Pre-Wedding Makeover: Complete Guide to Aesthetic Treatments and When to Schedule Them

Weddings are about creating memories and capturing special moments. With an array of aesthetic treatment options available, it can be confusing and even distressing in preparation for your big day trying to look your best while juggling the logistics required. Therefore, we have prepared a pre-wedding makeover step-by-step guide ranging from facial to body aesthetic treatments to help you look your absolute best for your big day.

 

6 Months Before

Flawless Complexion

Skincare regime

Starting a consistent skincare regime early is key to achieving great skin on your wedding day. Remember to cleanse, tone, apply serum, moisturise and use sunscreen on a daily basis. Always remember to remove your makeup completely by double cleansing at the end of the day to prevent clog pores and aged skin.

Lasers

Skin irregularities such as raised cystic acne bumps or depressed acne scars are not easily concealed with makeup and are obvious under the spotlight. To treat and prevent acne, a combination of topical and/ or oral medications with lasers (Yellow and Nd:YAG) performed at 3-4 weekly intervals is an effective treatment strategy.

In the treatment of acne scars, fractional resurfacing laser, microneedling and/ or subscision and filler/ collagen stimulators (for deeper and more adhesive scars) performed on a monthly basis will smoothen scars and also tighten pores. A topical retinoid such as Adapalene 0.1% can also be started subsequently dose adjusted according to your skin condition assessed by your doctor.

 

Injectables to improve skin quality

To improve skin quality even further, injectables can be combined with lasers to achieve better and faster results. Skin boosters containing hyaluronic acid (HA) aim to hydrate and provide radiance for the skin whilst Polynucleotides (PN)/ Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) help to tighten pores and improve skin texture. These treatments can be injected alone or in combination typically over 3-4 sessions done at 3 weekly intervals and maintained 6 monthly for best results.

BDDE-free injectable HA involves 5 injection points on each side of the face/ neck that provides hydration, skin tightening, lifting and treatment of fine lines. This involves 2 sessions performed 1 month apart and maintained 6 monthly for best results.

Lastly, liquid polycaprolactone (PCL) is an anti-aging treatment that aims to stimulate collagen synthesis and increases skin elasticity for a generalised lift. This involves 5 injection points on each side of the face over 3 sessions performed 1 month apart and maintained 6 monthly for best results.

Hair Removal

Laser hair removal helps to reduce unwanted hair. Common treatment areas include the armpits, arms, legs, upper lip and chin.

During laser hair removal, concentrated light energy emitted is converted to heat which damages the hair follicles. This damage inhibits or delays hair growth. Multiple laser hair removal treatments done at 3 weekly intervals are needed for initial hair removal and maintenance treatments might be needed as well.

Skin Tightening and Lifting

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that is highly recommended to achieve a more lifted and tighter skin without down time and minimal discomfort. The face, eyebrows, double chin and neck can be targeted.

HIFU uses ultrasound energy that penetrates into the different layers of the skin. It creates heat which stimulates the production of collagen, causing the skin to have a natural lift over time. Some individuals may notice an initial lift immediately after HIFU. However for the most significant results, it will take 2 to 3 months with continued improvement up to 6 months as collagen synthesis occurs.

Treat Stubborn Fat

Fat contouring treatments

Cryolipolysis and Radiofrequency Technology (i.e. Vanquish) are non-surgical fat reduction treatments that are aimed to target the treatment of stubborn fats and sculpt your figure. Common areas of concern include the belly, hips, thighs and upper arms.

Cryolipolysis works by freezing and causing permanent fat cells destruction. The procedure involves using applicators to freeze targeted areas of fat deposits or bulges that do not respond to diet and exercise. Fat cells permanently destroyed by cryolipolysis become waste products and are processed by the lymphatic system and removed from the body.

Vanquish uses thermal energy generated through radiofrequency technology to destroy fat cells. Unlike cryolipolysis, this treatment involves a large panel that emits radiofrequency energy, targeting the fat layer and heating it to 45 degrees thereby killing fat cells, while the skin and muscles are unaffected due to it being contactless. It allows for better circumferential reduction of body parts that have a large surface area such as the belly versus cryolipolysis’ treatment area which is limited by the applicator size.

Timing is very important for fat contouring treatments as it can take two to three months to see significant results. A body assessment and consultation is essential to establish the most suitable device for your body and the number of treatment sessions needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Months Before

Volumisation

3 months prior to your big day is the perfect time to consider dermal fillers/ collagen stimulators to restore volume to the face. The treatment plan can be largely separated into using dermal fillers to provide foundation volume over the cheeks followed by contour over the temples, jawline, chin, nose and lastly, refinement of facial features such as tear trough for dark eye circles, smile lines and lips.

This will provide a gradual improvement in your facial aesthetic profile to look more fresh and feminine whilst looking natural at the same time. Dermal fillers when performed by an experienced medical practitioner provide immediate results, are safe and have minimal downtime, if any. Typically fillers can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years depending on the type of product used.

 

Soften wrinkles

To help smoothen lines on your forehead, between the eyebrows and crow’s feet, which are difficult to be conceal using makeup, Botulinum toxin can be injected. The trend nowadays is towards a natural softening of wrinkles rather than a frozen look, especially in Asian societies. Natural results with no complications using Botulinum toxin can be achieved by going to an experienced medical practitioner who would use an appropriate dose depending on how active your muscles are and employing the correct injection technique.

In addition to softening lines, Botulinum toxin can also be injected into the jaw muscles for slimming and a more contoured V-shape face.

Provided an appropriate and sufficient Botulinum toxin dose is administered, it typically takes at 2 to 4 weeks to establish its full results and can last up to 4 to 6 months depending on the area treated.

 

1 Month Before

Your big day is just around the corner! With the treatments performed previously according to schedule, you would be close to looking your best. You may consider doing lasers for skin brightening and rejuvenation to look your absolute best but avoid fractional resurfacing laser/ microneedling that may potentially cause extended downtime and side effects such as acne breakouts.

In the same vein, last minute hydrating facials that have no downtime which exfoliate, hydrate and nourish the skin using medical grade serums can be performed to give you the glow and refreshed look to walk down the aisle looking your very best.

 

Written by Dr. David,

MBBS,MRCS

 

8 Medical Aesthetic Clinic

Disclaimer: The material contained in this is for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for doctor’s advice, diagnosis, or treatment.