One challenge that many plastic surgery patients struggle with is how to recover privately from their procedures. After all, recovery from some procedures can take days or even weeks, and patients ideally want to be able to recover at home where they can feel comfortable and relaxed.
While there should be absolutely no shame associated with plastic surgery, many people also want to keep their procedures private. This means that — depending on how long it takes for the swelling to go down and scars to go away — staying at home for the entire duration of the recovery period may be optimal.
The difficulty is that this amount of time off is not possible for many people. Work, school, and general daily errands all require public appearances. Most people can’t avoid these interactions. That is, until now.
COVID-19 and the Rise of Plastic Surgeries
No one would suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has been anything but terrible for the world. On every level, our daily lives have been turned upside down. Family and social spheres, work lives, and our general feelings of health and wellness have all changed drastically.
As news of the pandemic took hold, all of these changes were expected. At the same time, however, several rather unexpected effects are now being seen as well.
One unexpected effect of the pandemic has been a significant uptick in plastic surgery.
Why Have Plastic Surgeries Increased During the Pandemic Lockdown?
In these uncertain times, it makes sense to strive for at least some flicker of positivity in our lives. For many, this has meant taking the time to do some self-improvement. That might mean reading more books, learning new recipes, working out more, spending more time with family, or … getting that plastic surgery procedure you’ve always wanted.
Plastic surgeons across the United States and in other parts of the world have noted a significant uptick in the number of surgeries they are performing on a regular basis. While many industries have virtually shut down (or are at risk of shutting down because of lost revenue) plastic surgeons are carrying out even more surgeries than they usually do — even more than they did pre-COVID-19.
Why the change?
Surgeons agree that it’s the virus shutdown. Most notably, individuals who would have otherwise had to postpone their surgery because of work, school, or other responsibilities, are now scheduling their surgeries immediately. Many patients — new and old — are reporting that surgeons’ offices are packed, and reservations are now booked months in advance.
The Benefits of Plastic Surgery During Lockdown
With most people working from home, more flexible daily schedules are the norm. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the number of plastic surgeries being performed has skyrocketed. But what exactly are the benefits of getting plastic surgery during a pandemic?
If you’ve been considering a tummy tuck, nose job, liposuction, breast enhancement, or another cosmetic procedure, why might now be the right time to invest? Below, we go over the main benefits of getting plastic surgery during a pandemic.
1. Time to recover in private
Having time to recover at home and in private is essential when undergoing a more invasive surgery. Because right now, most people have to stay home, being at home during plastic surgery recovery is especially practical. In other words, it’s not going to be odd to friends or family if you decline a dinner invitation or a lunch out with friends. You can avoid running into people you know at the grocery store or running errands, and even if you do end up going out, wearing a mask may be able to hide a nose or lips that are still in recovery.
2. Less time off work needed
While many patients worry about being seen in public before they’ve fully recovered, others care less about this concern and more about the amount of time they’ll have to take off of work or school in order to heal. After all, depending on your occupation and the type of surgery you’re interested in, you might require weeks at home — often, off your feet and avoiding any strenuous activity.
Of course, right now, doing this is much easier. Even if you are still working, recovery is much more feasible when you can work from home. Laptops, smart phones, and platforms such as Slack and Asana make keeping in touch with co-workers and clients easier than ever.
3. Masks that hide healing procedures
Having a facelift or rhinoplasty? Because masks are basically ubiquitous, wearing one to cover your face as you recover from your rhinoplasty for example won’t be out of the ordinary. You can wear a mask while continuing to go out in public, and you’ll still feel like you’re recovering in private.
4. Consultation appointments that can be conducted online
Another benefit of having plastic surgery right now is the opportunity to have your consultation appointment online. For many, this route is optimal, as is evidenced by the fact that plastic surgeons are seeing a huge uptick in online inquiries.
Foreigners interested in plastic surgery in the United States, for example, find online consultations especially useful. It allows them the opportunity to plan ahead for their trip to the United States, once travel bans are lifted.
5. Plastic surgeons’ offices that are cleaner and safer than ever
Lastly, plastic surgeons and their staffs are working hard to ensure the safety and cleanliness of their facilities. For many who have avoided plastic surgery thus far during the pandemic, this news has been especially welcome. Indeed, plastic surgery offices are going the extra mile to ensure that masks are worn, social distancing is practiced, and all rooms and surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
Are You Considering Plastic Surgery During the Pandemic?
If you’ve ever considered plastic surgery in the past, now is the time! Dr. Sieber, of Sieber Plastic Surgery, is one of the leading plastic surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Sieber is double board-certified and specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries of the body, face, and breast.
Contact us today to book your initial consultation appointment online!
