The Aesthetic Guide to Wedding Planning

This month Dr. Kamakshi R. Zeidler and Dr. Amelia K. Hausauer of Aesthetx, the premier practice in the Silicon Valley for aesthetic medicine, share their advice on how brides and grooms can incorporate plastic surgery and dermatology into their wedding planning. Dr. Zeidler and Dr. Hausauer are excited to share their expertise and recommendations on innovative procedures and treatments that can help wedding couples plan ahead before their special day.

Along with immense excitement comes the mounting pressure to look and feel your best on your wedding day. As the center of attention, brides and grooms typically want to be their most attractive, but are at a loss for where and when to begin. There is always time for finessing, enhancing, and pampering. However, these general guidelines on aesthetic procedures can help in planning for that special day to limit uncertainty and most importantly, stress.

1 year or more prior: Consider aesthetic surgery and body contouring

This is a good time to consider body contouring–be it surgical or minimally invasive–which will allow wedding couples to fit into that gown or dinner jacket comfortably and confidently. If there is part of your body that has always made you self-conscious, that should be the priority. Maybe doing this contouring will help kick-start your exercise regimen, or maybe this is the answer you have been looking for, since, despite best efforts, that love handle or rounded inner thigh doesn’t budge.

• Aesthetic Surgery: This can include anything from breast augmentation or reduction to rhinoplasty to liposuction. At our practice, Aesthetx, we strongly believe that plastic surgery results should ultimately reflect how each patient feels about themselves. Our goal is that each patient should look in the mirror and see a bolder self. An upcoming wedding may provide the incredible opportunity to make that one refinement that you’ve always wanted. With most of these procedures, we recommend scheduling at least 1 year prior to the big day in order to give your body the necessary time to heal. In general it takes 2-3 months to be scheduled for an operation from the time of consultation, so plan ahead. In general, swelling take at least 3 months to go down from any operation, and sometimes touch ups are required. Having surgery at least a year before your big day ensures that you will be fully healed and loving your results. A surgical plan will be highly customized to your unique anatomy, personal style and desired final aesthetic. 
• Coolsculpting: For many, diet and exercise aren’t enough to remove stubborn pockets of fat. We have had great success using CoolSculpting® to sculpt and shape without the downtime of surgery. This technology uses precise cold temperatures to progressively eliminate fat. You can treat essentially anywhere between the chin to the knees over several sessions. In our minds, the beauty of Coolscupting is that you can go from the office straight back to work or to a wedding shower. It doesn’t disrupt your schedule like surgery might. Having said that, results are not immediate and not always as dramatic, so it’s important to start planning and perfecting at least 6 months in advance to allow for full results and appropriate planning. 
• Kybella: KYBELLA® is an injectable treatment to improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. It is also used off-label for other bulges and rolls like that around the bra or a strapless dress. When injected into subcutaneous fat, KYBELLA® causes the destruction of fat cells, which your immune system slows clears out. Like CoolSculpting, this procedures requires several sessions and be done a of minimum 6 months in advance. In our experience, it typically takes a series of 2-6 (usually 3-4) to achieve the best results.

4-6 months prior: Focus on Skin Rejuvenation

This is the window to focus on rejuvenation, pigmentation, and flushing. It takes time to restore luminosity and smooth the complexion, so starting months in advance will give ample time for breathtaking results.

