Whether or not you are a Kardashian follower, it was hard not to tune in to Part 1 of the 2 part Kim Kardashian wedding extravaganza last night, fascinated to see what sort of drama would unfold. And while most of us may not comprehend planning a wedding that large or lavish, one topic that some can relate to was Kris Kardashian’s decision to get plastic surgery done before Kim’s wedding in order to look her best and look younger. This is not a totally uncommon practice. Many people will run to a plastic surgeons office wanting to look younger for their daughter’s wedding, 10 year high school reunion or for a special vacation. But how much time is really needed in order to heal properly before a big event? And if you aren’t quite ready to go under the knife or do not have enough time, what are the other options?
If planning to “spruce up” for a wedding or a high school reunion, one can usually plan a few months in advance which definitely opens up more options in terms of what can be done. Normally surgical “downtime” refers to the amount of time requires at home orbefore returning to work or school. Normal downtime ranges for each patient based on each individuals pain threshhold and healing. For example a breast augmentation normally requires a few days of downtime prior to returning to work or school, however resuming physical activity with the upper body take 6 weeks. The results of the breast augmentation are immediate and there is very little bruising, however there is some sweeling and the absolute final results of the implant position and shape may take up to 3-6 months. Surgeries that can be done if you have 4-6 weeks before an event include face/brow/neck lift, rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping), liposuction and chin/cheek implants and bleharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation). Of course, as stated previously, all healing times can vary based on the patient, so it is definitely important to factor in enough time before a big event if planning on going under the knife.
However, sometimes a big event can come up quicker or maybe you just decided that you want to look refreshed and younger and the big event is only a week away. No need to fret as there are other many non surgical (quick fix) options. If you are only 1-4 weeks away from the big event, Botox is one of the most logical options to reduce frown lines and as it requires virtually no downtime and you can go back to work immediately and be ready for your event. The results can be seen in 72 hours and last three or four months.
Next on the list of minimally invasive treatments are soft tissue fillers, which include Restylane and Juvederm. These injections are most commonly used for lips, laugh lines, marionette lines and cheeks. With these injections, you can see the effects immediately, however these fillers can cause swelling and bruising. Some areas bruise more than others and some people are more susceptible to bruising and swelling so it is important to factor in a few days for these fillers, although less than 5% really experience “major” bruising.
Finally, if you just do not have the time or money to do a surgical facelift, Sculptra and Radiesse offer a “liquid facelift” which will leave the patient looking ageless and rested. They both are volumizers that are collagen stimulators. They act on your body to produce more of your own collagen. When injected properly it can literally give you the appearance of a face lift with a 20-30 minute office visit.
Another option for those who might be worried or adverse to injectables and/or surgery is microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Both of these options should also be done 1-4 weeks before an event. Microdermabrasion uses rough grains to buff away the surface layer of the skin. In a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Chemical peels can cause redness depending on how deep the peel is so it is important to plan more in advance for this treatment then for microdermabrasion.
So whether you’re looking to do a complete overhaul on your face and body in order to look 10 years younger and thinner or just looking to get that refreshed look before your big event, there are many options out there for everyone.
For more information on any of these options call us today!
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group
(310) 275-6600.
