Extra days off, the biological urge to hibernate during cold weather, and the ubiquitous "New Year, new you" marketing – all these elements combine to make December and January ideal times for plastic surgery. We advocate for investing in yourself at any point throughout the year, but it just so occurs that during the holiday season, your dear ones are inclined to offer you something special. So, seize this opportunity and request something that will render your cosmetic journey less anxiety-provoking and more alluring.
Here are 15 gifts to include on your list if you're planning to undergo a cosmetic procedure in the New Year. (And don't fret, if you're aiming to keep your nips, tucks, and tweaks a secret, none of these items will expose your plans – although asking for a pill box is somewhat uncommon.)
Gifts for surgical procedures
Nutritious meal plan
Eat Sunny Signature Plan ($325/5 days)
Grocery shopping and meal planning are not high on your list of priorities before going under the knife, so consider asking your most generous family member to assist in filling your fridge with healthy, flavorful, and hassle-free meals. The Eat Sunny plan encompasses breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack – and is replete with all the lean proteins and antioxidants your body requires as it recuperates.
Pill organizer, for your post-op meds
Port and Polish Pill Box ($20)
If you're undergoing a more intrusive procedure, expect to fill quite a few prescriptions. Your doctor is likely to prescribe antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, and various forms of painkillers – and when you're already drowsy, differentiating cephalexin from clindamycin from Celebrex can seem like a complex task. A charming pill box is a small item that can offer significant assistance.
Stylish compression garment
Skims Sculpting Bodysuit ($68)
In the days or weeks subsequent to surgery, you'll be wearing compression garments almost constantly. They'll likely be of a bland color and rather unattractive, but that's fine because – to be brutally honest for a moment – they're going to end up stained with blood and fluids. Once you're well on your way to recovery, however, you'll desire compression that's... more alluring. This bodysuit will do the trick, and you'll continue to wear it under little black dresses for years to come.
Full-body pillow
Sleep Again Pillow System ($300)
Sleep doesn't come effortlessly after surgery – whether you've had a rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, or BBL. A good pillow makes a considerable difference, and this one offers everything: leg elevation support, head and neck support, contoured sides to cradle your hips, and just the right amount of inclination to maintain proper circulation.
Cozy robe
Eberjey Chalet Eco Plush Robe ($148)
Everyone adores a super-soft new robe. Without exception.
Waterless way to shower
Megababe Cucumber Mint Shower Sheets ($12)
Bathing is typically discouraged in the immediate days following surgery (and even if your doctor permits it, you probably won't want to). These oversized shower sheets that smell like spa water and leave no filmy residue make an excellent stocking stuffer.
Blowout in a can
Living Proof Joy to the Clean Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Duo ($35)
Ask any beauty editor about the best dry shampoo, and they'll direct you to this one. It works wonders even in the most challenging conditions, such as after a Spin class, so absorbing a little "third day of not leaving the couch" grease will be a breeze.
Healthy supplement trio
Love Wellness Daily Health Kit ($80)
You should always consult your doctor before initiating a supplement routine – especially after surgery – but if they give you the go-ahead, this is the ideal starter pack. It includes probiotics for intestinal health, a full-spectrum multivitamin for overall well-being, and fiber to get things moving after general anesthesia.
De-stressing CBD cream
Prima R+R Cream 750mg CBD Recovery Rub for Soothing Comfort ($38)
The verdict is still pending on whether CBD is a miracle ingredient – there simply aren't enough studies on it yet – but if you're in need of a luxurious cream to alleviate sore and aching muscles, you can't go wrong with this cooling blend of hemp CBD, eucalyptus, and menthol.
Gifts for noninvasive procedures
Gentle skin-care lineup
Alastin Procedure Enhancement System ($270)
After a laser treatment, chemical peel, or microneedling session, your skin becomes as delicate as a baby's. This four-piece set – which includes a cream cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, sunscreen, and a proprietary post-procedure healing formula – will take care of your complexion, accelerating results without causing irritation along the way.
Trendy hat, to block out the sun
Brixton Field X Hat ($75)
If a hat could transport you to a $1,000/night room at the Jackson Hole Amangani, it would be this one. Alas, it can only provide you with style and the UV protection you'll need after a skin resurfacing procedure. But that's still a very good deal.
Sunscreen so glamorous, you’ll actually want to apply it
RéVive Soleil Superiéur Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen ($115)
Everyone claims to wear sunscreen daily. We've been instructed numerous times on what to do, we know why we should do it, and yet... Adhering to the guidelines can be challenging at times. If you're someone who swears you'll wear sunscreen as soon as you find one you like, your search is over. This chemical formula is lightweight, quick-absorbing, and non-greasy, and it feels like luxurious skin care (because it is). The price tag is on the higher side, but that's precisely why you're requesting it as a gift.
Pro palette, to conceal redness and bruising
Stila Correct Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette ($45)
Redness and bruising after injectables and milder lasers are typically minimal, but it's always useful to have color-correcting tools at hand, in case of a last-minute social gathering. If the dark spots you treated become darker before they shed, cover them with yellow. If you have a purple mark where the needle entered, apply peach or orange. If you're red, reach for green. The included booklet will explain the rest.
Makeup, to enhance your Botoxed skin and fuller lips
Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Set ($70)
Good cosmetic treatment outcomes are usually subtle – if you walk into a party and everyone remarks that your lips look overly large, you've likely gone too far. On the contrary, after receiving hundreds of dollars' worth of hyaluronic acid or neurotoxin injections, you somewhat desire some recognition of how great you look. That's where makeup comes in. This set offers you a full-size lip balm in a universally flattering pink, a plumping gloss, a lash maximizer, and a primer to further refine your wrinkle-free forehead.
Workout set, to show off your Emsculpt results
Free People Team Player Set ($98) Every enthusiast of cosmetic treatments who prefers to be laid-back least likes to hear: "You have to maintain your results." This is especially true after Emsculpt, the muscle-building and fat-burning procedure that can deceive you into thinking you've been working out regularly for years. Plan ahead and ask for this color-blocked outfit, which is so flattering that you'll be eager to head to the gym to showcase your abs. And once you're there, well, you might as well perform some of those crucial maintenance crunches.