• Laser treatments: These treatments have become some of the most reliable non-surgical cosmetic procedures available. Leaps and bounds in cosmetic laser technology have allowed incredible precision and results—all without needing a single incision or suture. Known for their versatility and cutting-edge technology, laser treatments can target everything from wrinkles, scars, unsightly veins, stretch marks, bothersome hair, and more. Here are some examples: 
  • Laser resurfacing: These treatments are conducted to brighten, glow and smooth the skin and are recommended to be done in a series of 2-4. There are many different resurfacing lasers with variable intensity, results, and downtime. Not everyone is a candidate for every device, so it is important to find a provider who is well-versed in these impactful options. Our patients have been raving about the Halo because of its ability to treat pigmentation and textural irregularities. It can be layered with the BBL for best of all worlds. Insider tip – it’s what Dr. Hausauer plans to do for her wedding.
  • BroadBand Light (BBL): BBL actually isn’t a true laser but instead relies on pulses of broad spectrum light to treat everything from brown spots to blood vessels to unwanted hair. It helps provide skin firmness and cut down on acne. We recommend a series of 3 treatments separated a month apart.
  • V-beam for face/body: The Vbeam laser targets blood vessel and redness in the skin to minimize flushing, rosacea, broken capillaries, spider veins, and red birthmarks. It can even be used from some types of stretch marks (the pink ones, medically termed striae rubra). For those with a ruddy or splotchy complexion, the Vbeam leaves your face even and camera ready.  Generally it requires a series of 3 minimum sessions for optimal results.
  • Laser hair removal: Many brides want to forgo shaving, waxing or other hair removal techniques prior to their weddings. Grooms may not want a shaggy back before that honeymoon getaway. In these cases, laser hair removal is a more durable option but takes time to achieve optimal results. We recommend a series of at least 6 monthly sessions (often more depending on the area), so start early.
  • Microneedle: Microneedling uses acupuncture sized needles to trigger microscopic wound healing and ultimately up the production of collagen. Think more even texture and tone with less acne scars or etched fine lines. It can be done with or without platelet rich plasma (PRP), a component of your own blood rich in growth factor that may boost the overall effects. This is a great option for those with dark skin types or conditions that flare when exposed to heat and light, like melasma, a pigmentation disorder of the skin. Best, most luminous results occur at 3-4 months after a series of treatments.
  • MiraDry: Who doesn’t sweat too much, especially when all eyes are on you at the altar? MiraDry is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce sweat and odor in your underarm region.  Added bonus, the reduction of hair in that region also. To minimize armpit rings in that tuxedo, we recommend starting 4-6 months in advance if you are doing a series of 2 treatments and 2 months in advance if you are doing just 1 treatment. 
• Chemical peels (i.e. Cosmelan): Another option for stubborn pigment, particularly sun-sensitive and hormonally triggered conditions. Whether you try laser or chemical peels depends on your skin’s needs and is an excellent conversation to have with your provider. There are pros and cons to each, so tailoring a specific treatment plan is a joint effort.
• Medical-grade skin and hair care: It takes time to see results from topical products like vitamin A medications (known as retinoids and retinols), antioxidants, and eyelash serums. Allow ample time to see subtle but meaningful changes such as better hydration, less redness, and fewer fine lines. Products such as Latisse(R) encourage eyelash, and off-label eyebrow, growth, but because hair growth cycles, results occur over a matter of months. We cannot understate the importance of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Zinc and titanium based products block both ultraviolet A and B rays and are our preference at Aesthetx… put it on daily and touch-up. Everyone loves a tan but protecting your skin is critical to prevent further damage and preserve all your hard work. Luckily, there are now plenty of airbrushing and sunless tan options. Starting testing these alternatives months in advance as well.

2-3 months prior: Take advantage of injectable treatments

• Neuromodulators fillers (i.e. Botox, Xeomin, Dysport): Soften frown lines and wrinkles that appear with muscle contraction, like a wrinkle when you scrunch a table cloth. Starting several months before your wedding will allow sufficient time to fine tune and ensure a natural appearance. The goal is to look well-rested not stiff, basically you after a good night of sleep.
• Hyaluronic acid filler: Contour, volumize, plump or enhance areas of the face and body. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, and Voluma can be used to create a pillowy pout, minimize dark undereye circles, round and lift cheeks, shape the jawline, or soften lines and folds on the face, neck, or décolletage, all areas frequently exposed in your wedding attire. These products are perfect for rebalancing the face and building beautiful proportion. We see many couples-to-be as well as their parents and wedding parties for soft retouching, no photoshop necessary.

Weeks prior: no more procedures in the weeks leading up to your wedding, don’t try the latest or greatest. There are enough expectations during this period so enjoy little things. Gentle procedures like the SilkPeel, Hydrafacial, or microdermabrasion that allow for exfoliation are one option but hold off at least 3-4 weeks prior unless you’ve tried these before and know how your skin will react.

At Aesthetx, we love partnering with couples to help them feel at home in their own skin. It is a privilege to help guide this experience because in the end, self-care moments are hard to come by when preparing for the big day, so taking time to reflect and invest in your confidence is key.

 

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