Summer brings pool parties, beach trips, and a schedule that finally allows time for surgery. But it also brings a common question in our consultations: can you get plastic surgery in the summer? Can you actually recover well from surgery when it’s hot out?
We asked two of our surgeons this question about some of our most popular procedures. Here’s what they had to say, plus a quick-reference guide if you’re short on time.
Quick Answer: Yes, and Here’s the Recovery Timeline for Each Procedure
| Procedure | Back to Work | Back to Gym | Swimming | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift | ~2 weeks (with a hat) | 2-3 weeks, easing in | N/A | Avoid direct sun for 1 month |
| Breast Augmentation | 1 week (Preservé) / 3 weeks (traditional) | 1 week (Preservé) / 3 weeks (traditional) | Wait 6 weeks to submerge | Cover incisions under swimwear |
| Tummy Tuck / Mommy Makeover | ~2 weeks | 3-4 weeks (depends on drains) | Wait until out of compression (~2 months) | Compression garment worn under clothing |
Every timeline depends on your specific procedure, healing, and surgeon guidance, so treat this as a general guide, not a guarantee.
Facelift Recovery in the Summer
Can you get a facelift during the summertime? Yes, absolutely you can, and lots of people do.
Is the recovery worse in the summertime? Not really. It’s hot, but you absolutely can recover.
The main thing we actually care about is sun exposure to the incisions. That’s a legitimate concern and something you should talk to your surgeon about. Then there’s activity afterward, but honestly, that issue is going to come up whether it’s wintertime or summertime. Typically, we like patients to take it very, very easy and not get overexerted for two to three weeks.
Here’s what I tell all my patients: I’d like you to avoid heavy sun exposure, meaning sitting on your boat or laying on the beach without a hat, for about a month. But if that’s not part of your plan, you can absolutely get a facelift and still be walking outside at two weeks, as long as you’re covering things up with a hat.
There is one other consideration worth mentioning. The biggest thing we care about with summer recovery in facial plastic surgery is laser resurfacing. We often use this as a complementary treatment alongside a lot of our aging face surgeries, and laser resurfacing absolutely can heal with some unwanted scarring or pigmentation if you get really heavy sun exposure directly afterward.
But again, even that is manageable during summer as long as you have a plan. If you have the right kind of hat to cover things up, the right sunblock, and enough recovery time to get through that intensive healing period in the first two weeks, you’re in good shape.
Breast Augmentation Recovery in the Summer
What do you need to know to recover from breast augmentation during the summertime?
The gym and swimming are the two things that require a bit more patience. For a regular breast augmentation, plan on three weeks off from the gym, and then you can get back to pretty much everything you were doing beforehand. The nice thing about Preservé preservation breast augmentation is that it shortens that timeline considerably, usually down to about one week for most people.
Anytime you have fresh incisions, I have patients wait a full six weeks before fully submerging them in a pool. If you want to walk in the water, that’s usually fine before then.
Here’s the good news: you’re going to be looking great in a bathing suit by just three weeks. It’s a really easy recovery for most cases. The incisions are also super small, and they hide underneath any bathing suit you could possibly buy. For a traditional augmentation, I keep my incisions to about four centimeters. For Preservé, they’re even smaller, usually just two and a half to three centimeters. Whatever you want to wear this summer, you won’t be worried about anyone seeing your scars.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover Recovery in the Summer
By Dr. Peter Krasniak
If you’re interested in a mommy makeover or tummy tuck this summer but you’re worried about recovery, here’s what you need to know.
This recovery timeline looks a little different from our other procedures, mainly because we’re talking about surgical drains and a lot of compression. Most of the time we’re also performing liposuction as part of the procedure, which is exactly why that compression matters so much.
You’ll be off the gym and most activity while your drains are in place, but most people can get back to work by two weeks if needed (depending on the nature of their job, work-from-home capabilities, and personal healing). The gym timeline runs anywhere from three to four weeks, depending on how long your drains stay in. Compression garments, on the other hand, you’ll be wearing for up to two months.
That said, compression hides under most clothing, and you can absolutely get back to working out at the gym while wearing it. Swimming is off the table until you’re out of compression, but you can live your daily life normally as long as you’re staying compliant with your garment.
Recovery otherwise is pretty manageable. Do plenty of patients do this in the summer months? Definitely. If the scheduling works best for you during summer, go right ahead and do it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Plastic Surgery Recovery
Is it harder to recover from surgery in hot weather?
No. Heat itself doesn’t slow healing. The considerations are sun exposure to incisions and managing swelling, both of which are manageable with the right precautions.
How long do I need to avoid the sun after a facelift?
About one month for direct sun exposure on the incision sites. Wearing a hat allows most patients to be back outside walking within two weeks.
Can I swim after breast augmentation in the summer?
You can walk in water fairly early, but plan to wait a full six weeks before fully submerging fresh incisions.
When can I go swimming after a tummy tuck?
Not until you’re finished wearing your compression garment, which is typically around two months.
Does Preservé breast augmentation have a shorter recovery than traditional augmentation?
Yes. Preservé typically allows a return to the gym around one week, compared to three weeks for a traditional augmentation.
Will my scars be visible in a bathing suit this summer?
For breast augmentation, incisions are small (2.5-4 cm) and are designed to be hidden under swimwear. For facelift and tummy tuck, incision placement is also planned with visibility in mind.
Planning Your Summer Procedure
Across all three of these procedures, one theme comes through clearly: summer timing doesn’t have to hold you back from surgery you’ve been considering. Whether it’s a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover, the recovery process is manageable with a little planning around sun exposure, activity restrictions, and garment compliance.
Every patient’s timeline and candidacy is different, which is exactly what a consultation is for. If you’ve been thinking about surgery and want a personalized recovery plan for your specific procedure and lifestyle, we’re here to walk you through exactly what to expect.
Ready to talk through your summer surgery plan? Schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons to discuss your goals, timeline, and what recovery will look like for you. Call the Quatela Center at 585.244.1000 or request a consultation online.
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