The top five procedures to help you look your best for the holidays

Who doesn't want to look fabulous during the holidays? The problem is, a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance takes time and planning. Now that summer is over, it is the time to make an appointment with your board-certified plastic surgeon. While it might feel too early to start thinking about your Thanksgiving dinner or that New Year's celebration, keep in mind that while some techniques can provide immediate results, most take weeks for the full benefits to become apparent. This list of the top five procedures to get you ready for the holidays can ensure you look your best for the season's festivities, but start planning now.

Breast augmentation: Plan 3-6 months ahead

A breast augmentation will add volume and shape, creating a more proportionate figure. Implants can bring your breast size a lot or just a little, depending on your desires. The natural looking results will appear lifted and youthful, accentuating the waist and hips. Although most women are back to their daily routine in five to seven days, the recovery time after a breast augmentation will take from one to two weeks. It takes three to six months for the implants to settle into position and residual swelling to subside. For optimal results, schedule your holiday breast augmentation as soon as possible.

Liposuction: Plan 2-3 months ahead

Isolated fatty deposits can appear on almost anyone, no matter their body type. This can result from weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the normal aging process. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that provides excellent body sculpting results, eliminating excess fat on the upper arms, abdomen, flanks, lower back, thighs, and the chin. Recovery from liposuction will take about a week. Most patients are back to work and routine activities in five to seven days. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction can cause swelling, so give yourself about two months to see the final benefits.

Blepharoplasty: Plan 1 month ahead

The delicate, thin skin of the upper eyelid can slowly sag with age, resulting in eyes that look tired, uninterested, and even unhealthy. A blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate this lax tissue, creating a brighter, more awake look to the appearance. The blepharoplasty can also address the loose fat pads that pull downward both above and below the eye, eliminating dark circles and under eye "bags". The benefits of an eyelid lift can be seen almost immediately. Bruising and swelling are generally mild, but patients should give themselves from two to four weeks for healing.

Botox: Plan 3-4 weeks ahead

Botulinum Toxin Type A, also known as Botox, temporarily weakens muscles, relaxing wrinkles. Botox targets dynamic facial lines, or those caused by repetitive expressions, including Crows' Feet, forehead creases, and frown lines. As the muscles release, the face will look younger and more refreshed. The in-office treatment takes only a few minutes and requires no downtime. While the results from Botox are not immediate, they will last for up to three months. In about two weeks, early benefits of Botox can be seen. For the best results, schedule your Botox session three to four weeks before your holiday celebration.

Dermal fillers: Plan a few days ahead

The dermal filler family includes injectibles like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse and Voluma. Created from collagen-renewing substances such as Hyaluronic Acid, fillers plump wrinkles, smooth acne scars, lift tissues, and restore volume under the eyes or across the cheeks. The results from fillers can be seen immediately after administration and will last from six to twelve months. Do not wait until the last minute to plan on a dermal filler session, however, since mild bruising and swelling may occur after treatment.

If you want to put your best face forward this holiday season, there is no time to waste. For more information on breast augmentation, liposuction, blepharoplasty, Botox, or dermal fillers, go to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Here you can find out more on picking the right procedure for you, as well as how to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area.

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