We all want to look our best on our wedding day. For some, that might mean a lick of lip balm and maybe even hiring a hairdresser, but for others, there’s a whole routine involved.
From skincare smoothies to high-heel training, brides embrace all manner of wedding preparation to ensure their big day goes off without a hitch. For some, that includes injectables.
However, according to Dr Vivek Eranki, CEO of injectable clinics Cosmetique, there’s been an influx of brides coming in with what he’s terming ‘botched bridetox’.
So what is ‘botched bridetox’ and how can you avoid it to ensure your cosmetic enhancements add rather than subtract from your day? Consider this your official guide.
What Is ‘Botched Bridetox’?
According to Dr Eranki, “’Bridetox’ is a colloquial term that marries the concept of brides with Botox and dermal fillers, which they often get before their wedding day.
“Brides want to look their absolute best for this milestone event and might opt for these cosmetic treatments to address any concerns about expression lines or facial volume loss.”
However, this doesn’t always go to plan.
What Are The Most Common Problems With Injectables Before A Wedding?
Dr Eranki says there are a range of common issues when people come in for corrective work, including:
1. Overfilled skin
“Some people come to us after having received excessive filler treatments from other providers. In such cases, the only option is to dissolve the fillers and start afresh,” he says.
2. Excessive Botox
“We also see patients who have been administered too much Botox, leading to an unnatural appearance. Unfortunately, the only remedy is to wait until the effects wear off.
3. Asymmetry
“Correcting asymmetrical facial features after poor treatment is often complex and difficult.”
What Should You Avoid When Getting Botox Before Your Wedding?
There are a few key practices that can ensure that you get the best result from injectables before you walk down the aisle.
A good practitioner should:
- Consider the timing: Recommend delaying a procedure if it is too close to a big day. “Botox and fillers can lead to temporary redness, bruising, and swelling,” Dr Eranki says.
- Avoid sales-driven practices: If a practice is based on KPIs and commission, they won’t always have your best interest in mind. “At Cosmetique, nurses get paid the same even if they tell a patient treatment is not advisable. We act as advocates for the patient’s safety,” he says.
- Always communicate: For Dr Eranki, good communication is always key. “Many issues can be avoided if there is open and honest communication between the practitioner and the patient.” This may include open communication of the risks and outcomes of treatment.
- Be fully trained: Your nurse should have undergone mandatory training in a globally recognised program.
Your Ultimate Timeline For Pre-Wedding Injectables
Dr Naomi McCullum, cosmetic doctor, founder of The Manse and founder of Dr Naomi skincare knows suggests planning your injectables well ahead of the big day.
How Long Before Your Wedding Should You Get Botox?
While some people say four weeks or five weeks, Dr Naomi recommends a bride start Botox a year before their day.
“The best option for a bride, if they are new to injectables, is to come in a year before to try your first Botox treatment, and then review it at 4 weeks later. This is the ideal way so the bride and her injector can relax and plan and the bride will have excellent control about the aesthetic outcome she wants and achieves,” she says.
“After that first session, for wedding planning, we work backwards from the wedding date with the treatment plan, so that it is looking perfect on the day.
“Usually I would want the Botox for the wedding to be done about five or six weeks before the wedding. This does depend on how long the honeymoon is for, though.
“If it’s a really long honeymoon and the bride or groom wants to look great the whole time, we might do the Botox closer to the wedding, but this is more risky.”
How Should You Do Botox Aftercare, Before A Wedding?
Your Botox aftercare should be wedding standard, whether or not you’ve got a big event coming up.
“The usual aftercare. No strenuous exercise, no active skincare for a couple of days, no alcohol, no massage or pressing on the face,” suggests Dr Naomi.
What If You Want Injectables Closer To The Wedding?
If your big day is looming and you want to try injectables, it’s recommended to ensure you have a few months in the timeline at the very least.
“In a perfect world, brides should NOT do any new injectable treatments close to the wedding. This can be a disaster, and brides can be quite sensitive as it gets closer to the day,” advises Dr Naomi.
“They should prepare and try the treatments at least a few months before and then redo them prior to the wedding, a good month or more ahead.”
Should You Get Forehead Botox Before A Wedding?
For Dr Naomi, getting forehead Botox is a very specific journey, with specific recommendations.
“My other tip is for brides to have their horizontal forehead lines nicely controlled with Botox over the year before your wedding so they can avoid injecting them in their last appointment pre-wedding. This gives the most natural look for the bride, with the brightest eyes possible,” she says.
She also suggests consulting your injector about your concerns, given there will be a lot of smiling on the day. For example, crows feet or smile lines might be of more focus than other areas.
Her best tip?
“My other random bridal tip is for the bride to bring the groom with you for Botox. It’s so sweet to see the couples come in together for treatments pre-wedding. The aesthetic journey and results are a pleasure for the groom too, they love it. Don’t gatekeep, let them in on the fun too.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
The Life-changing Benefits Of Caring For Others And Yourself
Native ad body.
Why Fragrance Should Be The Number One Step In Our Self-Care Ritual
