How Far Ahead Should You Book Your Pre-Wedding Treatments?
Congratulations – you’ve found the perfect venue, an incredibly romantic dress, and a florist who will help you create the décor of your dreams. Everything’s coming together for your wedding, and the countdown is on for one of the most memorable and exciting days of your life.
You’ve been planning for months, but one detail that may still be missing from your to-do list is beauty treatments for yourself. How far in advance should you book your procedures to ensure you look picture-perfect on your big day? Read on to learn more.
Injectable Treatments
If you’re planning to get any injectables before your wedding, the timing of your appointment is especially important – especially if it is your first time with these products. You’ll want any side effects such as bruising, redness, or swelling to have faded, but the results to still be going strong. Here’s how we recommend timing your injections for flawless skin.
- Botox and Dysport: These two neuromodulators are excellent for smoothing and temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause troubling wrinkles like crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and lines between the brows. If you are getting either of these injected, plan your appointment at least two weeks before your wedding date to allow any redness to fade, and for the results to fully reveal themselves. You’ll typically be able to enjoy fewer wrinkles for four to six months, depending on the injection site.
- Juvéderm: This hyaluronic acid-based filler is a natural-looking way to fill in wrinkles and restore volume to lips and cheeks. Though you can expect natural-looking results to appear instantly, redness, swelling, and tenderness are common side effects that can last several days after treatment. It’s a good idea to schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your wedding. Results often last at least a year.
- Restylane: A cousin to Juvéderm, Restylane also uses hyaluronic acid to create anti-aging results. However, it is formulated with a larger particle size that makes it better for filling in deeper wrinkles or larger areas. Restylane can cause swelling, redness, and heightened skin sensitivity in the first week or so after treatment, so you should plan to come in at least two to three weeks before your event. Results last up to a year in many cases.
- Kybella: A double chin can ruin the look of even the most carefully planned wedding photos. Kybella is a cutting-edge treatment for addressing the pocket of submental fat that forms beneath the chin, which is often inherited. Kybella is made with a molecule called deoxycholic acid that breaks down dietary fat. Though it does not require any downtime, the tightening effect takes place gradually over about six weeks. Most people see best results over a series of two to three treatments, so you may wish to start your treatment regimen with Kybella approximately half a year before your wedding. The results are permanent.
Microdermabrasion
If you are looking for a minimally invasive way to improve your skin’s appearance without downtime for recovery, microdermabrasion is an ideal rejuvenation treatment for you. You may find that your skin becomes slightly flaky or red for a few days after your microdermabrasion appointment, so it’s best to schedule your session about two weeks out from your wedding date. You can expect your results to last for approximately a month.
Fraxel
Laser skin rejuvenation with Fraxel is a highly effective way to get smoother, more even skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and stimulate collagen production. However, if you are planning to get a pre-wedding Fraxel treatment, keep in mind that it can take three to six months for the results to emerge and that you may need more than one treatment to achieve the best outcome, depending on the concerns you are trying to alleviate.
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is an FDA-approved lifting treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, improving the look of skin on the face, neck, and chest. Though the procedure has minimal side effects and requires no downtime, the results appear gradually over two to three months after treatment.
Boost Your Pre-Wedding Skin Routine
At our San Francisco dermatology practice, we specialize in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that help promote healthier, more radiant skin. To learn more about the popular options we offer, or to plan one or more treatment appointments before your wedding day, contact us to experience a high level of care in our comfortable, well-appointed office.
