Wedding-ready: an aesthetic treatment timeline

Whether you're the one getting married or you're in the wedding party, the rule is simple: nothing new close to the date. Most of the stress around pre-wedding treatments comes from trying something for the first time too late.

Six to twelve months out

If you've never had neurotoxin (such as Botox) or filler, try it at least six months ahead so you can see how you respond and adjust (Dermatologist NYC). More intensive collagen and resurfacing treatments, such as Ultherapy or fractional lasers, are often started about a year out (NewBeauty). It's also a good time for your annual skin check.

Four to six weeks out

For returning neurotoxin patients, this is the usual window for a pre-wedding touch-up. Results take about two weeks to fully show, so four to six weeks leaves time for an adjustment (Dermatologist NYC).

The final two weeks

Minor touch-ups only. Don't try anything your skin hasn't had before (Dermatologist NYC). Bruising and swelling are the main risks, and they're harder to hide in daylight photos on a beach.

If you're flying in for the wedding

• Have injectables done at home with your regular provider when you can, so follow-up is easy.
• If you'll be treated in Hawaiʻi, book a consultation well before the trip and ask who will see you if you need a follow-up after you fly home.
• Plan around sun. Many resurfacing treatments call for strict sun avoidance afterward, which is hard on a beach week.
• Check the license of whoever treats you. Our guide to checking an injector's license in Hawaiʻi shows how.

Spa days for the wedding party

Facials, massage and hair and makeup are a lovely group activity. Injectables and IV drips aren't party services. They are medical treatments that need a licensed clinician and a real consultation for each person. For on-location hair and makeup, mobile massage and wedding-party spa days, see our sister site Island Vows.

Find a practice on your island

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own treatment plan.