Couples spend an average of 14 months being engaged before their weddings, according to recent statistics released by The Knot. In addition to finalizing details like flower arrangements and seating charts, bride-to-bes (and grooms too!) also plan for various aesthetic treatments prior to their big day in order to look their absolute best—and we’re not just talking about facials and hair care.
What the dermatologist says:
“There has certainly been an increase in requests for treatments from brides and grooms,” says New York dermatologist Adebola Dele-Michael, MD. “Most people consider their wedding day one of the most important days of their lives, so they go to every length to make sure they look absolutely perfect.” Dr. Dele-Michael’s most requested treatments are Botox and fillers because as she explains, treatments are quick and results can be seen within a week.
Other popular requests include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), chemical peels and noninvasive fat reducers like CoolSculpting. For brides, Dr. Dele-Michael’s number-one recommendation is a combination of IPL and chemical peels. “These treatments correct blemished skin and get rid of dead skin cells, revealing a more radiant complexion.” Unlike fillers, where patients can come in just weeks before their big day, Dr. Dele-Michael recommends any IPL or chemical peel treatments start at least six months before.
What the facial plastic surgeon says:
New York facial plastic surgeon Dilip D. Madnani, MD, gets a steady flow of requests from patients in preparation for events, too. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with brides and grooms of all ages, from 30s to 60s.” He says that younger patients opt for injectables and fillers, varying from fat transfers to hyaluronic acid types, and common surgical requests include facelifts or fat transfer.
“My number-one suggestion is to plan your rejuvenation with as much diligence as you plan the wedding,” says Dr. Madnani. “For surgical procedures, I suggest they be completed at least four weeks before any event. And plan any injectables at least a week in advance in case a touch-up is required or a small bruise develops, which will give it time to dissipate.”
What the cosmetic dentist says:
Wedding photos (not to mention the popular engagement shoots) are treasured keepsakes that last long after the newly married couple cuts the cake. For that reason alone, brides and grooms want their smiles to look picture-perfect come wedding day. “Cosmetic dentistry has become more mainstream as a faster alternative to orthodontics to make smiles their prettiest,” says Los Altos, CA, cosmetic dentist Bruce Hartley, DDS.
“In-office bleaching is always a popular request from brides and grooms,” says Dr. Hartley. Treatments should be done a couple weeks before, and the results can last up to two years—an added bonus for honeymoon and anniversary pictures. When teeth need a little more work than a color boost, Dr. Hartley recommends veneers. “Veneers can now be done without tooth reduction (grinding), and results can last decades!” he says. If veneers sound like the right choice for you, plan an appointment with your board-certified cosmetic dentist at least three months in advance.
