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Cosmetic Surgery

by Maria Clift

You only have to open a magazine or turn on the television these days to be bombarded with images of beautiful, practically perfect-looking celebrities. So it’s no wonder we are all becoming a little more conscious (dare I say, vain?) about how we look. And, for brides-to-be the pressure to look your very best can feel even greater. But, how far would you go to look perfect on your wedding day?

Whether you’re after the brightest, whitest smile, a cleavage to die for or simply wanting to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles, we’ve take a closer look at just some of the beauty treatments and cosmetic procedures that can promise to make you look a million dollars in time for your big day.

From bleaching to bonding to implants and invisalign dental trays, a small investment in time and money really can change your smile drastically. So unless you’re truly happy with your teeth, why not check out some of the treatments and procedures available? Because there’s nothing nicer than a bride with a bright, sexy smile.

Some of the most common procedures include: Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth, dental implants recreate an attractive smile in an innovative way. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. And, because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as a sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth.

After the implant has been imbedded for a few months, it securely attaches itself to the bone, allowing it to withstand biting and chewing, just as a healthy, natural tooth would.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent laminate permanently bonded to your teeth. While they’re not suitable for every patient, veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth. They look healthy and natural, and last indefinitely. Also, because veneers are stronger than simple bonding (a treatment also masking chips, gaps and stains), they are more resistant to future stains and chipping.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening provided by a dentist is the safest and fastest way to a whiter, brighter smile. There are a few options available, including wearing a dental tray for an hour a day or overnight, however, the most popular is laser whitening, as it usually only takes an hour and dramatically whitens your teeth up to nine shades lighter. The treatment is totally painless, but some patients find they experience sensitivity the following day.

Prices for all procedures vary greatly, so it is wise to speak to your dentist to discuss further before you have any treatment carried out.

Plastic Fantastic

With the rise of celebrity culture, plastic surgery is now more popular than ever before. Plus, the ready availability and increasing social acceptability of cosmetic surgery have further fuelled the demand. It’s no longer older women in search of finding eternal youth, now even teens and young women are going under the knife in order to look as good as their favourite star. And, there are plenty of procedures to choose from the menu, here’s just a few some brides-to-be consider before their big day:

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is designed to surgically enhance breast size with breast implants. It can also correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, help balance a difference in size, or can be used as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. There are two ways of achieving augmentation, using either saline or silicone-gel implants (which were approved in November 2006). The operation itself will last 1 hour or longer and you can usually expect to be back at work within 7 days of the surgery. But be warned, post-op swelling and bruising can last up to 3 to 6 months, so if you are determined to have this procedure carried out before your wedding, it’s wise to undergo surgery around 12 months in advance. Risks include; scar tissue, deflation and infections.

Liposuction

This procedure removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). Depending on which areas you are having the surgery, this operation will last 1 to 2 hours or more. Again, you should be back at work within a week or two of surgery, but it can take up to six months or more to recover from the bruising and swelling. Risks include; asymmetry, bagginess of skin, pigmentation changes, infection and fluid retention.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing its size, removing a bump, narrowing the span of the nostrils, changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, or changing the shape of the tip or bridge. Surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, but can be longer. Initial healing and bruising should clear up within two weeks, however, brides-to-be should be aware that minor swelling could continue for up to six months after. Risks are minor but can include; infection and small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin’s surface, which can be permanent.

Skin Deep

Whether it’s wrinkles or even excess hair, every woman worries about the appearance of her skin, especially when her wedding day is fast approaching. However, with a number of different treatments available now on the high street, you can be sure to find a non-surgical solution which will not only suit your skin, but your budget too!

Botox

Botox injections are used to achieve a temporary fix by improving the appearance of worry lines, crow’s feet, laughter lines and other dramatic wrinkles. Botox works by weakening the delicate muscles under the skin which contract when we smile, laugh or frown. After the treatment, skin will remain smooth and unwrinkled, while untreated facial muscles contract normally, allowing facial expression to be unaffected. Botox is a safe and simple procedure. Using a controlled amount of Botulinum Toxin (A), a series of small quick injections is administered to the area, taking effect within 2-14 days. The treatment will then last 3-6 months. There are very few risks with this treatment, but for best results, treatment should be carried out between 1 to 3 months before your wedding day.

Laser Therapy

Using a high-energy light, laser therapy is a permanent method that treats unwanted hair by destroying the hair follicle and neutralising its colour. Treatment can be carried out anywhere on the body, including delicate areas such as the face and bikini area, as well as the underarms and legs. Although laser therapy can be a little uncomfortable – some people describe it to a light snapping of a rubber band against the skin – many find it far preferable to the pain endured with the more conventional waxing and electrolysis.

However, hair does need to be in an active growing phase to allow treatment, and as not all follicles will be in this phase at the same time, several treatments may be needed for the desired and lasting results. If you are looking for a smooth hair-free face and body, in time for your wedding day and of course the all-baring honeymoon, we suggest you book a course of treatments starting around six months before your big day.

However, if your wedding budget is tight but you’re still in need of some self-pampering, why not try out a set of nail extensions or a spray tan, which are available throughout many beauty salons and spas across the Midlands? It’s amazing how many imperfections can be hidden under a bronzed glow!

So move over Eva, Scarlett and Angelina, when it comes to your big day, you’ll certainly be the star of the show!