Operations in winter

Not only on skin and veins, many people prefer to have surgery in winter, even with uncomplicated hernias, gallstones or  hemorrhoids  , many would prefer to take a break in the hospital during the cold season. A plannable operation should of course not only fit into the appointment calendar, but often also shows the personal preferences of the surgical candidate with regard to the time of year.

Advantages of an operation in winter

Many patients choose winter to have their gallbladder,  hernia ,  varicose veins ,  or hemorrhoids removed. The reasons are, on the one hand, not to miss the few beautiful days of the year that summer offers, on the other hand, one has the idea that wounds in the heat and with sweating attacks are more difficult to close and are more likely to become inflamed. This is not the case in our latitudes, but from a medical point of view winter has its advantages – at least for some procedures such as skin or vein operations, for general skin examinations and for older patients with cardiovascular problems.

An American study showed that laser treatments on the  cornea  of ​​the eye  were more successful in winter  : the patients had to be treated much less often. The reason for this was that the dry winter climate had a direct effect on the condition of the cornea and the lasers could work better with the “winter cornea”. Correcting the lasers meant that the results of the operations in summer and winter were the same.

Skin heals better without sun exposure

Age spots, small warts or a  blood sponge  (angioma) on the face, décolleté or hands are removed by a dermatologist using a laser. Usually only one treatment is necessary, with the angioma several sessions may be necessary before it disappears. The laser treatment creates a superficial wound in the top layer of skin, which heals without scarring. Flawless wound healing is supported by  not exposing the treated skin to the sun : otherwise there is a risk of increased pigmentation in the newly formed skin.

Since the sun’s rays are generally less intense in winter, it makes sense to have these minor skin operations performed between December and February. In addition, you can help your skin with a good sunscreen on the exposed skin areas. The same is done with an acne treatment; there, however, other methods are used in addition to the laser.

Time for a skin check

Since the skin is usually much less tanned in winter than in summer, birthmarks and skin changes stand out   better from the skin and can be assessed more easily by the dermatologist. Make an appointment with your dermatologist – so you can start the summer with peace of mind.

Wrapping veins is now easier

Autumn and winter are the classic times for vein operations. The same applies to treatments such as:

• desertifications
• injections
• laser therapy
• Radiowellentherapies

After a treatment, the legs are either wrapped tightly or fitted with compression stockings for several weeks. Both are easier to hide under long trousers in winter – and you sweat less with these involuntary substitutes for tights when it’s cold outside.

No circulatory worries in winter

Especially older patients with an attacked cardiovascular system, eg a coronary heart disease or  high blood pressure , have problems with the hot summer temperatures. They get scared  and anxious at the idea of ​​also exposing themselves to the physical exertion that every operation represents  .

The fact that weather constellations can have both positive and negative effects on treatment is easy to understand and makes it easy to understand why older people prefer surgery in winter.

Operation plan

Ask your doctor if your scheduled surgery can be postponed until the fall or winter. Make an appointment in good time with the relevant facility; if you do not register until winter, you may no longer be considered. It is now high time for skin treatments, because from April onwards the sun’s rays will increase again and the skin will need several weeks to heal completely.

If you cannot postpone an elective surgery until next winter, console yourself with the fact that hospitals are now well air-conditioned even in the summer months, you do not have to  sweat excessively there  and that the rapid correction of your condition requiring treatment reduces the likelihood of an unforeseen complication is greatly reduced.