Plastic Surgery Before Marriage? How To Get The Timing Right

If you're preparing to walk down the aisle, you might be thinking that plastic surgery can perfect your wedding photos and spice up your honeymoon. Cosmetic treatments can transform you into a glowing bride, but if not planned carefully, you can end up spending your wedding morning trying to camouflage a black eye. Recovery takes times and even minor complications can make matters worse. However, with some planning and research, you can look confident and youthful in all of your bridal photos.

Timing is one of the most important aspects of any wedding, and plastic surgery is not for the impatient bride. Not only do popular surgeons have long waiting lists, but also there may be other delays to consider before committing to a procedure date. Any invasive procedure that requires anesthesia and incisions should be scheduled at least a year in advance of any impending nuptials. It will take a few weeks to consult with various surgeons, and then it may be another three to six months before the procedure is scheduled. Recovery will vary from a minimum of two weeks for most treatments such as breast augmentation or liposuction, and up to a month to account for residual bruising or potential complications. More intense procedures, such as tummy tucks, will have longer recovery times.

Even when choosing a non-invasive cosmetic treatment, such as facial filler, you should always allow extra recovery time. One of the most common side effects of any injection are bruising and redness. While normally this will dissipate within a few days, individual healing times will vary greatly. Some women will experience extended bruising, which while not a health threat, is difficult to cover with makeup.

Another potential risk of choosing fillers is poor results. A surgeon with a heavy hand may over-inject an area, resulting in the dreaded "trout pout," "duck lips," or frozen forehead. You want to be sure you can smile naturally for your photos. If you have the time, try a trial run a year in advance of your wedding date. Most injectables take three to six months to wear off, so if the results are positive, you can have a second session closer to the day so there won't be any unwelcome surprises.

If you are seeking a smoother complexion, chemical and laser peels are popular options. Many medical spas offer these treatments, but due to their complexity, it is always best to be sure they are performed by a board certified surgeon. Compared with other plastic surgery procedures, peels and laser resurfacing are long-term investments. Sometimes multiple sessions are required for optimal results, and growth of new skin can take months, leaving your skin sensitive and pink in the meantime. You will also have to take extra care to stay out of the sun during the healing period.

So before you take your vows, remember that while marriage may not last a lifetime, plastic surgery will. You must be prepared for the consequences just as much as you are the potential benefits.