With snow falling and temps dropping below freezing, it can be hard to look on the sunny side — and that’s OK, because some cosmetic procedures are best done when it’’ not so warm and bright outside.
While some face and body pick-me-ups and nip-tucks can be done year-round, a few are best to save for the colder months, whether to protect from sun damage or ensure optimal results by summer.
Here, three doctors and contributors to cosmetic treatment information hub RealSelf.com break down which procedures to book before spring rolls around.
The scoop: Dermatologists have listed the best cosmetic procedures to get during the winter, and explain why it’s the best year to get stuff done
Chemical peel
‘The purpose of a chemical peel is to cause the even, controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells so that you’re left with a fresh new layer of skin with a more even texture and color,’ explains Dr. Michele Green, a New York City-based dermatologist.
‘They can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost radiance, shrink pore size, and eliminate dark spots while clearing the skin’s complexion.’
But to do that, doctors give patients a controlled chemical burn, which will eventually cause the skin to feel tight, crack, flake, and peel off.
So naturally, it’s best to do this when it’s easier to hibernate at home — not during a season that’s full of beach getaways, weddings, and otherwise packed schedules.
What’s more, skin is sensitive immediately afterward and more prone to damage.
‘It’s best to save it for the winter because after a chemical peel your skin will shed and it’s important to avoid sun to prevent any sun damage or cause any darkening on areas that are not protected,’ adds Dr. Green.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal uses lasers to target the pigment in hair, which damages the follicles and prevents the hair from growing back.
‘The idea to remember here is that it’s the pigment of the hair (not the pigment of the skin) that should absorb the light,’ explains Dr. Green. ‘So, the laser should only damage the hair follicle and not the skin. This is why for best results, a contrast between hair and skin color works best.’
That generally means lighter skin and darker hair — but when it’s warm out, people are more likely to have a tan and sun-bleached locks.
‘If your skin is tanned then there’s a lesser contrast between your hair follicle and the skin surface, resulting in less effective results,’ says Dr. Green.
What’s more, technicians recommend avoiding sun exposure immediately after treatment, and most people require several treatments — four to six weeks apart — for results. So if you’re looking for smooth legs, arms, or armpits by sun dress and swimsuit season, winter’s the time to get started.
Pictured left: Dr. Michele Green, New York City-based dermatologist; pictured right: Omaha-based dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger
Resurfacing lasers
Resurfacing lasers can do a lot, including reduce wrinkles, clear up hyperpigmentation, reduce acne and surgical scars, and just generally improve skin quality.
The technology uses short, concentrated laser pulses, creating thousands of microscopic wounds and removing damaged skin.
Dr. Lara Devgan, Chief Medical Editor of RealSelf.com and a New York City-based plastic surgeon
‘They do involve three to four days of downtime, and patients should avoid sun exposure for two weeks after a laser session. For this reason, wintertime is ideal,’ says Dr. Lara Devgan, Chief Medical Editor of RealSelf.com and a New York City-based plastic surgeon.
Dr. Green adds that a resurfacing laser like Fraxel can cause redness, swelling, and/or peeling for a couple of days after.
‘The inflammation that’s caused by the laser will be extremely sensitive to sunlight and you can have a risk of sunburn and changes in pigmentation,’ she said. ‘Doing Fraxel during the summer won’t help the healing process and the heat will slow down the healing.’
Facelift and necklift surgery
This one’s a no-brainer for saving for the winter: Cold weather makes it so much easier to cover new scars.
‘Because scars are usually hidden behind the ears or under the chin, turtlenecks and scarves that work so well during colder seasons can help to camouflage the healing process,’ says Dr. Devgan.
Kybella fat melting
Kybella injections use deoxycholic acid to dissolve fat cells. The treatment is most commonly used on double chins, but can also treat other small pockets of fat.
Unfortunately. the injections can lead to some swelling and bruising — so, like with facelift and necklift surgery, it’s better to get them when you have the option of wearing turtlenecks and scarves.
Additionally, patients often need up to six treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart, meaning it can take months to get the desired effect. If the point is to shrink that double chin for a summer wedding or an Instagrammable trip to Greece, it’s best to get started in winter.
‘We always try to encourage our patients to avail themselves of the wintertime for procedures that will be best to “see” in the summer,’ explains Omaha-based dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger.