Perfect nip-and-tuck look for wedding belles
SOMETHING old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, has long been believed to bring good fortune to blushing brides on their wedding day. But these days “something new” has taken on a different meaning as more brides-to-be are going under the knife in order to be picture perfect on their big day.
Latest figures suggest that one in three books in for pre-wedding surgery or non-invasive treatments such as Botox, fillers and laser facials so they look flawless when they walk down the aisle. At our clinic we’ve also treated mothers of the bride, grooms, best men and bridesmaids. In fact we once treated the entire wedding party on both sides.
So as the country counts down to the next royal wedding we’ve put together a guide to the most popular pre-wedding treatments.
BRIDAL BEAUTY COUNTDOWN
It is really important to plan ahead so you and your doctor can factor in post-treatment recovery time. It can take months to recover from surgical procedures so if you are thinking about having a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or nose job, book it at least nine to 12 months ahead of the big day.
Most non-surgical treatments need commitment and time as best results are cumulative and seen three to six months afterwards.
Even Botox and fillers can bruise the skin so it’s best to have these four to six weeks before to give the treatment time to settle. You can have a top-up two weeks before the ceremony but no later.
A week before the wedding we recommend microdermabrasion which involves spraying tiny crystals on the face to blast away dead skin, leaving the complexion clear, healthy and glowing. This is priced from £60.
TOP TREATMENTS Arm thread lift
With the popularity of sleeveless wedding dresses it’s no surprise toned arms are often top of a bride’s wishlist.
While a lot can be achieved through exercise it has its limitations. Weight-based workouts will tone the muscles in the arm but unfortunately they can’t tighten lax or sagging skin. A surgical arm lift used to be the only option to banish bingo wings but now body threads can be used to tighten the skin, contouring curves and making the arms look smoother.
The threads are inserted with a fine needle to gently lift sagging skin. The body naturally absorbs the threads after eight months but during that time they boost collagen production, firming from within. You should expect some bruising and swelling for up to a week after the procedure and best results are seen after six weeks.
Costs from £1,500
The super facial
For the ultimate glow we recommend weekly radiofrequency facials for at least two months to boost collagen production, soften fine lines and restore radiance.
The facials are combined with a monthly peel to keep pores clear and refine the skin’s texture.
Costs from £1,500 for an eight-week course.
Skin smoother
Fractora is an advanced radiofrequency treatment that is popular with older brides as it targets uneven skin tone,
pigmentation marks and thread veins. A small device releases radiofrequency energy into the skin, creating tiny holes that the body naturally repairs.
The healing process triggers collagen and elastin production which over time dramatically improves skin quality.
There may be some swelling and bruising for up to a week after the initial treatment.
Costs from £1,000
Knife-free facelift
If you want tighter, firmer and lifted skin but don’t want surgery, high-intensity focused ultrasound could be the answer.
This new noninvasive treatment delivers a series of ultrasound pulses deep into the skin’s connective tissue to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
The treatment can be used to rejuvenate the brows and neck as well as for overall skin tightening. Best results are seen after three months when new collagen has formed. There may be redness or bruising after the treatment but this can easily be covered with mineral make-up. Results last up to one year.
Costs from £1,500
Body contouring
Popular with brides who want to slim their stomach, hips or thighs, TiteFX is a noninvasive fat-busting procedure that is a faster alternative to liposuction.
The 60-minute treatment uses radiofrequency and light energy to destroy fat cells. It feels like a warm massage and no recovery time is needed. Best results after six to 10 weekly sessions.
Costs from £1,000
Curve creator
Alternatively, if you want to add curves, the Brazilian Butt Lift will give your behind a natural boost. Spare fat is taken from the stomach or thighs and injected into the buttocks through tiny incisions.
This will restore volume and help pad out the cheeks. Using your own fat ensures a more natural-looking result and it won’t be rejected by the body.
Best results are seen three to six months after treatment.
Costs from £4,000 For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds. com