For many of us, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are a blessing. They’re quick, easy, don’t require much downtime, and they aren’t as expensive as intensive surgeries.
But knowing when to get them is essential, especially if you’re coming up on a major event. You want to ensure the procedure has settled, and your face doesn’t look bumpy and red on your big day. It’s also helpful to choose the proper technique for the right event and aesthetic.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know, so you can get prepared for your next glamorous affair.
Top Procedures and When to Get Them
Botox/Baby Botox
- What It Is: Small, controlled doses of purified botulinum toxin are injected into the face to block nerve signals and relax muscles. Baby botox is a lighter dose for a more natural look.
- Timing: Starts working within 3-5 days, with optimal results after 10-14 days.
- When To Get it: 2-4 weeks before a red carpet event, wedding, or big party to allow the procedure to settle and leave time for tweak appointments if necessary. 3-4 weeks before photo shoots, as photographers and makeup artists prefer some facial expression.
Microneedling
- What It Is: A small device with tiny needles that is injected into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin
- Timing: Skin is red and irritated for 1-3 days, mild flaking and roughness for 3-7 days, noticeable improvement within 2-4 weeks, best results after a series of 3-6 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart.
- When to Get it: Get microneedling 3-4 weeks before any photo shoot or major event; consider starting months before for optimal results after multiple sessions.
Dermal Fillers
- What It Is: Gels injected under the skin, typically in the lips or cheeks, to restore volume, smooth fine lines, or enhance features. They can be made from various materials, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid.
- Timing: You will see visible results immediately, but swelling and bruising may be present for several days. The procedure will offer optimal improvements in 2-4 weeks.
- When to Get It: 3-4 weeks before major events; however, first timers may consider getting it 2-3 months in advance for a touch-up or dissolving if you aren’t entirely happy with the initial results.
Laser Resurfacing
- What It Is: Laser resurfacing uses light energy to remove or heat layers of skin and improve tone and texture. Ablative lasers remove the skin to trigger new growth, while non-ablative lasers heat the skin to stimulate collagen.
- Timing: You may experience redness, crusting, and peeling for a few days to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Best results will be visible within 4-12 weeks, although collagen remodeling continues for months.
- When to Get It: This is a long-game treatment plan, recommended for someone approaching a big birthday or career pivot rather than a single event. However, if you have a big event coming up, schedule it at least three months in advance to ensure healing.
Non-Surgical Contouring
- What It Is: This procedure can contour the face or body, addressing areas such as the cheeks, jowls, chin, stomach, or thighs, using injections or ultrasound.
- Timing: With injections, swelling can last for several days, and noticeable results may take 4-8 weeks as fat breaks down. Ultrasound tightening offers minimal downtime and tightening builds over 2-6 months.
- When to Get It: Those who want to appear sculpted for a major event should get the treatment 3-6 months in advance. If you’re going to get beach-ready, start during the off-season.
Determining Your Game Plan
Have a big event coming up? Here’s how you can work your game plan.
- Long-Term Planning: Schedule procedures that require long-term healing, like lasers, contouring, and microneedling, 3-6 months out to ensure your skin looks its best.
- Counting Down: Botox, fillers, medium peels, and skin boosters can be scheduled 4-8 weeks out.
- Getting Close: 1-2 weeks out, as the big day is approaching, consider light peels, a final microneedling session, and subtle touch-ups.
- Blast Off: In the 1-3 days prior to your big event, plan facials, dermaplaning, and LED treatments for a glowing appearance.
Other Considerations
- The Hair: Consider a haircut, color, blowout, or other type of styling to look your best. Most of these should be planned a few days to weeks in advance so you have time to restyle if you’re not happy with the initial results.
- The Right Outfit: Choose an outfit that suits your physique and lifestyle, or work with a stylist to find the ideal look.
- Follow a Wellness Routine: Sleep right and eat right in the days leading up to the event to ensure a positively glowing appearance.
Making Non-Invasive Medical Aesthetics More Affordable
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures may be more affordable than surgical procedures, but they can still be quite costly, especially since repeat treatments are often needed. So how can you reduce the impact on your wallet? Here are some ideas.
- Shop for the Lowest Rates: Ask several providers for quotes to get the lowest rates. Choose experienced, licensed doctors to ensure optimal safety and satisfactory results.
- Consider Training Clinics: Teaching hospitals and physician-supervised training clinics often offer procedures at lower rates. You may be taking a risk, but the oversight typically ensures a smooth process.
- Bundle or Seek Out Loyalty Programs: Since customers typically require ongoing procedures, many clinics offer bundles and loyalty programs, allowing clients to access treatments at discounted rates.
- Take Advantage of Promos & Discounts: Spas often offer promos for reduced-rate procedures. Promos are likely to occur near holidays (Black Friday, Memorial Day, etc.) or during the off-season when fewer people are looking to get beach-ready or attending parties.
- Financing/Credit Cards: Various financing and credit card companies offer payment plans for cosmetic procedures, some of which are even interest-free for a limited time. These solutions can help you spread your payments out, making them more affordable. Providers to consider include Cherry Payment Plans, Care Credit, and United Medical Credit.
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures offer anti-aging and complexion-improving results with minimal downtime at a fraction of the cost of more invasive alternatives. And they can be even less expensive with the proper financial planning. Now that you know the best times to get these spa treatments, how will you plan your event calendar?
