The most common mistake we see before a wedding is a big change booked too close to the date, like a facelift three weeks before the photos. The fix is order. Big changes go first, skin work runs in the background, small refinements come last, and wedding week stays calm.
Here is the countdown we give engaged patients at our Lakeview office. Your own plan depends on your skin, your health and your date, and we set it at your consult.
The Short Version
- 12 months or more: facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty.
- 6 to 12 months: tummy tuck, breast augmentation, liposuction. Start Sculptra.
- 3 to 6 months: eyelid surgery. Start a laser series.
- 6 to 8 weeks: filler, Kybella, SkinVive.
- 4 weeks: Botox.
- 2 weeks: last light treatment, such as a CoolPeel or MOXI.
- Wedding week: nothing new.
12 Months or More: Face and Nose Surgery
A deep plane facelift is about 90 percent healed at six weeks, and most people can be seen without it being obvious by week two. The last 10 percent of swelling takes six to twelve months to settle, and that is when the final result shows. A neck lift recovers faster, fully by about six weeks, but give it the same runway if you want photos you will like in twenty years.
Rhinoplasty takes longer than anything else here. Tip swelling is the last to leave, and the final shape is judged at about a year.
6 to 12 Months: Body and Breast Surgery, and Sculptra
After a tummy tuck, full exercise returns at six weeks, but lower-belly swelling settles over three to six months and the scar matures over a year. After breast augmentation, the implants have settled by week six and the shape keeps softening for several months; we judge it from month three, not before. Liposuction needs a compression garment through week six and a last check at month three.
Sculptra belongs here too. A typical plan for the face is three sessions four weeks apart, and results usually show by six months. It is the slow, natural option, which is the point.
3 to 6 Months: Eyelid Surgery and Lasers
Most people are back at work two weeks after eyelid surgery, and makeup is often allowed by then. The contour keeps settling for months, and month three is when to judge your lids.
This is also the window to start a laser series. A CoolPeel leaves skin red, like a sunburn, for a day or two. Deeper CO2 resurfacing takes longer to heal, so book it here rather than late.
6 to 8 Weeks: \Filler, Kybella and SkinVive
Swelling, bruising and firmness after filler can last one to three weeks. We see you again at 10 to 14 days with photos, and six to eight weeks gives room for a touch-up without rushing it. Kybella swelling and firmness settle over one to three weeks too, and it often takes more than one session.
4 Weeks: Botox
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Letybo show their full effect by day 14. That is when we see you for a follow-up, and touch-ups are done no sooner than two weeks after treatment. Four weeks out gives you both. All four are $15 per unit at our office.
2 Weeks: The Last Light Treatment
A CoolPeel or MOXI two weeks out leaves time for a day or two of redness and a few days of flaking. One rule matters for the order: we ask for 14 days between toxin and any laser, peel or facial. Do lasers before Botox, not after.
Wedding Week
Nothing new. Sunscreen, sleep and the skin care you already use. The best compliment on the day is "you look incredible", not "who did your work?"
Book a Planning Visit
Bring your date and your photos. For injectables and skin, you will see Brittony Croasdell, MS, FNP-BC, who trains other injectors for Allergan and Galderma. For surgery, you will see Dr. Hill, who does every operation himself. You will leave with a plan and the price, or a clear reason to wait until after the wedding.
FAQ
How long before my wedding should I get Botox?
About four weeks. Botox shows its full effect by day 14, and that is when we see you for a follow-up and any touch-up. Four weeks leaves room for both.
How long before my wedding should I get filler?
Six to eight weeks. Swelling, bruising and firmness can last one to three weeks, and you want time for a follow-up at 10 to 14 days and a touch-up if one is needed.
Can I get a laser treatment and Botox before my wedding?
Yes, laser first. We ask for 14 days between toxin and any laser, peel or facial, so plan the laser, then Botox at least two weeks later.
Is it too late to have surgery before my wedding?
It depends on the operation. A facelift or rhinoplasty needs a year to settle. Eyelid surgery needs about three months. Bring your date to the consult and we will tell you what fits and what should wait until after.
Ready to plan your pre-wedding timeline?
Whether you’re looking at a quick refresh or a more significant change, the right treatment depends on how much time you have before the big day. Explore the services mentioned above: