The Best Aesthetic Treatments to Get In the Fall

Summer is the time to make the most of soaking up the sun. But by the end of the season, chances are you’re stuck reminiscing about vacation while your skin is left with the signs of your travels. In other words, all that fun in the sun can take its toll. That’s why fall is the perfect time for a glow-up, especially with the best aesthetic treatments to get post-summer.

Why Is Fall the Best Season for Aesthetic Treatments?

“Everyone likes to be able to start over, and traditionally, fall or back-to-school timing is when people are settling back into their routines, which makes these treatment investments possible,” says Dendy Engelman, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Director of Laser and Dermatology at the Shafer Clinic in NYC. “You don’t want to invest in an expensive treatment when you won’t be able to maintain the results, as summer is generally more relaxed and schedules are more fluid.”

Fall is when everyone is back from vacation, which means, most importantly, that people will be spending more time indoors. “For laser treatments especially, being out of the sun is a prerequisite,” Dr. Engelman adds. “Also, with less overall excitement, going to the dermatologist to treat themselves becomes one of the highlights.”

Another reason fall is considered ideal timing? Pros can promptly address skin damage that occurred during the summertime. “It’s hard to stay consistent with treatments until people are home more during the fall,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Emily Hu, founder and CEO of Artista Surgery & Aesthetics. “Fall can be a busy time with back-to-school events and fall weddings, followed by the holiday season. Some treatments have the optimal result after a series of treatments, so early fall is a great time to start [before winter picks up].”

Ahead, we asked experts to break down everything you need to know about the best aesthetic treatments to get post-summer.

Meet the Experts

• Dendy Engelman M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D. is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Director of Laser and Dermatology at the Shafer Clinic in NYC.
• Dr. Emily Hu is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder and CEO of Artista Surgery & Aesthetics.
• Dr. Michael J. Stein is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan.
• Dr. Nigar Ahmedli is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

Lasers

At the top of the fall procedure list is lasers. They typically require a few days of downtime and have a strict no sun policy, making the treatment ideal for autumn. But before you book an appointment, it’s important to ask your provider to find the right laser for your skin type and goals.

Dr. Hu is a fan of the Sciton (R) MOXI, a non-invasive laser procedure that targets the surface level of the skin to help improve unwanted pigmentation and texture. “This is a perfect option for those trying to dip into the world of laser treatments because [it requires] less downtime than a Halo treatment or CO2 laser,” she explains. It can be used for all skin types, even higher Fitzpatrick patients, all year round, as well as patients with melasma and those who live in high sun exposure areas.

What to Expect

Initially, your face will be very red and warm, so plan to wear a hat and dark sunglasses immediately post-treatment. Within a day or two, you will see dark spots pop up like “cinnamon sprinkles” on your skin. “Within 3-5 days, you will feel your skin start to feel like sandpaper. This is normal. Moisturize and protect your skin per your provider’s skincare recommendations,” says Dr. Hu. Though prices vary according to the treatment area and the practice, expect most prices to be between $500-$3,000 per session.

Injectables

“Injectables are a staple part of the first appointments in fall,” Dr. Engelman says. “During this initial session, we assess any damages and make a plan. By this time, Botox has usually worn off from their last treatment in May, so Botox Cosmetic for the forehead, eyes, and neck is one of the top treatments that is easy, and patients will look refreshed.”

What to Expect

Dr. Michael J. Stein, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, explains that Botox is a procedure that reduces the strength of muscle contraction in facial muscles to improve wrinkles. “It is essentially a toxin that prevents the activation of the muscle,” he says. “There is really no recovery time after Botox injection.” Though the price can range widely, his practice charges around $400 per area of the face.

Chemical Peels

“My favorite fall intervention is a chemical peel,” says Dr. Nigar Ahmedli, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center. “If you acquired sunspots during the summer months, this is a great refresh for your skin. You can do a superficial peel (like lactic acid or glycolic acid) to get rid of the dull skin or a deeper peel (like TCA) to target fine lines and hyperpigmented areas.”

What to Expect

Chemical peels are especially beneficial for those who notice dull skin after the summer or those looking for slightly deeper skin renewal, according to Dr. Hu. “Using enzymes, topical chemical peels work to break down dead skin cells,” she says. “Depending on the type and strength of the enzyme, the amount of downtime and the results to expect can vary. Fall is a popular time for this because often post-peel faces need SPF coverage of the treated areas early post-treatment.”

Recovery time usually lasts about one week for the peeling to finish, while the cost ranges from $150 to $500 based on the type of peel.  

Microneedling

“Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that induces new collagen growth to reduce the appearance of uneven skin complexions and texture,” Dr. Hu says. “The procedure creates micro-puncture wounds in the dermis with tiny, sterilized needles [which help] generate new collagen and skin tissue to smooth, firm, and tone skin.”

The treatment is best for those with deep-rooted acne scarring, surgical scars, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and people looking for overall skin rejuvenation, according to Dr. Hu. Limiting the risk of any sun exposure and giving your skin more time to heal is the key to success with microneedling. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to opt for this treatment in the fall to help erase summer sun spots and damage.

Dr. Stein is a fan of Morpheus 8, which is “best for patients that want to stimulate collagen production and skin tightening but do not want a long recovery period,” he says. There is typically no recovery time, just two days of redness.

What to Expect

After microneedling, expect to see redness for the first few hours. “Within a day or two, your skin could feel quite dry to the touch,” adds Dr. Hu. You’ll typically need more than one session, but the average price is typically $500 per treatment.

Intensive Facials

Facials can be so much more than a mask and a massage. Post-summer appointments are the ideal time to opt for more intensive sessions that you’d typically stray away from in the warmer months. For a deeper treatment, Dr. Hu recommends the DiamondGlow Facial . “The 3-in-1 technology exfoliates dead skin, suctions out sweat, dirt, and buildup of skincare and makeup from the pores, and can target the greatest areas of concern,” she says. “I recommend treatment every two weeks for a minimum of three treatments to see an early and significant difference. It helps ease your skin back into a treatment routine after the relaxation of summer.”

What to Expect

The DiamondGlow Facial works for all ages and skin types. Expect to be slightly pink for four to six hours after. With minimal downtime, it can be done the same day as an event. At the Shafer Clinic, the bespoke facials start at $500.

Radiofrequency Treatments

If tightening is at the top of your skin goals, then radiofrequency treatments might work best for you. One of Dr. Engelman’s top fall suggestions? Everesse. “The Everesse therapy promotes more effective tissue coagulation and stimulates collagen production, leading to superior skin lifting and tightening. This therapy is also less painful than traditional, legacy radiofrequency therapies, and results are seen instantaneously.”

What to Expect

The typical treatment course is two 30-minute treatments, two to three months apart. There is minimal to no discomfort without anesthesia, and no downtime. The results are visible right after treatment, with improvements continuing over time. Small areas start at $1,000 and can go up to $5,000 for the face and neck.

The Final Takeaway

Whether you are opting for an intense laser appointment or a touch-up of Botox, all the experts agree that fall is the best time to book your aesthetic treatments. “Social events tend to slow down for a few months before the holiday season,” says Dr. Ahmedli. “Most people have at least a few weeks to recover. Plus, sun exposure decreases, which is better for scarring and pigmentation.”

To make the most of your fall glow-up, planning ahead is key. “Generally, I recommend yearly or twice-yearly treatment planning for my patients,” Dr. Hu says. “Sure, with a regular facial, you can get a nice result that lasts a few days. But if you are looking for long-term optimal results that last? That often requires a series of treatments that have a little bit of downtime.”