Why January is the Perfect Time to Start Your Aesthetic Journey
January represents fresh starts, new goals, and renewed motivation. As the beginning of the year invites personal growth and self-reflection, it’s the ideal time to begin your aesthetic journey. Starting your aesthetic journey early in the year allows you to plan thoroughly, heal properly, and enjoy long-lasting results.
You might be wondering, “What are the benefits of getting plastic surgery in January?” and the essential things to consider are:
Ample Downtime
The early winter months often allow for extended time away from school or work. This built-in downtime gives you the space you need to focus on rest and recovery without added stress or pressure.
Support System
The stability of returning to a routine after the holidays can allow others to offer their time and support, providing emotional reassurance and practical help during your recovery.
A Confidence Boost for the Year Ahead
Start the New Year with a new you. Feeling confident in your appearance can help you step into the year as the best version of yourself.
Why Winter is the Best Season for Plastic Surgery
Beyond the benefits of starting your aesthetic journey in January, winter itself is the ideal season for plastic surgery, as the colder months naturally support both recovery and discretion.
Less Sun Exposure
Minimizing sun exposure is essential after surgery, as UV rays can affect healing and increase the risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring. Shorter days and reduced sun intensity during winter make it easier to protect healing skin, supporting better long-term results.
Easier Concealment
Winter clothing naturally allows for discretion. Sweaters, scarves, and layers help conceal swelling or bruising, making recovery more comfortable and private if desired.
More Comfortable Healing
The cooler outdoor temperature helps you manage post-op swelling and discomfort. Recovery often feels more comfortable in winter, especially when wearing compression garments, as bundling up feels natural and less restrictive.
Setting Your Aesthetic Goals
The start of the year is the perfect time to reflect on what matters to you and how you want to grow. When setting aesthetic goals, begin by identifying what personal changes would help you feel more confident. Once you’ve defined your goals, make them specific and realistic. Think carefully about what you hope the final results will be. Focus on what matters to you and set clear expectations that will guide your decisions later.
One of the most critical steps in achieving aesthetic goals is partnering with a qualified professional. A consultation allows you to discuss your vision openly, explore appropriate options, and receive expert guidance tailored to your individual needs and overall health.
Preparation is just as necessary as the goal itself. Before any procedure, prioritize healthy habits, such as eating whole foods that nourish the body and support health. Avoid drinking or smoking for weeks before your procedure and prepare to rest afterward properly. Taking care of your body aids in a smoother recovery. A New Year’s procedure is the ideal time to set an aesthetic goal to achieve optimal results by summer.
Surgery Timeline for Summer Results
If you’re hoping to see your final results by summer, it’s ideal to schedule your aesthetic procedure between January and March. This timeframe is 4 to 6 months for swelling to subside, scarring to fade, and for your body to complete the final stages of healing.
Some key considerations depend on the type of plastic surgery journey you are embarking on. Minimally invasive procedures such as injectables, liposuction, and laser treatments typically require less downtime and have a shorter recovery timeline. On the other hand, more extensive surgeries like tummy tucks, body lifts, and breast modifications generally involve longer healing times due to the complexity of the surgery.
Planning your procedure during the winter months gives your body the time it needs to heal properly, so you can participate in your favorite summer activities feeling confident. With thoughtful preparation, you won’t have to miss out on sunshine, outside fun, or staying active.
When to Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation
One of the most common questions we hear from our patients is, “How far in advance should I book a plastic surgery consultation?” In most cases, we recommend scheduling your consultation 2 to 6 months before your desired surgery date.
The ideal timeline varies depending on the type of procedure you’re considering and your personal goals and availability. If you’re planning a New Year’s makeover, it’s best to book your consultation in late summer or early fall to ensure ample time for planning and preparing.
Booking your consultation this far in advance provides peace of mind and ensures a smooth experience. During the months leading up to your procedure, our team will discuss your treatment options, how to prepare for pre- and post-operation, and answer any questions you may have. Book your plastic surgery consultation today.
Determining If You’re a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery
While every patient is unique, several key factors help determine whether someone is a suitable candidate. The leading indicators that you are a good candidate for plastic surgery are overall health, realistic expectations, and commitment to the recovery process.
Overall Health
Your overall health is the most critical factor when deciding whether to undergo any plastic surgery. Several health-related considerations may affect your eligibility and safety, including:
- Chronic medical conditions: Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of complications, including infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related issues.
- Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can raise the risk of complications during and after surgery.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A higher BMI may increase the risk of infection, slow healing, and impact overall recovery.
- Smoking and substance use: Tobacco and alcohol use can significantly reduce blood flow and delay healing. You should stop using these for at least 4 weeks before your surgery.
- Medications and allergies: It is essential to disclose all medications, supplements, and allergies to ensure safe anesthesia and avoid reactions.
- Pregnancy: Having aesthetic surgery during pregnancy is not recommended. You should wait at least 6 months postpartum before undergoing any elective procedures.
