Fabulous in a flash: Your timetable guide to noninvasive treatments for the holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, and for many people, that means holiday parties and gatherings with family and friends. Sometimes, the holidays are the only time of year people see friends and relatives, and they want to look their best. If you want to shine brighter than the tinsel and star that adorn your tree, the time to start planning your noninvasive glow-up is right now.

Many noninvasive treatments can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, add volume and plumpness and enhance the texture of your skin, but these treatments don't work immediately. To get the most out of your mini-holiday makeover, it is time to do your research, create a plan and check your calendar. This is your holiday timetable guide for refreshing your look before the festivities.

Popular pre-holiday treatment options

Ever notice how the holidays tend to sneak up on you? One moment, it's all pumpkin spice, and the next thing you know, Christmas music is playing nonstop at your local grocery store. With the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to get caught off guard by the quickly approaching holiday season. That's why many people around this time of year turn to "fast-acting" noninvasive procedures to help them sparkle like newly fallen snow for the holiday season, in preparation for parties, gatherings, pictures and special events.

"The most popular and fast-acting treatments for facial rejuvenation often combine neuromodulators, injectables and laser resurfacing," said Lara Devgan, MD. "Neuromodulators, such as Botox or Xeomin, soften dynamic wrinkles by relaxing overactive facial muscles, giving the face a smoother, more rested appearance. Injectable fillers, including hyaluronic acid and collagen-stimulating products, restore youthful volume and contour to areas such as the cheeks, lips and jawline."

For patients who want a more subtle lift without the need for surgery and the required healing time, she also had a further suggestion.

"Suture suspension techniques can elevate tissues with little downtime," said Dr. Devgan. "When combined with laser resurfacing to refine skin tone and texture, these treatments deliver an immediate, refreshed look with minimal recovery time."

There are also other options for people in a rush to see results.

"Never underestimate the power of a facial," said Sara Dickie, MD. "A light peel, such as dermaplaning or microdermabrasion, can soften the skin and add a healthy glow, as well as improve the foundation for your makeup. Most facials do not result in the actual peeling of the skin, so people can come away looking great the very next day."

Timing is everything

If you want to look refreshed, dewy and picture-perfect for the holidays, it is time to start planning. Gorgeous doesn't happen overnight. If you mistime your noninvasive treatments, you can end up red-faced or swollen instead of smooth and plumped.

Noninvasive treatments can offer quick results, but they aren't without downtime. These therapies do not require the significant recovery time that surgical procedures do; however, a healing process still occurs before a person can achieve optimal results. Getting a procedure done too close to a special event can result in unexpected outcomes, and not the kind you want to show off.

"There are also non-ablative laser technologies like photofacials that can also provide a glow-up in about a week," said Dr. Dickie. "The good news is there is minimal to no downtime, the bad news is the results don't tend to last long for either of these, but if you are looking for something quick, a non-ablative laser treatment like an IPL or a non-ablative fractionated erbium laser. Microneedling is another great option if you have a little over a week before a big event. Most people are red for up to three days and need a little recovery time before applying a full face of makeup."

Generally, avoid scheduling an appointment with your plastic surgeon the day before a major event.

"For optimal results, I recommend scheduling noninvasive treatments two to four weeks before an important event," said Dr. Devgan. "This timing allows results to fully develop and ensures any temporary swelling or redness has resolved."

Think about what you want to treat and the timing of your event.

"Neuromodulators typically take three to seven days to produce noticeable effects, with full results at around two weeks," said Dr. Devgan.

That means if your goal is to soften fine lines before your office holiday party, you will want to make an appointment with your board-certified plastic surgeon at least two weeks in advance of the event.

For patients seeking more volume or a little extra plumpness in all the right places, fillers are the way to go.

"Injectable fillers show improvement right away, but the results continue to refine over one to two weeks as swelling resolves and the product integrates naturally with the tissues," said Dr. Devgan.

Some patients may experience minor swelling or bruising after getting injectable fillers, not a comfortable or cute party look.

"You want to take advantage of all the options, you may want a little filler and a peel, so schedule your visit at least four weeks ahead of time," said Dr. Dickie. "You may decide to get a little filler and neurotoxin, then come back in two weeks for your facial or laser, and by party time, you will be shining bright!"

She made an excellent point, especially for those new to noninvasive treatments. If you schedule at least four weeks in advance of your event, this gives your body time to recover and allows you to achieve optimal results from your treatment. From there, you can decide whether you want to tweak your look before party time.

Shine bright like a diamond all holiday season

One of the worries patients have that compels them to wait until the last minute also concerns timing. It's called "holiday season" for a reason. Most people don't have just one event or gathering to attend; rather, they enjoy the spoils of the season from November through January. Some people feel that waiting until the last minute is ideal because it can extend the "lifespan" of their treatments.

Don't worry. You can enjoy many noninvasive treatments into the new year.

"Most patients enjoy lasting results throughout the entire holiday season and beyond," said Dr. Devgan. "Neuromodulators typically maintain their effect for three to four months, while fillers can last anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the product and placement."

Dr. Dickie said pretty much the same, and for patients looking into laser treatments, she has a further recommendation.

"To make non-ablative lasers last a bit longer, most places 'stack' them, so you get a package and treat every three weeks for three times or so," said Dr. Dickie. "That gives you the best bang for the buck, and you can do your last treatment one to two weeks before your event. The busy season for laser starts in October, and people who get treatments then and in early November are usually pretty happy through the New Year."

What to think about before you make plans for your big plans

If you have big holiday plans, it's definitely best to make beauty plans for them!

"The goal is to feel great and be confident," said Dr. Dickie. "Be realistic with your goals. If it's six weeks before an event, focus on smoother, clearer skin and subtle enhancements. Don't try to drastically change your look because over-corrections and prolonged side effects do happen. It is very hard to undo any cosmetic procedure."

She also cautioned people from falling into the social media trap where sites or influencers show a one-week progression to perfection. That is not realistic. Swelling and bruising can occur, and it may take some time for a patient to feel comfortable with their new look.

"Do not try to go big within three months of anything," said Dr. Dickie.

This is where scheduling is critical for any aesthetic treatments you're considering ahead of big events.

"Planning ahead is essential," said Dr. Devgan. "Patients should allow adequate time for the procedure to reach its optimal result and for any minor swelling or bruising to subside. They should also discuss their timeline and goals with their surgeon so that treatments can be sequenced appropriately, for instance, performing neuromodulators first, followed by fillers, and scheduling laser treatments last to refine the skin surface. By working in partnership with their physician and avoiding last-minute interventions, patients can achieve a balanced, natural and beautifully refreshed appearance that enhances confidence for any special occasion."

If there's no time before a big event and you want a fun new look for the holidays, Dr. Dickie offered a great suggestion that requires no downtime. She said if you want immediate results, get a professional to apply your makeup. It is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your features, try something new and get a fast, festive refresh.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.