Cosmetic Enhancements to Help Get You Wedding Ready

Whether you’re set to take center stage or you’re a member of the supporting cast, getting ready for a wedding might inspire you to take a long look in the mirror, and put some renewed attention on all those bothersome flaws you’ve been ignoring—that blotchy skin, those fine lines and wrinkles, or a hairline with an ever-growing sliver of scalp peeking through.

It’s not surprising that a wedding can prompt a little pre-nuptial primping, after all, it may be one of the most photographed events in a lifetime. “Looking your best on our most important day lives on in your photographs forever,” says Dr. Jeannie Chung, a Wellesley-based facial plastic surgeon. “Proper skincare and rejuvenation therapies can be as important and require as much planning as the wedding gown itself. “Whether you’re set to take center stage or you’re a member of the supporting cast, getting ready for a wedding might inspire you to take a long look in the mirror, and put some renewed attention on all those bothersome flaws you’ve been ignoring—that blotchy skin, those fine lines and wrinkles, or a hairline with an ever-growing sliver of scalp peeking through.

Those wanting to look their best may turn to cosmetic surgery or treatments to get event-ready. Even younger brides and grooms are among the Americans driving a rise in appearance-enhancing surgery or minimally invasive treatments, which reached 15.6 million procedures in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Sixty-four percent of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery members reported an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectables in patients under age 30 in 2015, according to a recent survey.

Additionally, it is no longer that every bride or groom is a fresh-faced 20-something. The average age that people are getting married is also on the rise—29 for women, 31 for men, according to the XO Group’s 2015 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed 18,000 brides and grooms who got married in 2015. This means an increasing number of them may already be looking to reverse signs of aging before they walk down the aisle.

Take the Time to Plan Ahead

If your pre-wedding grooming will involve more than a quick manicure or hair style, you need to plan ahead. “We encourage brides, mothers, and their wedding party participants to consider arranging consultation appointments as early as a year before the big day,” says Chung. This means thinking about potential changes soon after the engagement, which in 2015 lasted an average of 14.5 months, according to the XO Group survey.

The planning process can start with a consultation to discuss the various options, which it’s best to schedule at least six to eight months prior to the event, advises Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS, a board certified facial plastic surgeon at The New England Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Center. This provides enough time to take advantage of a number of popular treatments, she says.

Develop a Treatment Plan

Whether you’re looking to blast breakouts or smooth patchy, dry skin, a custom-designed treatment plan can help get your skin photo-ready. See Dr. Anna Petropoulos’ top four skin treatment plans to prepare for the big day:

At-home regimen
Start this process six months ahead of the event to tackle skin-care woes.

Photo facial
Begin these two to three months ahead of time to even out skin pigment, and clear and tone the face.

Thermage treatments
Start treatments three months before the wedding to tighten the skin, and lift the eyes and brows.

Filler or botox
For filler, begin two months before the event, and for Botox, try a month ahead of time to help smooth and plump the skin or lips.

These are just a few of the surgical and minimally invasive procedures that people are seeking out in advance of the wedding day to help improve their appearance and refresh. Brides and women aren’t the only ones taking part. Some eight percent of those seeking cosmetic treatments are men—who had 1.3 million cosmetic procedures in 2015.

Addressing Long-Term Issues

Sometimes weddings provide the impetus for people to take care of cosmetic flaws that have been gnawing at them for years—such as hair loss. “We certainly see women who are hoping to address concerns about their hair in preparation for a special event,” says Lacey Sellati, RN, PA-C, director of clinical services at Boston-based MediTresse, which provides medical hair rejuvenation. “While preparing for a wedding or other event, like a reunion for example, many women begin to pay closer attention to their hair. They will seek out new hair colors or cuts to try to improve the overall look and to help address concerns about thinning. This often prompts a visit to our office to find out if there are other things they can be doing to improve the state of their hair.” Today, there are a number of hair-replacement options that can help them find a confidence-boosting solution that will last long beyond the wedding day.

While for some, the problem is thinning hair, for others, it’s too much hair in the wrong places. “For women it is often underarms, legs, hands, bikini line, and the upper lip area; and for men, the neck, chest, and back,” says Lilach Koren, Regional Manager, CARE Laser. “When you are front and center up on the altar, dancing with your hands up to the sky, or jumping in the pool—you just want to feel beautiful, confident, and happy.  You want to be thinking about celebrating with your friends, and not worrying about ‘oh no, did I remember to shave there?”

Looking to be hair-free in time to walk down the aisle? It’s best to start six months ahead of the wedding and do series of monthly treatments leading up to the event. However, even a last minute zap a week before the wedding can make a difference, says Koren. Ask about couples promotions that allow couples to tackle problem areas at a discount.

Another option that is increasing in popularity is the use of pre-wedding lash extensions, which stay on six to seven weeks—well after the honeymoon is over. “Most brides opt for Russian Volume eyelash extensions while others opt for a Lash Lift and tint to curl and darken their lashes,” says Cherise Morris, founder and Elite Lash Artist^® at Elite Lash Studio in Boston. Lash extensions can enhance the eyes without looking unnatural.

Whether opting for a permanent fix or a temporary enhancement, making physical improvements before a wedding can help many feel more confident and relaxed when the big day rolls around—and in many instances—for many years beyond.

Resource Directory

CARE Laser
888.240.0179
care-laser.com/en

Elite Lash Studio
617.262.5274
elitelashstudio.com

Jeannie Chung, MD, Plastic Surgery, Rejuvenation
781.235.FACE (3223)
drjeanniechung.com

MediTresse
800.381.HAIR (4247)
meditress.com

The New England Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Center
978.739.9500
classicface.com