Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures Patients Choose in the New Year
The holidays are right around the corner and that means family gathering, festive events, and plenty of cameras snapping photos. It also happens to be the busiest time of year for cosmetic procedures, as people look for ways to refresh their appearance before the celebrations begin. Whether someone wants a subtle boost before their office party or a more transformative change before seeing loved ones, the months leading up to the holidays and new year offer a perfect window for small tweaks and confidence-boosting enhancements.
Below, we break down the most popular pre-holiday cosmetic procedures and how much downtime to plan for if you’re considering one yourself.
Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, etc.)
Best for: Smoothing forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines
Recovery: Minimal downtime; small injection bumps fade within minutes, minimal bruising, if any, clears in a few days
Full Results: 7-14 days
Neurotoxins are by far the most common “quick fix.” They offer a refreshed, well-rested look without changing your features. Because results take about a week to fully settle in, many patients schedule their treatment in mid-November or early December. Eating pineapple and taking arnica can reduce your chances of swelling and bruising.
Dermal Fillers
Best for: Plumping the lips, restoring cheek volume, defining the jawline, improving smile lines
Recovery: Mild swelling or bruising for 2-5 days
Full results: Immediate improvement, with final settling in about a week
Fillers are popular going into the new year because they deliver noticeable but natural volume instantly. Patients often choose lip fillers before special occasions, while cheek and jawline fillers help restore structure and balance to the face.
SKIN REJUVINATION:
Chemical Peels
Best for: Brightening the complexion, improving texture, softening fine lines
Recovery: Light peels: 1-3 days
Medium peels: 5-7 days
Full results: 1-2 weeks
Most lasers are considered superficial, a peel is a great way to achieve that fresh, glowing “holiday skin.” Lighter peels are perfect for a subtle radiance boost, while medium-depth peels offer more dramatic improvements in pigmentation and texture if planned a bit earlier in the season.
Liposuction (Small Areas)
Best for: Contouring the chin, neck, arms, or abdomen
Recovery: Initial swelling: 1-2 weeks
Return to normal activity: 3-7 days
Full results: 2-6 months
Many people are surprised to learn that targeted liposuction can fit into a short timeline, especially for smaller areas like the chin or flanks. While you’ll enjoy early results within a few weeks, final contouring continues improving into the new year.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Best for: Lifting droopy eyelids, reducing under-eye bags, brightening tired eyes
Recovery: Bruising/swelling: 7-10 days
Back to normal activities: 10-14 days
Full results: 4-6 weeks
As new year gatherings approach, many patients choose eyelid surgery to look more refreshed and awake. It offers one of the most dramatic improvements with a relatively short downtime, especially compared to larger facial surgeries.
Brow Lift
Best for: Elevating drooping brows, softening forehead lines, and opening up the eye area
Recovery Timeline:
Bruising and swelling: 7–10 days
Return to normal activities: 10–14 days
Full results: 4–6 weeks
Mini Facelift or Neck lift
Best for: Tightening early jowling, lifting the lower face, smoothing the neck
Recovery: 1-2 weeks for social downtime
Full results: 4-8 weeks
No matter the procedure, the goal is always to help you feel your best as you head into the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you're aiming for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation, there's no better time than now to plan ahead and ensure you’re looking your absolute best for the holidays. With a range of options available to fit every schedule, from quick, minimal-downtime procedures to more involved treatments with lasting results, it’s easy to choose a cosmetic procedure that aligns with your needs and lifestyle. Don’t wait until the last minute—start your holiday beauty transformation today, and step into the season with confidence and radiance.