By Sacha Obaid

The end-of-year period is a time when many people take stock of their lives and start to think about things they’d like to improve about themselves. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby or making a career switch, the coming new year is a good time for making big changes.

Have you been thinking about having a procedure to improve your health and appearance but wondering when to get plastic surgery? Here are some good reasons why the end-of-year period is the ideal time.

1. Get the most out of your high-deductible health plan.

Many surgeons who perform primarily elective surgeries become extremely busy around the end of the year. Why? Because people with high-deductible healthcare plans decide to schedule elective procedures as the end of the year approaches and they realize that they’ve used up their deductibles for the year.

Making the investment in a desired procedure before the new year has become a cost-cutting measure employed by many people. In fact, high-deductible healthcare plans are structured partly to encourage people to do this.

While most cosmetic procedures are electives that aren’t covered by health insurance, there are situations where you may be able to get coverage for other procedures.

For example, if you need an eyelid lift because the excess skin around your eyes causes vision problems, you’ll likely qualify for insurance coverage. Other procedures that might be covered include breast reduction surgery; weight-loss procedures, such as gastric bypass; and surgery to correct a deviated septum or similar nasal structural problem.

If you have a medical issue that requires surgery, chances are your insurance will cover it even if the procedure is considered cosmetic under most circumstances. And if it’s getting towards the end of the year—and the point at which you’ve used up your deductible—it’s the perfect time to do what you’ve been wanting to do.

2. It’s a great time for rest and recovery.

Undergoing plastic surgery procedures, even minor ones, can cause temporary after-effects, such as swelling or bruising, and your body may require days or weeks of recovery time. For many people, this is a deterrent to getting the procedures they want; they just don’t want to take time off of work and other responsibilities for recovery.

The holiday period offers built-in rest-and-recovery time. Most people have some days or weeks off work, so tacking on more isn’t as hard. Also, friends and family are often nearby anyway, making it easier to recruit help.

3. Look and feel your best for the holiday season.

Over the past decade or two, the first day of January has become well known as a day on which gyms and health clubs see huge spikes in membership. However, while people buy memberships with the very best of intentions, the majority visit the gym only a handful of times before giving up.

While we all want to look and feel our best, it’s difficult to make good on those resolutions as the realities of work, school, parenting, and other responsibilities come back into focus after the holiday period.

Why not ditch the guilt this year and opt for something that will have you feeling fantastic in the holiday season and all year round? Once you’ve completed the procedure you’ve always wanted, you can attend those holiday parties and family gatherings with confidence, knowing you look your absolute best—and enjoy the compliments from friends and family!

4. Get ready for summer.

Finally, if you’re having body work such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, having the procedure during the winter holiday season is ideal because it means by the time the weather gets warm, your body will have healed, and you’ll be ready to wear all your favorite summer clothes and get active at the beach or by the pool!

Don’t wait till next year!

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling a plastic surgery procedure, these four reasons mean that this is likely the best time of year to do so. The benefits to your appearance can be huge, but, most importantly, you’ll enjoy a boost to your self-confidence too!