by Shirley Madhère, M.D.

For some, there is no more momentous date other than a wedding. While, generally, this may be an occasion that is full of love, joy and celebration, it typically requires months of preparation, and is not necessarily without its stress points.

Those getting married often want their nuptial event to be marked by beautiful moments captured on camera and/or film. Of course, one of the best ways to ensure photos and videos that will be cherished for a long time, if not a lifetime, is to prep the face, body, mind, and spirit. Below is a holistic beauty timeline that will help to bring about timeless and glamorous memories of one of life’s “big days.”

On a foundational level, it all begins within. I created the philosophy of Holistic Plastic Surgery decades ago, as it is clear that beauty and wellness emanate from within. There may not striking attractiveness without an internal system that is in a state of healthy equilibrium. As such, I offer my patients what I refer to as the FAB Five Rules of Beauty. They are stand-alone tips to live by and are also, by extension, the foundations of living a Beautiful Life:

1. Good nutrition is the first rule of beauty;

2. Adequate daily hydration;

3. Consistent, restful sleep;

4. Frequent and effective stress management;

5. Daily movement of the body and exercise.

Those are the basic tenets from which other practices are added to help complete the picture and establish a “healthful” canvas. In addition to the above, I add:

6. Mindfulness: practice being in the present moment;

7. Gratitude: express it often

8. Brain health: keep it active with daily learning;

9. Soul support: stay social and embody purpose-driven living;

10. Do the things: use what you need to help you be successful at what brings you joy.

These tips and tenets are ones to practice often and daily... forever. If you’re learning about them for the first time in this article, start now. It is never too late to begin the journey of a lifetime to extend your life beautifully!

All well and good. But, where does physical beauty come in-- you know, the outside stuff?

After (or while) you establish your foundation, give some thought how you want to feel on your wedding day(s). Keep that in mind if and when you seek out the professionals to help you bring out this look and feeling. From a clinical beauty perspective, this suggested timeline below will help you be beyond ready to dazzle, shine and be most memorable on the day of your big promise:

At 6-9 months:

If you are considering aesthetic injectables and haven’t had them previously, consult with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon and begin early. Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, etc., may take up to two weeks to see results. Also, you’ll want to make sure you are satisfied with the type of results you may get, and allow adequate time for any tweaks.

If you are considering injectable fillers for the first time, also consult with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon and begin early. While the effects of injectable fillers (such as Juvederm, Belotero, Restylane, RHA, etc.) may be more readily visible, they last for months. Additionally, some of the fillers may not be reversible or able to be dissolved. Fillers may be applied to the face, lips, and hands (to improve appearance of “veiny” hands). You will need up to two weeks to allow for bruising and swelling to dissipate.

While good nutrition is the first rule of beauty, adequate hydration is the second rule. Develop these two tenets as habits for healthy, radiant skin. For extra help, consider stimulating your skin cells and nourishing them with a multivitamin- and antioxidant rich topical serum. This is often accomplished through a micro-needling and vitamin infusion procedure, or Vitaglow. The results are seen as a healthy glow and a “filter” effect that serves as a clean palette for makeup application.

Vitaglow has a few notable effects:

1) stimulation of collagen production in skin;

2) promote increased circulation to the skin surface (for that healthy glow);

3) skin cell nourishment.

The last two may be appreciated within 1-2 days. The first, collagen stimulation, may take 4-6 weeks, hence the recommendation to begin this process early. series of 4-6 sessions every two weeks is recommended.

Root cause: as planning for a wedding can be stressful, mild hair loss can result. Moreover, harsh or too-frequent styling (think hair color, chemical processing, extensions, etc.) may also contribute to acute hair loss or thinning. Protect your hair and nourish your scalp with DIY biotin supplements, botanical hair treatments and masques, and topical hair serums.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss, you may be a candidate for Vital Hair Therapy scalp conditioning, PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) or exosome therapy.

Consult with your dentist to determine what your options are for oral health and a dazzling smile.

At 3-4 months:

Schedule repeat neuromodulator injection appointment.

Schedule repeat facial filler injection appointment.

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Schedule scalp and hair health injection appointments, as they typically require monthly sessions.

Consult with your dermatologist or preferred skin care professional about your skincare routine.

At 6 weeks:

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Begin applying an eyelash conditioning serum to help strengthen lashes in anticipation of applications of lash extensions.

At 4 weeks:

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Schedule scalp and hair health injection appointments, as they typically require monthly sessions.

Consider a facial chemical peel (as long as you will not be exposed to prolonged sun).

At 3 weeks:

Injectable aesthetic products may have a slightly variable duration depending on a number of factors. It may be advisable to schedule appointments for full re-treatment or touch-ups as needed.

