to recover without the pressure of returning to your responsibilities too soon. Many procedures, like tummy tuck, may involve lifting and movement restrictions for several weeks after surgery. These restrictions may affect how you perform your job, but they must be followed to avoid complications and protect your final result.
Edina Plastic Surgery recommends scheduling your procedure during a period when you can fully disconnect from work and focus on healing. This may mean aligning your surgery with vacation time, a holiday work break, or slower seasons in your profession. Many of our patients combine their paid time off with their employer with the front or back end of holiday time off to maximize their recovery while maintaining their monthly income.
#2 – Your Social Schedule
Take a look at your calendar—not just for the next month, but for the year ahead. Do you have a big family wedding, class reunion, or holiday trip coming up? If so, you’ll want to give yourself ample time to recover so you can look and feel your best when those events arrive. Most procedures require a few weeks of downtime and several months for final results to settle in. Mention your plans to your surgeon at the time of your consultation, and they will help guide you. Planning around your social events ensures you’re not rushing recovery or feeling self-conscious during those special occasions.
#3 – The Schedules and Availability of Your Support Team
The first few days after surgery can be challenging, and having a reliable support system is not just helpful, it’s critical. Whether it’s your spouse, partner, parent, or friend, make sure you coordinate your surgery during a time when they can be present to help with meals, mobility, childcare, pet care, and other daily tasks. This is especially important for the day of your surgery and the following 2-3 days, when you will need a driver and even assistance with medications, getting in and out of bed, and visiting the bathroom. Recovery is not the time to go it alone, so check the availability of your support team and build your timeline together!
#4 – The Season
Many patients don’t realize how the time of year can affect their recovery. Cooler months are often preferred because it’s easier to conceal swelling and bruising under layers of clothing. Additionally, with body contouring procedures, you will often be required to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery, which can be uncomfortable in hot, humid weather. Plus, patients tend to stay indoors more during the winter, which naturally supports a low-key recovery. On the flip side, some people—especially teachers and students—find the summer break ideal. Consider which season best fits your lifestyle, profession, and wardrobe, and choose accordingly.
#5 – Your Menstrual Cycle
For our female patients, tracking your menstrual cycle before scheduling surgery is highly advised. If your procedure involves drains or compression garments, dealing with a period at the same time can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. In addition, some women find that their skin is more sensitive the week before their period and parts of their body more tender. We don’t need to add insult to injury with a surgical procedure during this time. The goal is to make your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible, so avoiding surgery during your menstrual week is a smart move. Edina Plastic Surgery will work with you to find a date that aligns well with your body’s natural rhythm. Several free menstrual cycle tracking apps are available to forecast the date of your period months in advance with reliable accuracy.
#6 – Time to Reach Your Ideal Weight and Optimize Your Health
Plastic surgery is not a shortcut to fitness; it’s a complement to a healthy lifestyle. If you’re planning a procedure like a body lift, tummy tuck, or breast lift, being at or near your ideal weight will enhance your results and allow for more precise reshaping. More importantly, your overall health significantly affects how well you heal. Prioritize your nutrition, fitness, and wellness in the months leading up to surgery, and talk with your plastic surgeon about any pre-surgical health goals you should aim for.
Your Life, Your Timeline
Plastic surgery can be a transformative experience, but it should fit into your life—not disrupt it. When you take the time to plan thoughtfully and prepare your body, your schedule, and your support system, you set the stage for a safer surgery and a more satisfying outcome. Remember, it’s your life, your timeline.
At Edina Plastic Surgery, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to schedule, we invite you to book a complimentary consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Together, we’ll find the perfect time—for you. Call (952) 592-5871 or text (952) 925-1765 to get started!
