Every
bride wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day, so naturally bridal beauty is
a topic we cover often. But what about fixes that go beyond makeup and Spanx?
For those of you who have already decided to take the plunge with cosmetic
procedures or are on the fence about them, we talked to Dr. Edward Miranda, a
San-Francisco-based board certified plastic surgeon
specializing in high risk surgeries, who gave us the scoop on the most popular non-invasive
treatments for brides and things to consider when considering cosmetic
procedures.
He
tells us:
Plan
Ahead
Any bride-to-be that is considering
getting a non-invasive procedure should start planning ahead! Also, don't
do anything too drastic too close to the big day! Procedures such as CO2
lasers, and some of the stronger chemical peels yield amazing final results,
but you will need to plan for some downtime while your skin heals. Same goes
for fillers - some patients are more susceptible to bruising and swelling, and
you want to be sure to give yourself at least 7-10 days in case you bruise. For
bruising & swelling we recommend Arnica & Bromelain supplements to
help speed up the healing process. Some non-invasive procedures (such as
CoolSculpting) take a few months until results really start to show.
CoolSculpting is great for eliminating areas of stubborn fat that are resistant
to diet and exercise. The most commonly treated areas are the abdomen &
love handles (or flanks).
Find
Your Perfect Match
It’s also important to research a
reputable board certified plastic surgeon (it's ok to visit a few before you
decide). Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have extensive training in cosmetic
procedures that some other practices or medi-spas may not have. Finding a great
surgeon who understands your specific needs is crucial to obtaining results
you'll be happy with. Every surgeon has a different style, support staff, and
facility. All of these can come into play when deciding who you trust &
feel most comfortable with addressing all of your particular concerns.
Popular Treatments Among Brides-to-Be:
Botox:
Quick, easy, painless, and only takes about 4-6 days before you notice results.
There isn't an adult face out there that couldn't benefit from a little Botox.
You'll look brighter, your fine lines will be smoother, and you'll keep coming
back for more.
Fillers:
What bride wouldn't want her lips feeling full and luscious for her very first
kiss as a married woman? Fillers are a great & subtle way to add volume and
youthfulness back to your face & lips. The most popular areas that future
brides receive fillers in are the lips and nasolabial folds (those parentheses
from your nose to your lips).
Sclerotherapy:
These surprisingly affordable injections treat those pesky little spider veins
that take over your legs. The treatment is a great way for brides to make sure
their legs are looking their very best for the series of parties, showers, and
dinners leading up to the wedding.
Affordable Options, Great Results:
First and foremost - Diet &
Exercise: There's nothing healthier you can do for yourself than to maintain a
clean & healthy diet regimen paired with a well rounded workout routine.
Whether you are about to walk down the aisle or just looking to make healthier
lifestyle choices, diet & exercise will always be the cornerstone of
maintaining a youthful, attractive appearance. Other than the minimal costs of
purchasing slightly pricier foods on your next shopping trip and maybe a gym
membership (if you aren't already paying for one you haven't used in months),
this is certainly the most budget friendly way to make sure you are aisle-ready
in no time.
Skin
peels: PCA brand skin peels tend to be most effective with very
little downtime. At only $150 each, it's an affordable treatment for acne, fine
lines, and hyper pigmentation. PCA has a peel for everything!
Oxygen
facials: Known in the aesthetic industry as the
"red carpet facial" this treatment is quite the bang for your buck!
Depending on where you go, the treatments usually range from about $150 - $300
each. Oxygen facials focus on hydration, hydration, hydration. Serums packed
with hyaluronic acid & antioxidants are gently pushed into the skin
using a device that looks similar to an airbrush which sprays therapeutic
medical grade oxygen. Infused with oxygen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants,
your skin looks refreshed and ultra-hydrated for the next 24-48 hours. Works
great on the lips as well!
Microdermabrasion:
This popular treatment ranges anywhere from $100 - $200. Microdermabrasion is a
tried and true treatment that sloughs off all those dead skin cells that can
make your skin appear dull. The treatment is relatively painless, and leaves
skin looking polished & smooth.
Dr. Miranda
graduated from medical school at Cornell and did his residency training in
general surgery at the University of California San Francisco. He is board
certified by the American Board of plastic surgery; his philosophy on
aesthetic surgery is that “natural, subtle
changes reveal true beauty” and “natural-appearing changes are often far
more powerful in improving appearance and maintaining beauty than dramatic
changes.” To learn more, visit his site www.pacificplasticsurgerygroup.com.
