A question I am often asked from many brides-to-be and others who want to look their best for big events in the near future is when they should begin the process of being injected. As a newlywed myself, I can appreciate how gruelling the preparation for the big day can be. But while you’re poring over the details for everything from invitations to floral arrangements, don’t forget to start planning out your cosmetic schedule! Today, I want to offer a few tips derived from my experiences as both a bride and helping many others achieve their goals.
Throughout the years of performing cosmetic injectables, I have administered hundreds of deoxycholic acid injections to dissolve the submental fullness (fat) under people’s faces – otherwise known as the much-dreaded DOUBLE CHIN. The chin fat reduction results are generally amazing. If you’ve ever accidentally turned on the reverse camera on your phone and were surprised at what you saw, keep reading.
With a natural phobia of anyone touching or coming close to my ticklish neck, I waited years to finally test out this treatment to remove that stubborn fat from under my own chin. Although I absolutely hated the inflammation period which lasts between 3-14 days (that’s right – your chin fat first swells up, even more, post-treatment), the results were so great that I really wish I hadn’t waited so long. Even after one treatment, everything felt tighter and the area beneath my face displayed a much flatter and sculpted look.
So, for those of you considering the chin fat reduction treatment, you’re probably wondering what you can expect. An initial consultation is definitely necessary, as not everyone is an ideal candidate.
Deoxycholic acid is the product used to perform this treatment, but don’t worry, it’s less terrifying than it sounds. It works by dissolving the fat cells in that area through a series of shallow injections. On average, a patient receives approximately twenty injections per treatment. These injections are generally hardly felt.
Then comes the swelling. The injection area will swell up; peaking approximately 24 hours post-treatment, and slowly dissipating over a period that averages 3-14 days. This occurs because the product is breaking down fat cells, and some of the volume is simply due to the solution itself, so in other words, swelling actually indicates that the solution is working to dissolve the fat. Trust me, this isn’t a treatment you want to do the day before performing your bridesmaid’s duties.
Over the days and weeks following the treatment, inflammation and numbness subside as the fat cells and solution itself slowly become metabolized and processed through your body’s natural metabolic pathway.
The number of chin fat reduction treatments can vary depending on the amount of submental fullness and your goals.
To conclude, if you can get over the downtime and a bit of swelling, the end goal is worth it. Hello, jawline!
Determine what your needs are at least 5-6 months out.
The timeline for being injected will vary depending on which treatments you require. Whether it be a simple lip plump with fillers, or helping to treat fine lines with neuromodulators and/or other skin care treatments, be sure to speak with your medical cosmetic professional early on to ensure you have ample time. Below I dive a bit deeper into timelines for certain treatments.
Neuromodulators – commonly referred to under their brand names (such as Dysport, Botox or Xeomin). These products can work miracles with respect to anti-aging and treating wrinkles. With an average lifespan of 3-4 months, this is a treatment that you will want to consider 1-2 months prior to ensure there is time for potential touch-ups and an optimal outcome. These also do not take effect for anywhere from 3-14 days after being injected, so you may not achieve that wrinkle-free look within that period. A side note on this is that if you opt for this type of treatment too close to your big day, you may be too “frozen” whereas I would recommend that you aim for slight movement to allow for more candid and raw expressions – you paid a lot for the photographer; those photos better look great!
Dermal Fillers – given the wide range of treatments that can be administered using dermal fillers, starting these treatments even further out (3-4 months at least) is wise. The good news is that after being injected, fillers generally last anywhere from 4-24 months depending on the type of filler and the individual, so you can afford to undergo a filler treatment much earlier on. Treatments can include plumping up your lips, adding contour to your cheeks or jawline, filling in your chin to provide more projection, and even softening deep laugh lines. Starting a few months earlier will also provide ample time for slight corrections or changes, or even fully dissolving the product if you are unhappy with the look – all of which are normal occurrences in this industry.
Do not overdo it if you are a first-timer.
The timeline for being injected will vary depending on which treatments you require. Whether it be a simple lip plump with fillers, or helping to treat fine lines with neuromodulators and/or other skin care treatments, be sure to speak with your medical cosmetic professional early on to ensure you have ample time. Below I dive a bit deeper into timelines for certain treatments.
If you are considering cosmetic injectables and you are a first timer, I highly recommend – as I do with all first-timers – that you do not go overboard! Depending on the number of procedures you undergo, your appearance can change quite drastically. Although most are satisfied with the outcome, you do not want to be uncomfortable in your own skin on your big day. Achieving certain goals should take time and be carried out over a longer time period. Altering your look rapidly may make you uneasy – and you want everyone to recognize you when you’re walking down the aisle!
For fillers, some work can be changed or undone assuming there is enough time, however, in the case of neuromodulators you can’t take away, but you can always add. Inch into it if you prefer to take it slow.
Choose your injector wisely.
Unfortunately, there are several businesses that sell first and inject after. If you are presented with a laundry list of recommended treatments, I recommend inquiring about the order of necessity, and slowly working down the list – but that doesn’t mean you need to do it all. Do not be afraid to get a second opinion elsewhere. As much as I want you to look good on your big day, more importantly, I want you to feel good.
Do not panic.
Just don’t.
There are always options.
At the end of the day, wedding planning is an immense task, and many readers are likely much closer to the date than my post recommends. If that is the case, you definitely may still undergo the above-mentioned treatments, albeit with less time for corrections or to achieve the optimal outcome. At this point, consider my points above. In the case of neuromodulators, it may not take effect in time, or you may feel too stiff. With dermal fillers, if you are past the one-month mark after being injected, I would recommend avoiding anything major or anything you haven’t done before.