As you look forward to upcoming milestones such as a wedding, class reunion, big birthday, or holiday celebration, it’s natural to want to look and feel your best. At the Center for Plastic Surgery Ann Arbor, our team can help you design a personalized plan to help you shine at your event. The key? Timing.
Both surgical and non-surgical treatments require not only recovery time but also time for results to fully develop. Planning ahead ensures that your skin, body, and confidence peak exactly when you need them to without stress or last-minute surprises.
12 Months Out: Plan and Commit
If you’re considering plastic surgery, this is the time to begin consultations and reserve your surgery date.
Surgical Procedures
As a patient of board-certified Dr. Daniel Sherick or board-eligible Dr. Galina Primeau, you’ll meet personally with your surgeon to discuss your goals and explore surgical and combination options.
While most surgeries require only a few weeks of downtime, optimal results like scar softening, tissue settling, and swelling reduction take several months. Here’s how to plan:
- Breast Surgery (Augmentation, Lift, Reduction)
Allow 4–6 months for full recovery and final results. Plan for 2-4 weeks of no heavy lifting < 5 lbs - Body Contouring (Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover)
Plan at least 6 months ahead. Initial recovery may be 4–6 weeks, but your shape continues refining for several months. Plan for 4 weeks of no heavy lifting < 5 lbs - Facial Procedures (Facelift, Neck Lift, Blepharoplasty)
Schedule at least 6 months before your event so bruising and swelling are fully resolved and incisions have healed beautifully. Plan for 2-3 weeks of no heavy lifting < 5 lbs
Giving yourself extra time allows for minor touch-ups or complementary treatments like lasers or injectables later in your countdown.
6 Months Out: Build Your Foundation
This is when you’ll start non-surgical treatments that require a series or have gradual, collagen-building effects.
Lasers
The best results from laser treatments often appear several months after your final session.
- Contour TRL Laser – Our most intensive resurfacing treatment dramatically improves texture and fine lines. Expect 1–2 weeks of downtime, and plan your treatment about six months before your event for full healing.
- ProFractional Laser – A targeted laser that treats specific areas with faster recovery (around five days). Skin continues to refine for months, so schedule about three months before your event.
- BBL (Broadband Light) – Gently refreshes skin tone and fades redness or sun damage with minimal downtime. Since it’s typically done in a series of three sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, start treatments four to five months in advance for optimal glow.
CoolSculpting Elite
There’s no downtime, but results appear gradually as your body flushes away fat cells. For a full transformation, plan 5 months in advance to complete your treatment series.
Microneedling or Morpheus8 Microneedling
These treatments stimulate collagen for firmer, smoother skin. You’ll typically need 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with results peaking several months later — start 4–6 months out.
Sculptra
Gradually stimulates collagen for a subtle lift and contour. Begin treatments at least six months before your event for full effect.
3 Months Out: Refine and Perfect
Now’s the time to fine-tune your look and address any remaining texture, pigment, or volume concerns.
Chemical Peels
For bright, refreshed skin, schedule 3–4 months ahead of your event. You’ll peel for about a week, then see smoother, more even skin develop over several weeks.
Dermal Fillers (Juvederm, Voluma, etc.)
Restore volume or enhance features with natural-looking results. Schedule 2–3 months in advance to allow swelling to subside and results to settle.
4–6 Weeks Out: Subtle Touch-Ups
Botox and Dysport
Neurotoxins take about 1 week to start working and 2 weeks for full results. Schedule your appointment 4–6 weeks before your event to allow time for adjustments if needed.
MicroLaser Peel
Removes the top layer of skin for smoother texture and a radiant finish. Plan at least 4–6 weeks ahead so redness fully resolves.
1–2 Weeks Out: Glow & Go
This is your glow phase — time for instant-radiance treatments that have zero downtime.
DiamondGlow
This advanced facial uses a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate and infuse professional-grade serums for smoother texture and brighter tone. You’ll leave with skin that looks luminous and camera-ready, making it ideal about one week before your event.
HydraFacial
This customizable, three-step treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses your skin with hydrating serums for instant radiance. It’s gentle enough to be done a few days before your event for a fresh, dewy glow.
Dermaplaning
This treatment provides soft, smooth skin and enhances makeup application. Schedule around one week before your event for your most flawless finish. It can be done at the same time as a HydraFacial or DiamondGlow.
Avoid trying new treatments this close to your event — stick to what you know works for your skin.
Your Personalized Countdown Starts Now
Every patient’s timeline is unique. Whether you’re dreaming of a refreshed face, sculpted silhouette, or glowing complexion, our surgical and med spa teams work together to create a customized treatment plan that fits your event date, goals, and lifestyle.
Schedule your consultation today and let us help you design your confidence timeline — so you can look and feel your best when it matters most. Call 734.712.2323 or book online here.
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