Most brides dream that everything will go perfectly at their wedding. And with all eyes on them on their special day, this includes their appearance. Some brides may consider a skin rejuvenation procedure, but Paul Stanislaw, M.D., a respected facial cosmetic surgeon, warns “all too often, by the time someone thinks about it, the window of opportunity has closed, leading to disappointment.”
With so much to plan, facial plastic surgery may not be the bride’s top priority, but unfortunately, the process of facial plastic surgery takes longer than a one-time-stop into the surgeon’s office. All skin rejuvenation procedures require a consultation, regardless of whether it will be surgical or nonsurgical. It may take up to several weeks to schedule a consultation and then an additional two to 10 weeks to coordinate appointments depending on the type of procedure. As such, Stanislaw recommends planning a surgical procedure a minimum of six months before a wedding but prefers a comfortable 12 months in advance.
Brides have several options for procedures and can decide which is most fitting for them at a consultation. The following are the most popular procedures.
- Fillers: Dermal fillers can help to restore volume in hollow areas of the face, rejuvenate the eyes and cheeks, plump the lips, and soften facial creases and wrinkles. Dermal fillers instantly take effect, although the duration of fillers depends on which product is used and where it is injected. As a rule, the closer to the mouth, the quicker it breaks down.
Recovery time varies from one to two weeks for most injections. Stanislaw recommends eight to 10 weeks for eye rejuvenation.
- Blepharoplasty: Upper Blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, can be beneficial to those with loose or sagging skin on or around their upper eyelids. Allow at least one to two months of recovery for this procedure.
Lower Blepharoplasty, or lower eyelid surgery, can correct bags under the eyes. In some cases, fillers can be used instead of surgery, however, if a patient is a candidate for this as an alternative treatment, this would be determined during a consultation. Recovery takes between one to two weeks.
- Liquid Facelift: Some patients may be able to opt for a non-surgical facelift, also known as a liquid facelift. These can be achieved with minimal downtime over a relatively short period. This could be a combination of Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, Sculptra, or any combination of these products. If a significant amount of volume loss exists, it may be more cost-effective to start with a series of Sculptra injections or consider a surgical procedure.
A liquid facelift can take up to a year to finish depending on the treatment plan. It is important to note that a liquid facelift cannot address loose skin of the neck, and that surgery is the only effective treatment for the neck.
- Facelift: If a person is experiencing sagging of the lower face and neck, a facelift may be the answer. This procedure can be done in the office or at an outpatient surgical center. Bruising and swelling will occur during the healing process, often lasting about two weeks. Most patients can return to work after two weeks. Stanislaw recommends allowing two to three months following a facelift for optimum recovery, and four to six months if the patient is also adding volume through fillers.
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