Summer Weddings: The Ultimate Bridal Plastic Surgery and Skincare Timeline

As wedding season is quickly approaching it’s important to plan any plastic surgeries or aesthetic treatments in advance. It is not just the time it takes for the procedure, but healing varies and can take as long as 6 months. Most non-invasive treatments can be completed during the final months.

12 Months Prior to your Wedding Day

Bridal plastic surgery and skincare should be planned at least one year prior. If you are planning your wedding at least 12 months in advance and are considering any type of surgery schedule a consult with Dr. Larrabee. During your consult he will be able to provide a realistic schedule for the amount of time needed to recover depending on the type of surgery.

The most common pre-wedding procedures include facelifts, blepharoplasty (eye lifts) and rhinoplasties (nose jobs).

9 Months

Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction will require as many as 6 treatments. You will want to begin planning these 9 months in advance in order to maximize benefits.

3-6 Months

Coolsculpting

If you are considering slimming down those challenging areas, CoolSculpting may be an option for you.  CoolSculpting is an FDA approved non-surgical procedure for removal of localized fat deposits around the middle of the body and under the chin through a process called cryolipolysis or fat freezing.

Fat freezing is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that can be performed during a lunch hour break without anesthesia.  It is completely safe and effective for removal of body fat for areas approved for its use. However, it is not a weight loss procedure and final results generally occur post-operatively within three to six months and may require more than one treatment for optimal results. It’s important to schedule your first CoolSculpting treatment at least four months prior to your wedding date.

CoolTone

CoolTone is a device for improving tone and strength of the abdominal muscles for a firmer abdomen. It is also used for strengthening, toning and firming buttocks and thighs. It can be used in conjunction with Coolsculpting for the ultimate improvement in fat reduction and toning. Schedule your first treatment 3-4 months prior to your wedding date especially if you plan on doing multiple treatments.

2-3 Months

Botulinum Toxins and Dermal Fillers

A combination of Botulinum toxins like Botox or Dysport and Dermal Fillers like Juvéderm, Sculptra, Belotero, Restylane, etc. will create a balanced and younger looking face. It may require approximately two weeks for the maximum benefit of any Botulinum toxins to fully take effect and a few days for dermal fillers to smooth out. Some bruising and swelling may occur as a result of these injections but generally heal quickly. We recommend treatment at six weeks just in case any touch-ups are needed prior to the wedding date.

Sofwave

Sofwave is our newest treatment for the face and neck. It is FDA approved for lifting the brow and submental tissue and neck. It will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with tightening and firming the skin. Patients can expect results with just one treatment but may choose to do a second. Results are visible as early as one week following treatment with the maximum benefit achieved over a 3-month period. Schedule your Sofwave treatment 2-3 months prior to your wedding date.

Microneedling

Microneedling and SkinPen rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. SkinPen Precision can improve your complexion and reduce wrinkles on the neck as well as acne scars. Although the healing time is only 1-3 days, treatments are 6 weeks apart. While you will notice results in as little as one treatment you may want multiple treatments. Begin this treatment 3-4 months prior to your wedding date

1 Month

IPL (Photofacial)

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) uses a non-ablative laser to improve discoloration and pigmentation including redness, dark spots and acne. Although there is no downtime you may want multiple treatments. Schedule your first IPL 2-3 months prior to your wedding.

Hydrafacials

Get the healthy bridal glow with a custom Hydrafacial. Deeply clean, exfoliate, extract, hydration and antioxidant protection all in one session. There is no downtime and is ideal for just days prior to your wedding.  You will still need to schedule several weeks if not months in advance.

Microdermabrasion

This is a minimally invasive treatment that involves gently sanding down your skin which will promote new skin growth. With no down time or recovery period following treatment, microdermabrasion is an excellent choice for a last minute treatment. We recommend scheduling weeks if not months in advance to secure your appointment time.

Chemical Peels

We have several types of chemical peels. Chemical peels will help erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores, and build collagen and elastin, which tighten skin. It is extremely effective in practically eliminating hyperpigmentation, including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation tissue to address.

Skin should heal within one week. To be safe schedule your peels 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding day.

This is a brief overview of the more popular treatments for a bridal plastic surgery timeline. For more details on these surgeries check out or blog posts

For any type of surgery schedule a consult with Dr. Larrabee as soon as possible. With over 32 years of experience and thousands of happy clients he will be able to recommend the best options for you.

Any other treatment it is essential to schedule a consultation with one of our estheticians at least 6 months prior to your wedding date. Our estheticians work with many brides and will customize a skincare treatment plan that will work best for you. The end result will be beautiful for your wedding day.

Schedule an appointment at The Larrabee Center for Plastic Surgery 

Seattle, Washington area patients interested in procedures such as the traditional facelift may want to speak with Dr. Wayne Larrabee of The Larrabee Center for Plastic Surgery about their options. The office is located at 600 Broadway #280 and can be reached by calling (206) 386-3550.