A plastic surgeon in Barcelona says summer is a safe time to have cosmetic surgery, dispelling a long-held belief that heat and holidays make it a risky season. Dr. Santiago Elvira, co-founder of Clinica Egos, said demand for procedures actually rises notably just before the July and August holiday period, a pattern similar to what happens before Christmas.
Elvira said surgical activity intensifies in the months leading up to summer rather than slowing down, as many patients use their holidays to recover at a relaxed pace.
Is heat really a problem?
One of the main arguments against summer surgery is the discomfort of wearing compression garments during recovery in hot weather. Elvira acknowledged that compression garments, required after many procedures, can feel more uncomfortable in high temperatures. But he said modern orthopedic garments are designed to be far more comfortable and breathable than older versions.
Elvira said there is no medical contraindication to operating in summer, since the operating room maintains a constant climate regardless of the season, and surgical data show no increased problems. He said the decision comes down to personal comfort rather than health risk.
Elvira said surgical activity intensifies in the months before summer rather than declining, with many patients using their holiday time to recover without the pressure of work. He said August is a very busy month for him. He said this timing gives patients the rest and healing time they need away from work pressures, with the goal of returning to social life as quickly as possible by following medical guidance.
Infections and healing: key precautions
Fear of infection is another common concern among patients, but Elvira said the risk is low because these are scheduled procedures, not emergency surgeries. He said modern cosmetic surgery follows strict asepsis protocols in the operating room and uses preventive antibiotics to minimize risk.
Elvira said heat and sweat require attention but are not decisive factors in raising infection risk as long as proper hygiene is maintained. He said the key to proper healing is keeping the wound clean and dry and avoiding excessive sweating in the area, adding that in cases where this cannot be guaranteed, a surgeon might advise against operating at that particular time.
Sun exposure is the most critical issue in summer post-operative care, according to Elvira, and patients frequently ask when they can return to the beach or pool. As a general rule, he said patients should wait about two weeks, which is typically when stitches are removed.
Elvira said the wound is considered closed at that point, but new scar skin remains extremely sensitive. He warned that sun exposure can cause the scar to develop pigmentation and leave a permanent mark. He also said bruised skin must never be exposed to the sun, stating that whenever there is a bruise, it cannot be exposed to the sun. He recommended always using a factor 50+ sunscreen on the scar, avoiding peak sun hours, and covering the area with clothing or dressings when possible.
How cosmetic surgery patients have changed
The profile of cosmetic surgery patients has shifted along with society, according to Elvira. He said the proportion of male patients has grown significantly, moving from a roughly 80-20 split favoring women to a more balanced 70-30 ratio.
Elvira said the type of procedure most requested varies considerably by age. He said women under 30 most often request breast augmentation and liposuction or body-contouring procedures. Between ages 30 and 50, he said, procedures aimed at restoring the figure after pregnancy dominate, known as the "mommy makeover," which includes breast lifts, or mastopexy, and abdominoplasty.
After age 50, Elvira said, facial surgeries to address signs of aging take over, including blepharoplasty for the eyelids and facelifts. He said rhinoplasty is requested across all age groups.
Elvira said cosmetic surgery has become normalized today and is no longer the taboo it once was, noting that people now talk about it more openly. He said society has come to accept turning to surgery to improve or maintain physical appearance as a valid personal choice. Clinica Egos said it offers full guidance from the first visit, which can even be conducted virtually, to support patients throughout the process and help them make the most informed decision for their expectations and needs.