Schedule repeat neuromodulator injection appointment.

Schedule repeat facial filler injection appointment.

schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Try a full-body exfoliating scrub or begin an OTC alpha hydroxy body cream.

At 2 weeks:

Get a deep cleaning facial to help unclog pores. (If extractions will be performed, schedule this facial at three weeks, instead.) You may add on microcurrent for a lifting effect.

Consult with your dentist if teeth whitening is advisable for you. You may have the option of DIY or professional services.

At one week:

Book time for manual lymphatic drainage of the face, neck and chest. This therapeutic modality will help to prepare your skin for getting rid of excess fluid and toxins from the tissues.

2-3 days before:

Schedule a repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment to amp up and lock in the glow-from-within.

Book a relaxing body massage (before Vitaglow so as not to lie on your front side and apply pressure on your face).

The day before:

Apply a hydrating face mask at home.

Apply cuticle oil at fingers and toes at bedtime.

The day:

Glam and glow!

Dr. Shirley Madhere

Dr. Shirley Madhere is a NYC-based plastic surgeon who is the Founder of Holistic Plastic Surgery and the Creator of the Forever FAB Podcast. Kindly visit ElememtsandGraces.com for her academic pedigree, media credits and more holistic beauty, anti-aging, plastic surgery and wellness tips.

Countdown to A Promise: A Beauty Timeline for The Bride & Groom

For some, there is no more momentous date other than a wedding. While, generally, this may be an occasion that is full of love, joy and celebration, it typically requires months of preparation, and is not necessarily without its stress points.

1. Good nutrition is the first rule of beauty;

2. Adequate daily hydration;

3. Consistent, restful sleep;

4. Frequent and effective stress management;

5. Daily movement of the body and exercise.

Those are the basic tenets from which other practices are added to help complete the picture and establish a “healthful” canvas. In addition to the above, I add:

6. Mindfulness: practice being in the present moment;

7. Gratitude: express it often

8. Brain health: keep it active with daily learning;

9. Soul support: stay social and embody purpose-driven living;

10. Do the things: use what you need to help you be successful at what brings you joy.

These tips and tenets are ones to practice often and daily... forever. If you’re learning about them for the first time in this article, start now. It is never too late to begin the journey of a lifetime to extend your life beautifully!

All well and good. But, where does physical beauty come in-- you know, the outside stuff?

At 6-9 months:

Vitaglow has a few notable effects:

1) stimulation of collagen production in skin;

2) promote increased circulation to the skin surface (for that healthy glow);

3) skin cell nourishment.

The last two may be appreciated within 1-2 days. The first, collagen stimulation, may take 4-6 weeks, hence the recommendation to begin this process early. series of 4-6 sessions every two weeks is recommended.

If you are experiencing significant hair loss, you may be a candidate for Vital Hair Therapy scalp conditioning, PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) or exosome therapy.

Consult with your dentist to determine what your options are for oral health and a dazzling smile.

At 3-4 months:

Schedule repeat neuromodulator injection appointment.

Schedule repeat facial filler injection appointment.

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Schedule scalp and hair health injection appointments, as they typically require monthly sessions.

Consult with your dermatologist or preferred skin care professional about your skincare routine.

At 6 weeks:

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Begin applying an eyelash conditioning serum to help strengthen lashes in anticipation of applications of lash extensions.

At 4 weeks:

Schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Schedule scalp and hair health injection appointments, as they typically require monthly sessions.

Consider a facial chemical peel (as long as you will not be exposed to prolonged sun).

At 3 weeks:

Injectable aesthetic products may have a slightly variable duration depending on a number of factors. It may be advisable to schedule appointments for full re-treatment or touch-ups as needed.

Schedule repeat neuromodulator injection appointment.

Schedule repeat facial filler injection appointment.

schedule repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment.

Try a full-body exfoliating scrub or begin an OTC alpha hydroxy body cream.

At 2 weeks:

Get a deep cleaning facial to help unclog pores. (If extractions will be performed, schedule this facial at three weeks, instead.) You may add on microcurrent for a lifting effect.

Consult with your dentist if teeth whitening is advisable for you. You may have the option of DIY or professional services.

At one week:

Book time for manual lymphatic drainage of the face, neck and chest. This therapeutic modality will help to prepare your skin for getting rid of excess fluid and toxins from the tissues.

2-3 days before:

Schedule a repeat Vitaglow micro-needling appointment to amp up and lock in the glow-from-within.

Book a relaxing body massage (before Vitaglow so as not to lie on your front side and apply pressure on your face).

The day before:

Apply a hydrating face mask at home.

Apply cuticle oil at fingers and toes at bedtime.

The day:

Glam and glow!