Picture-Perfect
We bring you the most popular cosmetic procedures for teeth, face, and body, for people about to marry.
By Leslie Hoffman | Photography by Megan Wylie
In the months and weeks leading up the wedding, brides and grooms are hitting the gym, as well as fine-tuning their teeth, face, and body to put their best self forward for the much-photographed day. We turn to the region’s experts in cosmetic procedures who share with us the treatments and products that are most sought-after by people about to embark on their own red-carpet day.
Teeth
Most Popular: Teeth whitening is the No. 1 procedure that brides and grooms sign up for in the dentist’s office before walking down the aisle. At Artistic Dentistry in Wexford, brides and grooms-to-be seek laser bleaching; the system is dependent on the individual patient’s needs, and costs about $400. At the offices of Drs. Miller, Werrin, Gruendel & Curley in Oakland, they offer Lumasmile Whitening. Dr. William Vitalie’s Chestnut Hills Dental locations offer Zoom Whitening. In the offices of Edgewood Dental Associates, the most popular form of whitening is the Venus custom-created take-home tray. Normally, the trays cost $199, but for brides and grooms, they’re complimentary.
Timeline: Schedule at least two weeks in advance of the wedding, to avoid any issues with sensitive teeth or other adverse reactions that could possibly occur.
Artistic Dentistry, 12031 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.934.0330. Chestnut Hills Dental, 5889 Forbes Ave., Suite 305, Squirrel Hill. 412.521.4300. Miller, Werrin, Gruendel & Curley, 3506 Fifth Ave., Oakland. 412.621.0200. Edgewood Dental Associates, Towne Center Offices, 1789 S. Braddock Ave., Edgewood. 412.242.4022.
TREND
Luscious lashes will be yours for the wedding, honeymoon, and beyond, with Latisse, the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes) that helps to grow longer, thicker, and darker lashes in two months. Dr. Simona Pautler.
Face
Most Popular: “Many women and men who are in the process of getting married just want something that will perk them up and make them look and feel their very best,” says board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michael Kluska, of The Center for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Greensburg. “Many times, my services can be as little as a good skin care program, Botox, and or injectable fillers.” Botox is used to relax frown lines and wrinkles of action, whereas injectable fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are used to plump up wrinkles and lips. This regimen ranges in price from $400-$1,500.
Timeline: Allow at least two weeks before the wedding for non-surgical procedures.
The Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, 410 Pellis Road, Suite 2A, Greensburg. 724.836.0400.
Body
Brides who head to The Circulatory Centers are most often prepping for their honeymoon. Sclerotherapy, a cosmetic treatment of minor spider veins, is the most-requested treatment for those about to get married, says Michele J. Larson, marketing director for The Circulatory Centers. In the procedure, a small amount of sclerosing agent is injected into the offending veins, causing their walls to collapse and then naturally absorbed by the body. Eliminating the vein actually improves blood circulation, according to The American College of Phlebology, as the body “re-routes” blood through healthy veins. Patients may need more than one sclerotherapy session.
Dr. Simona V. Pautler says that in her South Hills practice, breast augmentation is the No. 1 procedure that women pursue before their wedding day. “In general, these are women that have wanted breast enhancement for a long time and their wedding plans have pushed them to take the plunge. They want to look perfect in their wedding gown, their wedding pictures, and on their honeymoon,” she says.
Dr. Kluska, of The Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, also notes this trend. “All women want to their wedding to be a day to remember and want to look ‘perfect’ in their wedding gown,” he says. “Breast enhancement addresses the bride’s proportion and symmetry.”
Both Dr. Pautler and Dr. Kluska also see brides and grooms opting for liposuction. “Pre-wedding diets are commonplace for those that want to lose extra weight. But for some, pockets of excess fat remain,” says Dr. Pautler. Liposuction can be used to reduce or remove localized fat deposits from the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, waist, upper arms, back, inner knees, and chin and neck areas. In Dr. Kluska’s practice, “Lipocontouring is most commonly requested to slim the waistline and hips, improving the bride’s overall proportions.” Consult with the doctor on pricing for surgical procedures.
Timeline: Plan sclerotherapy several months in advance of the wedding to allow bruising and pigmentation to disappear. Schedule surgical procedures such as breast enhancement and liposuction at least six months in advance.
The Circulatory Centers, 800.526.3082. Dr. Simona Pautler, 3311 Washington Road, #200, McMurray. 724.969.0930. The Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, 410 Pellis Road, Suite 2A, Greensburg. 724.836.0400.
TIP
For glowing skin on your wedding day, begin with the Obagi-C RX Skin Health System Starter Set, including C-Cleansing Gel, C-Therapy Night Cream, C-Exfoliating Day Lotion, C-Clarifying Serum, and C-Sunguard. Dr. Simona Pautler.