After compiling 2012 statistics from member surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found a 28 percent increase in cosmetic procedures in brides under the age of 25. To look radiant on their wedding day, many brides are choosing popular non-surgical procedures like Botox Cosmetic injections, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, chemical peels, and CoolSculpting.
Botox Cosmetic
Over time, simple acts like smiling, squinting, and even frowning can etch lines on your forehead, around your eyes, and around your lips. Many brides do not want to see these lines and creases appearing in wedding portraits, and there is an easy fix.
Botox Cosmetic is an injectable that helps relax the muscles on your face. Injections made into the brow muscles help alleviate the appearance of forehead wrinkles and brow furrows. Near the mouth, the injectable eases lip wrinkles and smile lines. Botox also makes crow’s feet fade.
The injections take little time to administer, about 10 minutes per area. Ice is used to numb the injection site, the injection is given, and then the process is repeated, if necessary. Following the injections, you can get back to normal activities right away.
There is a risk of bruising and swelling following the injections, much like you experience with a vaccination. As a result, brides may want to schedule a Botox appointment at least a week before their wedding. It’s best not to go too early, however, as the effects of Botox wear off after about four months.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found within your body and, unlike collagen injections, there is no risk for an allergic reaction. Both dermal fillers add volume to the injection site. This helps smooth the skin and reduce the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Juvederm Ultra is beneficial filler for fine lines or plumping the lips. Juvederm Ultra Plus is thicker and better for deep lines and creases. Like Botox, the side effects from Juvederm injections include swelling, bruising, and some tenderness at the injection site. Typically, the bruising and swelling do not last for more than seven days. The effects of Juvederm last six months or longer, so brides should plan accordingly to ensure they are picture perfect for their wedding photos.
Restylane is the other option for hyaluronic acid fillers. It’s used to fill in lines and hollows on the cheeks, lips, and tear troughs under the eyes. The filler also helps smooth scars. Restylane also has a lifespan of six months or longer. There are many other options available in injectable fillers and a qualified plastic surgeon can help you to determine which is right for you.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels help smooth the surface of the skin and improve skin tone by sloughing off the dull upper layers of skin. A chemical solution is spread over the problem areas. The acid in the peel causes the top skin layers to peel off and reveal the newer, younger-looking skin layers beneath. These chemical peels come in a range of strengths with the TCA chemical peel being a popular choice with brides.
Following a TCA peel, the recovery time depends on the strength of the peel. A solution that is 10 percent TCA usually requires a recovery period of two or three days. The stronger solution that is upwards of 35 percent may require you to allow two weeks of healing time. As you heal, stay out of the sun.
During the healing process, your skin looks red, like a sunburn, and peels away. Some people experience scabs and crusting skin. You must protect your skin for several months following a peel. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s best to schedule your TCA peel well in advance of your wedding day.
CoolSculpting
While your skin tone is being improved and the fine lines and wrinkles of the face are being diminished, the rest of the body can also benefit from a little attention. CoolSculpting helps blushing brides reduce fat deposits in areas of the body where they are common, such as the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, and bra line. The results of a CoolSculpting procedure are particularly desirable to upcoming brides who have selected form-fitting, strapless dresses, or who have planned a honeymoon to a sunny location where a bathing suit will be the main attire.
CoolSculpting is non-surgical. Fat cells are crystallized by freezing temperatures delivered through a handheld device. The cells then undergo a form of natural cell death called apoptosis and are used by the body as energy or excreted through metabolic processes. The skin and underlying tissues and nerves are left unharmed by the carefully controlled temperature change.
The skin may temporarily appear pink following a session of CoolSculpting. The coloration will return to normal after a couple hours. There may also be some tenderness at the treatment site from the suction of the device, as well as minor bruising lasting up to two weeks. No downtime is needed, though, allowing you to return to planning your wedding right away.
You will need to plan your CoolSculpting procedure well in advance of the big day. Initial results take about three weeks to become visible. The appearance of the treated area’s contour will continue to improve over two to four months.
Attend special events hosted by the Williams Center Plastic Surgery Specialists or receive discounts offered only to fans of Dr. Edwin Williams’ Facebook page. Dr. Williams has more than two decades of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery in the Albany, New York, area. The facial plastic surgeon also has an office in Manhattan. Schedule a pre-wedding consultation with Dr. Williams by calling the Albany office at (518) 786-7000. If Manhattan is a better location, call (212) 799-2100.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.