According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the holiday season is the time to make a tweak.

For many people, the holidays offer time off from work or school to heal. Plus, there’s more pressure to look your best when reconnecting with family and friends you don’t see as often.

Cosmetic treatments and surgeries typically increase by about 25% from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, and facial plastic surgeons report a rise in people shopping for gift certificates for facial rejuvenation treatments for a spouse, parent, sister or friend.

Facial plastic surgeon and immediate past AAFPRS President Edwin Williams, MD sees the demand for gift cards in his practice grow from 10% to 15% year over year. Nonsurgical procedures like BOTOX are particularly popular, increasing 30% to 35% during November and December in his practice.

On the Wish List: AAFPRS President Fred Fedok, MD reports, “We are seeing an increasing number of patients coming in to get ‘freshened up’ or ‘tweaked’ before events and the holidays. Patients can literally come in just a few days or weeks before a party to have a minimally invasive procedure performed. Where in the past this kind of last-minute ‘touch-up’ could only involve makeup or hair services, the patient can explore neuromodulators, fillers, and some laser and light devices.” Among the most popular cosmetic procedures being gifted this year are noninvasive treatments that deliver rapid results, like BOTOX, Restylane, and skin resurfacing.

Buyer Beware: Groupon and discount deals are huge this time of year. It may be tempting to go for the best price when purchasing a gift certificate, but safety should come first. Fedok warns, “Such vehicles may create a commodification of services in which all regard to quality and experience is abandoned, and instead the focus is on the least expensive alternative. In doing so, patients may expose themselves to a compromise of best outcomes. You should always choose a board-certified physician who specializes in the face, head, and neck when electing to have work done.”

[Source: Kelz PR]