With research showing a 30 percent increase to people considering getting cosmetic surgery as part of their wedding preparations in 2019 alone, it’s important that brides-to-be know the implications of making more permanent changes to their appearance.
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery before marriage, we asked Professor Marcos Sforza, specialist cosmetic surgeon and scientific director at MyBreast Cosmetic Surgery, to shed some light on the relevant issues. From lifestyle changes to potential risks and complications – here’s what you need to know.
The most common pre-wedding procedures
According to Office of National Statisticshe is 32 years old the average age women are now getting married in the UK, which may explain why anti-ageing bridal procedures are appearing more than before.
“For those who want to look fresh, with fewer lines and more symmetrical features, I see patients seeking facial rejuvenation procedures such as face lift, blepharoplasty (eye lifts) and rhinoplasty (nose jobs),” explains Professor Sforza.
He is also often asked about the processes of the body: “Breast augmentation are popular, although brides tend to want more natural results than Baywatch-big breasts of the past”.
With more women already having children before their marriages, he sees more looking for a breast lift or implants, “as they may feel that pregnancy and breastfeeding have affected the appearance of their breasts”. Hybrid breast surgery is a new option. “This technique creates more natural results without having to place the implant under the muscle, combining implants with fat transfer.”
Professor Sforza also meets many women who have lost weight before their weddings. “Some have lost not just a few pounds, but several stone, which they may be happy with, but are left with loose skin and pockets of fat, which no amount of diet or exercise will change.” Because of this, liposuction is also on the rise. In fact, according to the latest statistics released by BAAPs, body contouring procedures like lipo have seen a resurgence with a nine percent increase from 2017 to 2018. “This procedure involves the absorption of small areas of fat to give your body a more refined appearance,” explains the expert. “It takes place in areas where fat deposits tend to accumulate, such as the buttocks, hips, thighs and abdomen.”
What to consider beyond the Big Day
Even though you can’t reverse a ‘nip/tuck’, that doesn’t mean a procedure will last forever. Some surgeries require permanent lifestyle changes if you want the results to last.
Get lipo – Prof. Sforza reveals that: “you have to commit to keeping the weight off, or you’ll put it back on in other places.” Also, some processes will need to be repeated in the future, which means they will also require long-term financial investments. “For example, breast implants should be replaced approximately every 10 to 20 years, facelifts require revisions to keep the skin looking ‘fresh’ every 10 to 15 years, and upper eyelid surgery should be repeated every five up to -seven years.”
To avoid spending more than you have, it is recommended that you review your finances before any consultation. You should determine how much money you can afford to save each month for surgery now and in the future if a procedure needs to be repeated in a few years.
Finally, remember that while cosmetic surgery can improve your body image, it may not improve the way you feel about yourself in general. “Sometimes, it can seem simpler to fix external concerns than to deal with deeper, internal emotional issues,” notes the professor. “If you recognize this in yourself, it’s important to understand that a procedure isn’t going to make those feelings go away. You also won’t be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery if your mental health isn’t in good shape.”
Instead, she advises that you consider talking to your doctor and seeking professional emotional support. “This will allow you to speak to a specialist in detail about what is causing a negative impact on your mental health and means you can work together to improve your wellbeing. More responsible surgeons may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further assessment if you are unsure of your psychological well-being during a consultation or if you have had mental health problems in the past This is a precautionary measure so they can have a second professional opinion about how well you understand the implications of the surgery and whether you will be able to face unexpected results’.
At MyBreast Cosmetic Surgery, she explains that they work with a team of highly experienced, fully accredited and highly trained psychologists who specialize exclusively in body image issues, “so we can offer all potential patients adequate physical and mental health.”
Planning your schedule (if you decide it’s right for you)
If you are considering a major procedure, give yourself approximately 12 months from your wedding day to have the surgery completed in time.
“You will need approximately three to six months to research and speak to your shortlist of surgeons before making a final decision. This is a significant amount of time as many of the best plastic surgeons are busy months in advance,” explains Professor Sforza.
Working around this timeline means that when you get close to booking and getting your procedure done, you should still have at least six to eight months until your wedding day. “This will give you plenty of time to recover, especially from more complex surgeries that involve sedation or anesthesia.”
For those concerned about downtime and recovery, there may be less invasive versions of some procedures worth considering. “For example, ‘mini facelifts’ – which lift the skin and soft tissue through gentle repositioning and tightening – are becoming popular. It’s a procedure that requires fewer incisions than a traditional facelift, but still reduces sagging or sagging skin,” she explains.
For extra skin around your waist, she explains that a “mini tummy tuck” can give your lower abdomen a smoother appearance with less scarring than a full tummy tuck. “This removes loose skin below your belly button instead of your entire stomach and is best for people with a smaller amount of excess skin.”
Choosing the right surgeon
Professor Sforza says the more thorough, face-to-face time surgeons have with a person, the better. “You should be able to attend multiple consultations before your wedding so that you feel confident in whatever final decision you make.”
Most reputable cosmetic surgeons are members of representative bodies to maintain excellent industry standards such as ISAPS , BAAPS the BABRAS. He adds, “they will also be the ones who take their duty of care more seriously and adhere strictly to the latest GMC guidelines.” These highlight that all professionals must give patients time for reflection and provide adequate time and information about all potential risks and complications. The minimum two week cooling off period should be in place before any surgery is agreed.
“The best surgeons are honest and realistic about managing your expectations, and you should never be rushed into a decision or put in a position where a practice tries to ‘teas’ you with ‘deals’ or last-minute discounts. moment. ”
Bridal cosmetic surgery is by no means a trend. As with any cosmetic procedure, it should be carefully considered, thoroughly researched and done only with caution.
