In a quest to make the big day as memorable as possible, more brides (and grooms) are adding plastic surgery to the list that includes purchasing rings and finding a venue. Statistics show that pre-wedding cosmetic procedures are on the rise, from minimally invasive injectable treatments to surgical procedures that offer dramatic, permanent results. While these extensive makeovers are gaining steam with brides of all ages, proper preparation is essential to ensure plastic surgery offers maximum benefit for the wedding day and beyond.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures
Some brides-to-be and their future husbands are opting for minimally invasive, temporary enhancements to give them a subtle boost for the big day. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the most popular pre-wedding cosmetic procedures in 2012 included:
- Botox injections
- Soft tissue fillers
- Chemical peels
Botox and dermal fillers can both be used to smooth away fine lines and facial wrinkles that can begin to make their appearance as early as the late 20s or early 30s. Soft tissue fillers like Juvederm Voluma can also be used to add volume to areas of the face, like the cheeks and lips. Chemical peels provide full skin rejuvenation benefits and can minimize the appearance of minor imperfections like fine lines, brown spots, and shallow scarring.
Popular Plastic Surgeries
The AAFPRS also found that a growing number of brides are opting for surgical procedures to permanently enhance specific facial features before they take their memorable walk down the aisle. The most popular surgical procedures for brides-to-be in 2012 included:
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Facelift
Rhinoplasty can alter the size and shape of the nose to achieve facial symmetry and balance. It can also be used to address functional issues like a deviated septum and nasal obstruction. Eyelid surgery offers a variety of benefits, from eliminating puffy skin under the eyes to creating a more wide-eyed, refreshed look overall. A facelift is typically recommended for women who show more advanced signs of facial aging, like sagging jowls, neck laxity, and fullness.
Other popular pre-wedding procedures include liposuction (for both men and women) and breast augmentation.
Creating a Treatment Timeline
Timing is everything when it comes to pre-wedding cosmetic procedures. Whether you’re getting married in six months or over a year from now, it’s crucial to plan your treatments to allow time for healing, results to settle, and, if necessary, touch-up appointments.
- 6-12 months before: Plan for any major surgical procedures like rhinoplasty, breast surgery, or a facelift. This gives you enough time for healing and touch-ups.
- 3-6 months before: Schedule non-surgical body contouring, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels.
- 1-3 months before: Perfect time for Botox, dermal fillers, and microneedling.
- 1-2 weeks before: Last-minute skincare treatments like a light peel or facial for that final glow. Avoid anything that might cause irritation close to the wedding day.
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for pre-wedding cosmetic procedures, so it’s important to evaluate your readiness before committing. You’re likely a good candidate if:
- You’re in good health: No major medical issues that could affect healing.
- You have realistic expectations: Enhancements can boost confidence, but won’t drastically change your identity.
- You’re doing it for yourself: The decision should come from a personal desire, not outside pressure.
- You have time to recover: Schedule procedures early enough to allow for proper healing.
- You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding: Many treatments are not recommended during this time.
Tips for Pre-Wedding Plastic Surgery
Whether you are seeking minimally invasive treatments or surgical solutions, Dr. Andrews has the skill and expertise to help you look and feel your best for your big day. To learn more about options in pre-wedding cosmetic surgery, contact Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery: 319-318-6625.
