The time is approaching and you have a special event coming up. You’ve bought your dress, shoes, accessories, scheduled your hair and make-up.

You want to look your best.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about having a facial, a chemical peel, a little Botox, dermal fillers, Laser or IPL treatments. Since you want to look your best, you need to plan a schedule for these treatments allowing yourself the proper time for healing or any adjustments.  Don’t want until the week before your event.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when you make your appointments.

1. Schedule a series of facials at least 4-6 weeks in advance. If you have sensitive skin you could break out. The goal is for glowing, healthy skin before the big day.
2. If you plan to change skincare products, start 6-8 weeks before the event. Any change in products could cause your skin to react
3.  If you are using Retin-A products. Stop one week before the event, so you are not red or peeling.
4. Schedule any chemical peels at least 4 weeks before the event. You want your skin to glow-  not be red, flaky or peeling.
5.  If you are planning on having any Botox or fillers- take arnica pre-injection and post to minimize bruising
6.  Botox should be scheduled at least 2 weeks before the event. You may bruise, it takes 3-7 days to kick in and you may need to tweak the area.
7. Lip fillers- at least 4 weeks in advance. You may be swollen for 7 days and you really will not see the final effect for two weeks. Juvederm swells more than Resytlane, but Juvederm tends to last longer in the lip area.
8. Eye Hollows- at least two months in advance. You could have severe bruising in this area and puffiness. I would not take any chances. Two- three months of healing should be enough.
9. Dermal Fillers – Two to three weeks in advance. You may bruise, and have swelling. Plus if you need any adjustments you will have time. This includes, Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse.
10.  If you choose to use fillers such as Sculptra, you will need to start several months in advance, as this filler requires more injections and time to see results.
11.  Looking to rid of brown spots with IPL? Chances you will need to have several treatments, Start as early as six months in advance, this advice is the same for any type of laser treatment, even vein therapy.

If you have any questions, ask your dermatologist or plastic surgeon.