Preparation and Expectations
Before surgery, your surgeon will need a complete and honest medical history. Pre-operative testing is typically required to ensure you are in good health for the procedure. Equally important, you should understand the procedure itself, including its limitations, potential risks, and recovery timeline.
If you are considering a procedure, schedule a consultation today to discuss the available options and determine whether you are a good candidate.
Preparing for your Consultation
Preparing for your consultation is your opportunity to gain clarity and feel confident in your decision. Come prepared with questions and a clear understanding of your goals. Some critical questions to ask during your consultations include:
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
- What are the realistic outcomes?
- What type of anesthesia does this procedure require?
- How can I best prepare my mind and body for this procedure?
Being prepared helps you feel confident in your choice and ensures that you are taking the proper steps towards a safe and successful surgical experience.
Your New Year Action Plan
If you’re considering aesthetic or plastic surgery in the New Year, preparation is key. Use this guide and your personal action plan to better equip you for the best possible results and a smoother recovery.
Start by scheduling a consultation with a doctor eager to help you get to where you want to be. Discuss with board-certified surgeons the areas you’d like to improve and the treatment available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the procedure, expected outcomes, anesthesia process, recovery time, and any other concerns you may have.
Be transparent with your surgeon about any medications or supplements that you’re taking. Specific prescriptions can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.
Next, take a look at your lifestyle choices. Evaluate where you may need to make some adjustments and improvements to better your self-improvement journey. If you smoke or drink, plan to stop at least four weeks before your procedure, as it increases the risk of complications and slows the healing process.
Take a look at your diet and evaluate how many processed foods you’re consuming. Nutrition plays a vital role in preparing your body for surgery. Focus on eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean meats. Eating clean provides the body with the nutrients it needs to support optimal healing. Protein promotes new cell production and can speed up recovery, while anti-inflammatory foods help manage swelling and fluid retention. Eating a nutrient-rich diet improves elasticity and skin health, which can benefit procedures such as a facelift and a tummy tuck.
Finally, prioritize exercise. Building muscle and maintaining a fitness routine is essential leading up to a modification surgery. Improved circulation supports a faster healing process and reduces the risk of infection. Strengthen your cardiovascular health to help your body better tolerate anesthesia. By strengthening your heart and body, your recovery after plastic surgery will be faster and less painful.
Preparing Your Mind for Surgery
With this action plan, you can better prepare your body for plastic surgery. However, you may still be wondering, “How do I start planning for plastic surgery?” Preparing both your body and mind can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created this step-by-step guide to help you feel confident and mentally prepared throughout the process.
The first step is to educate yourself by consulting with your doctor and asking any questions you may have. Receiving answers to these questions will bring you a sense of comfort. Knowing that the Lett Center prioritizes your well-being can reassure you that they will handle this process with care and compassion.
After meeting with your healthcare provider, it’s essential to understand which treatment is the best option for you. Carefully reviewing the educational materials your doctor provided will help you better understand the details of your specific procedure. Open communication with your doctor can ease anxiety and build confidence.
To further manage stress and anxiety before surgery, take time to plan. Arrange dependable transportation and prepare a comfortable recovery space at home. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can also be helpful.
On the day of the surgery, consider listening to calming music to help ease your nerves, and bring a trusted friend or family member with you to assist you afterwards if needed. We hope your surgery improves your quality of life and look forward to the joy that comes after recovery.
Non-Surgical Options
Not quite ready for plastic surgery? Non-surgical aesthetic treatments are an excellent way to refresh your appearance and boost confidence without the commitment of surgery. January is the perfect time to begin these treatments, as many require little to no downtime and can deliver noticeable results before spring.
Non-surgical procedures offer subtle, natural-looking enhancements while allowing you to ease into your aesthetic journey at your own pace. Whether your goal is to improve skin texture, restore volume, or achieve a more youthful appearance, there are a variety of options designed to meet your needs.
At Home Treatments
For those looking to enhance their results or maintain healthy skin from home, we offer several at-home options, including our medical skincare line, makeup products, NuFACE, and Theradome. These tools and products support skin and hair health and help extend the benefits of in-office treatments.
Injectables
Our injectables are ideal for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing facial contours, and restoring lost volume. Among others, we offer:
Laser Treatments
Advanced laser technology allows us to target a variety of concerns with precision and minimal downtime. Our laser services include: laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and skin tightening.
Skin Treatments
We design our skin treatments to enhance your appearance and confidence. These include, but are not limited to:
Women’s Non-Surgical Treatments
We also offer non-surgical feminine rejuvenation options, such as Votiva®, to help address intimate wellness concerns in a comfortable and discreet setting.
Non-surgical treatments can be a powerful first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation today to discuss which non-surgical options are right for you and begin your journey with confidence.
Make 2026 Your Year of Transformation
A new year brings a fresh start, and it is the perfect time to start investing in yourself. The Lett Center is here to support you every step of the way.
With locations in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon, TN, The Lett Center is trusted throughout the greater Nashville area for providing exceptional, personalized care to each patient.
If you’re ready to make a change this year, contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin the transformation you’ve been dreaming of.
