Less-Invasive Plastic Surgery Will Help Patients Face the Holiday Season

October marks the start of the holiday season extravaganza. From now until New Year’s Day, you can bet your calendar will be filled with a marathon of late-night parties, work-related social gatherings, and other holiday events. So, before you pick up your next cocktail, perhaps you should ask yourself, “How can I look and feel my best?”

To look and feel fabulous this holiday season, follow my list of do’s and don’ts.

DO: Undergo less-invasive plastic surgery procedures that yield huge results

Tired-looking eyes are an unwanted side effect of late nights that accompany the holiday season. Avoid this trend before it starts with a blepharoplasty procedure, more commonly known as eyelid surgery. Whether a plastic surgeon is targeting the upper lid, lower lid, or both lids, your eyes will have a refreshed and rested look that won’t drop any hints about your late-night activities.

If you want to look fabulous in your tux or gown at the next holiday gala, then a targeted liposuction procedure on small problem zones is the best holiday gift that you could give yourself. If you have “saddle bags,” a “muffin top,” or “bat wings” — which are all targeted trouble zones that store five to 10 extra pounds of fat that can’t be lost through diet or exercise — then you’re an excellent medical case for a liposuction procedure with a short recovery time. However, keep in mind that liposuction isn’t a weight loss tool, so prime candidates are those who possess a sensible diet and exercise routine, yet are unable to get rid of targeted problem areas.

Wow your friends and family this holiday season with a more youthful appearance. Muscle-relaxing Botox injections will help smooth out fine lines, and dermal fillers like Juvederm will plump up folded skin layers. Both of these injectables will have you looking more relaxed and youthful during the season’s festivities.

DO: Stay hydrated

Never has the eight-glasses-a-day rule been more crucial. And no, martinis don’t count!

Water is so vital during the holiday season because it not only helps keep your body and skin hydrated against the dropping temperatures, but it will also flush out impurities that make their way into your body. Whether it’s autumn’s extra pollen count or early winter’s social events that feature excessively fatty foods and increased alcohol consumption, water will help bring your body back to its natural balance.

Hydrating your skin is also a must this holiday season. Frequent applications of retinoid-enriched moisturizers with vitamins A and C and UVA or UVB protectorates replenish your skin and will eliminate a red, dry appearance. The same goes for your hands, so be sure to carry skin creams and moisturizers with you and reapply often.

DON’T: Fall victim to banquet table pitfalls

Fine food is part of the holiday season and almost impossible to avoid, so don’t bother trying! Just keep in mind that festive events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other wintery holidays don’t last all winter long. So, indulge in your holiday fare for one day, but get back to your normal, healthy diet and exercise regimen immediately afterwards.

If you’re the type of person who makes frequent visits to the buffet table, then pile your plate high with vegetables and lean meats or fish. If you feel the need to make a return trip, wait 10 to 15 minutes and take a smaller salad plate with you.

Planning ahead is also a great strategy, so prepare for your evening event by cutting back during the day with small, well-balanced meals. That way, when you indulge in the evening, you don’t roll over the next morning with a guilty conscience.

Robert T. Grant, MD, MSc, FACS, is Chief of the combined Divisions of Plastic Surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center. He is also Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. For more information about Dr. Grant or to contact him, visit his website at www.robertgrantmd.com.