Pre-Event Quick Fixes

Posted April 08, 2015 in belotero, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport, Fillers and Injectables, HydraFacial, Juvederm, Laser Hair Removal, lashes, Latisse, non-surgical facelift, Radiesse, Restylane, ultherapy, Voluma, xeomin

Smart Beauty Guide

Every so often, that invite comes that stops us in our tracks – the one where we’ll see the ex we hate, (but want to impress) or the ex-best friend, (who we also hate, but want to impress). Sometimes those invites come with hardly any warning, so we scramble to do all our beauty tasks in record time with the best possible results – and fall flat on our face.

We all want to look our best at that big family wedding or high school reunion. But we have to be realistic. Some of the best “fixers” require a good amount of pre- planning!

Fillers

Just as you wouldn’t get hair colored the day before that big event, you shouldn’t get your fillers then, either.

“A few weeks in advance of big events is usually great timing,” says board-certified plastic surgeon, Brent Moelleken, MD. “This allows for any necessary corrections and healing time if the patient happens to develop a bruise, etc.” When was the last time you had a filler? Are you due for your next round? Fillers are said to last for up to six months or sometimes even longer than 24 months and while you don’t want to necessarily layer fillers, it’s a lot better to get your next round 3-4 months as needed, after the previous one, so there’s a bit still there, rather than having that “needs filler” or “just had filler” discrepancy in photos, says Dr. Moelleken.

Hair removal

“I would recommend that patients who are seeking a permanent means of hair removal prior to an important event start their first laser hair removal session at least four months prior,” says Elena Reyes, RST/C-RMA Licensed Master Esthetician and President of the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS). It will take a series of 4-6 treatments to see best results and typically patients will be seen for their next appointment in 4 weeks. It is recommended that the patient shave the area that will be treated a day before their appointment. “It is also very important that the hair is in the growing state, which is called the anagen stage. In this stage the hair is grown and visible above the skin. Not all hair is in anagen stage, and this is the reason for multiple treatments that are spaced 4 weeks apart. In my practice using this plan works great for the patient and yields about a 90-95% reduction of hair in the areas treated. Because laser hair removal machines target dark pigment in the hair follicle, it can disable its growth without damaging skin tissue. Patients should be informed that it takes approximately one week and a half for the hair to loosen in the follicle. Patients must have patience with the hair removal process,” says Reyes.

Chemical Peels

Clear, fresh glowing skin is not only about looking healthy – it’s also about looking our youngest, and making everyone our same age hate us for not looking quite as fabulous as we do.

“I would recommend that patients start a series of three to five treatments, spaced two weeks apart in order to allow adequate cellular turnover and to make sure that the skin is not over processed which can lead to post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. It is also very important that the patient’s last chemical peel is administered two weeks prior to an event to avoid redness, peeling, or irritated looking skin. A series of chemical peels should produce healthy glowing skin that is more clear and radiant,” says Reyes.

Facials

Facial regimens are key to maintaining healthy skin, but scheduling them can be a little tricky. “Facials are a bit lighter treatment compared to laser or chemicals and should be done no later than a week prior to your event just in case the skin is sensitive or has any adverse reactions to products used during the facial. I recommend oxygen facials that infuse the skin with antioxidants under pressure, which produce beautiful glowing skin,” says Reyes.

Laser treatments

There are various laser treatments out there, and depending on the type, it may have a different result and length of recovery time before you see best results. “If a Micro Laser Peel using four to six microns is done, patients can expect to recuperate in less than a week and have great looking skin for their event. The worst thing a technician can do is be overly aggressive close to an event. My motto is less is more!” says Reyes.

So, there’s no quick fix?

Well, not necessarily. “Instant results generally occur with all fillers, well instant results plus some swelling,” says Dr. Moelleken. “Heavier fillers like Radiesse or Voluma tend to swell a little more. Some patients believe that their fillers dissipate quickly, when in fact it is just the initial swelling that disappears over the first two weeks after the injection!”

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to find out what quick fixes are ideal for you.