Skin

The skin will take the most preparation for the wedding.  Depending on the health, texture and quality of the skin, treatments may need to be started up to one year prior to the wedding.   Deep acne scars will need multiple treatments and may need aggressive procedures such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or chemical peels.  Melasma (brown spots) will need several photofacial treatments to lighten the pigment.   Use sunscreen constantly when outdoors to prevent any dark patches from forming on sensitive areas of the face.  Topical bleaching creams may help even out some blemishes that have been resistant to other treatments. Microdermabrasions and light chemical peels may need to be started up to one year before the big day.  Retinoid creams will help prevent wrinkles and hydrating creams will keep the skin fresh and full, maintaining your skin’s elasticity with antioxidants.

Face

Botox treatments are effective for smoothing out the wrinkles of the forehead, the crow’s feet, and the frown lines.  It can take up to 7 – 10 days for the treatment to work, and occasionally touch-ups may be required.  Bruising and swelling can persist, so give yourself at least three weeks before the big day.

Injectable fillers are commonly used to plump up the lips or smooth out the deep folds of your cheek.  They can also be used to enhance the cheek structure, smooth out the lower eyelid junction, or fill up the marionette lines.  Commonly used fillers are Juvaderm, Restylane, Radiasse and collagen.   After these are injected they may cause uneven texture, which will require some time to smooth out.  These injections typically can last up to a year, so give yourself at least a month to give time for the product to completely settle.

More aggressive treatments such as facelifts, necklifts, nose refinements or eyelid surgery will need much longer recovery time.    They are very effective in rejuvenating the face – especially in brides fifty or older – but these procedures will require time off work and time to heal.  Swelling after surgery can persist up to six months after the procedure. 

Breast & Body Contouring

The lucky bride to be may be concerned with extra inches around the waistline, or would like to fill out the bust of her gown.  Depending on her body contour, she may require liposuction, which will suction excess fat, or a tummy tuck which will tighten loose skin, reinforce the abdominal muscles and remove stretch marks.   Following liposuction, several treatments of VelaSmooth™ may be necessary to help the skin contract and smooth out uneven areas.  These treatments are usually started four to six weeks following the liposuction, and may take several months.  Recovery after a tummy tuck may take longer because of the extent of the procedure.  Usually, the patient is flexed for a week or two following the surgery, and she can take a month to completely straighten out.   Patients can take up to a year to completely recover from this procedure.

Many patients desire fullness of the upper pole of the breast or more volume to fill out their bra.   This can be accomplished with either silicone gel or saline implants.  These implants are usually placed under the muscle, and can be inserted via the armpit, the nipple, the breast crease or the belly button.   During the recovery stage, the implants are usually high and will need up to 4 months to settle in place.  They may be firm during this stage, but eventually will soften and take a nice, natural position.   On patients who have lost a significant amount of weight in their breasts or who have had children, the breasts may droop and a more extensive procedure, such as a lift, will be required.  Scars do take time to mature and time must be given for complete healing to take place.

Swelling can take up to one year to resolve, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time before the wedding gown is fitted.

Of course, mothers of the brides will also benefit from some of the medical and surgical treatments that are found in the plastic surgeon’s office.  Just remember, older patients will need more time to recover from surgical procedures and co-existing medical conditions may prohibit certain procedures.  Make sure you consult earlier with your surgeon.  Some medications such as blood thinners, aspirin or anti-inflammatories may need to be discontinued, so don’t forget to talk to your regular doctor as well.

Congratulations, and best wishes!!!!

Next:  The Mommy Makeover!!!