So, you're considering some form of cosmetic enhancement before your big day? Here are the facts and figures on the most popular pre-wedding procedures.
Breast Augmentation
Saline or silicone implants are inserted to increase the size of the breasts.
Procedure: One to two hours under general anaesthetic. Expect to stay in hospital for one day.
Recovery: The chest area is bandaged for two to four days, but swelling lasts up to three weeks. Wearing a sports bra, day and night, is compulsory for around one month.
Costs: From $5000 for surgical fees only.
Plan ahead At least three months before the wedding, and have it before you purchase your dress.
Liposuction
Removes fat from beneath the skin on thighs, buttocks, hips, midriff, ankles or knees.
Procedure: 30 minutes or longer under local or general anaesthetic.
Recovery: An elastic support garment is worn over the surgery area for four to six weeks afterwards.
Costs: From $2000 for surgical fees only (depending on the area).
Plan ahead At least six months before the wedding and before you buy your dress.
Rhinoplasty
Changes the size and/or shape of the nose.
Procedure: One to two hours under general anaesthetic. Expect to go home the same day.
Recovery: A splint is worn over the nose for four to 10 days. Expect facial bruising to remain for at least a week and swelling for months.
Costs: From $4000 for surgical fees only.
Plan ahead nine to 12 months before the wedding.
Chemical Peel
Peels can be light, medium or deep and involve removing the upper layers of the skin with a liquid chemical solution. Younger looking skin is revealed in the healing process.
Recovery: Treatment takes less than one hour. Depending on how deep the peel is, expect the skin to peel for up to a week and redness for up to a month.
Avoid sun for at least 48 hours.
Costs: $140-$1200, depending on the depth of the peel.
Plan ahead A month before the wedding for a deep peel. For a light peel, a course of six treatments over six months is recommended for best results.
Botox
Botox involves an injection into the muscle between the brows and/or around eyes to block nerve impulses that trigger wrinkle-causing muscle contractions. Also injected under the arms to stop sweating.
Recovery: Treatment takes about 10 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately but results are best after seven to 10 days.
Cost: $350-$800, depending on the area and amount of Botox needed. Results last up to four months.
Plan ahead Six weeks before the wedding. Botox can occasionally cause a slight droop in the eye, looking like you have had a minor stroke, but this resolves itself within a few weeks.
Microdermabrasion
The upper layers of skin are lightly 'sanded' off to smooth skin texture and reduce appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.
Recovery: Treatment takes 30 minutes and redness will reduce within 24 hours. Avoid the sun for 48 hours.
Costs: $100-$150 per treatment.
Plan ahead A course of six treatments over six months is recommended for best results. Time the last treatment to take place a month before the wedding.
Restylane
Is an injectable that 'fills' out wrinkles, reduces appearance of laugh lines and plumps up lips or facial areas.
Recovery: Treatment takes 30 minutes. Expect swelling and redness to reduce after a few days or up to a week for lip injections. Results last up to six months.
Costs: Around $800, depending on areas treated.
Plan ahead At least one month before the wedding.
Sculptra
A liquid is injected into the skin to tighten saggy skin by inducing your own collagen to remodel itself.
Recovery: Treatment takes 15-30 minutes. The needle is larger than for Botox so you may need a local anaesthetic.
Costs: $660-$880, depending on the areas treated.
Plan ahead Start seven months before the wedding. Three treatments are required, every four to six weeks. Best results are seen three months after treatment.
Meet The Experts
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) spokesperson Dr Niamh Corduff recommends doing your homework before deciding on a treatment
If you are having a surgical procedure, it is advisable to make sure your surgeon is a qualified plastic surgeon (cosmetic surgeons do not have the same formal training). Call the ASPS on 1300 367 446 for a list in your local area or visit www.plasticsurgery.org.au
When choosing a surgeon, ask your GP for advice.
If having surgery, get at least two professional opinions.
Get your partner involved.
Give yourself plenty of recovery time and begin planning 12 months before the wedding.
