Body Plastic Surgery Demand Remains Strong Through Summer

Despite the warmer months, the demand for body plastic surgeries continues to rise. While autumn and winter typically see a natural increase in procedures, many individuals are taking advantage of the summer season to enhance their body contours and definition.

Modern Techniques for Faster Results

Patients are increasingly seeking surgeries that offer improvements in body contour with relatively quick recovery times. According to plastic surgeon Carlos Manfrim, a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), “Patients seek surgeries that offer improvements in body contour in less time and with relatively quick recovery.”

Popular Summer Procedures

Among the most popular procedures during the summer are those focused on body definition, localized fat reduction, and correction of sagging, particularly in the abdomen, arms, and thighs. High-definition liposuction (HD lipo) is a notable technique that highlights muscular contours.

Liposuction and HD Lipo

“Liposuction continues to be one of the most performed plastic surgeries globally,” explains Dr. Carlos. “In the summer, more modern techniques like HD Lipo, which allows for the highlighting of muscular contours, gain prominence. The procedure removes localized fat from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, and thighs, with progressive results noticeable in the first few weeks. Recovery is typically relatively quick, provided the patient uses compression garments and follows a lymphatic drainage protocol.”

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, often recommended for individuals with excess skin or abdominal sagging after weight loss or pregnancy, offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. Dr. Heloise Manfrim notes, “Although it is a major surgery, more modern versions, such as mini-abdominoplasty, have attracted patients who seek faster results and a slightly shorter recovery. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, the procedure can improve posture and functional comfort.”

Addressing Sagging in Arms and Thighs

With the increased use of lighter clothing, sagging in the arms and thighs becomes a common concern. Brachioplasty addresses excess skin and fat in the arms, while cruroplasty targets the inner thighs. Dr. Carlos highlights, “In the arms, results appear quickly after the reduction of initial swelling, and a return to light activities occurs within a few weeks. In the case of the thighs, recovery is gradual but allows a return to daily activities in the short term, respecting medical guidelines.”

Gluteal Enhancement

The gluteal region remains a popular area for enhancement. Options include silicone implants or gluteal fat grafting, which utilizes the patient’s own fat to increase volume and improve shape. Dr. Heloise adds, “The choice of technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and objectives. Results begin to be noticed in the first few weeks, with continued evolution over the months.”

Hair Transplant: A Safe Option Year-Round

Hair transplantation also maintains its popularity. The success of the procedure relies more on the technique, the surgeon’s experience, and adherence to post-operative care than on the season itself. Modern techniques, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and its variations, or the DVN (Density, Volume and Naturalness) method, are minimally invasive, do not leave a linear scar, and offer faster recovery times.

Summer can even be advantageous for hair transplants, as it often coincides with vacation periods, allowing patients to take time off work for recovery without raising concerns. Caps, a common summer accessory, can also provide additional sun protection after the procedure, as long as they don’t exert excessive pressure on the transplanted area.

Planning for Travel After Surgery

Combining vacations with aesthetic procedures is becoming increasingly common, but traveling immediately after surgery requires careful planning. Plastic surgeon Romero Almeida points out, “It is increasingly common for patients to travel to undergo surgery in the city or state where the surgeon they trust works.”

Dr. Wellerson Mattioli, director of Clínica Moderna Sculpt, emphasizes, “For both facial and body surgeries, travel is not recommended in the immediate post-operative period. For minor surgeries, waiting at least three days before traveling short distances is advisable. The more complex the surgery, the longer the recovery period should be—up to three weeks—before traveling. However, each case is individual, and the doctor must clear the patient.”

Specific post-operative care during travel may include using saline solution to prevent nasal dryness after rhinoplasty or eye drops to minimize dry eyes after blepharoplasty. Prioritizing complete recovery before traveling is always the safest approach.