I hate having to tell someone they’ve left it a little late. So here is the guide I wish everyone read before they picked up the phone: how far ahead to book each treatment, so that it has settled and you look your best when it matters.
The simple rule
Book treatments at least 2 weeks before any event. That allows time for results to settle and for any bruising or swelling to go down.
Skin treatments are different. They work gradually, so they’re best started much further in advance.
Treatment by treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections: 2 to 4 weeks before. Results start to show in 5 to 7 days and build up to about 14 days. Four weeks leaves time for your review. Every anti-wrinkle treatment starts with an assessment.
Lip filler and dermal filler: at least 2 weeks before. Swelling settles within a few days, but a bruise can take 7 to 14 days to fade.
Profhilo: at least 6 weeks before. It’s two sessions, 4 weeks apart, and the result shows about one to two weeks after the second.
Polynucleotides: 3 months before, or more. A course is 3 sessions, 4 weeks apart, and the effect carries on building for months afterwards.
Microneedling: 3 months before, or more. A first course is 3 sessions, at least 4 weeks apart. Leave at least a week between your last session and the day itself.
Working backwards from the date
- 3 to 6 months before: come for a consultation. Start polynucleotides or microneedling if they’re right for you.
- 6 to 8 weeks before: Profhilo or another skin booster.
- 4 weeks before: anti-wrinkle injections, after your assessment, with time for your review.
- 2 to 3 weeks before: filler, if you’re having it.
- The last 2 weeks: nothing new. Let everything settle.
The party season
In autumn, the request I hear most is for glowing skin for the party season. Profhilo in October or November is a lovely way to do that, and it lasts until it’s time for a top-up before your summer holiday.
If your date is close
Don’t panic, and don’t try to squeeze everything in. Come and see me anyway. I’ll tell you honestly what there is still time to do well, and what is better left until afterwards. Doing less, properly, will always look better than rushing.
First time?
If you’ve never had a treatment before, a big event is not the moment to try something for the first time a few days earlier. Give yourself time to see how your skin responds. A consultation costs £30, comes off your treatment, and there’s no pressure to book anything.
Your questions
Can I have a treatment the week of my wedding?
I wouldn’t start anything new that close. Bruising and swelling need time to settle.
What can I have a month before?
Anti-wrinkle injections, after your assessment, and filler both fit comfortably into a month. Profhilo needs a little longer.
I’ve got a holiday coming up. Does the sun matter?
After microneedling you need to wear SPF every day and keep out of strong sun, so I’d finish a course well before you go. Ask me about anything else at your consultation.
Plan it with me
My clinic is at 260 Pentonville Road in King’s Cross, about three minutes’ walk from King’s Cross St Pancras and close to Islington, Angel and Bloomsbury. If you have a date in mind, book a consultation and we’ll work backwards from it together. You can see everything I offer on my treatments page.