Dr Yusra’s Guide to the Ultimate Wedding Glow

With over 4.7million weddings due to take place in the years 2022 & 2023, brides and grooms up and down the country are busy planning their special day. For many brides and grooms, aesthetic treatments and skincare regimes become one of many things on a long list of wedding to do’s and busy schedules. We want to help you find natural enhancing treatments leaving you feeling glowing, refreshed, and radiant.

Multi award-winning expert Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar is on hand to guide brides and grooms through treatment journeys from skin and dermal filler, to sculpting and weight loss programmes, all of which take place in Dr Yusra’s flagship clinic in Blundellsands and Crosby. Dr Yusra also has satellite clinics in London Harley Street and Harrow on the Hill where Dr Yusra’s team of experts are on hand to guide and support our patients on their treatment journey. Dr Yusra and her team have put together a guide on key tips and tricks as well as when to have your all-important aesthetic treatments ahead of your special day.

9 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE:

Skin

There is no better time than in the lead up to your wedding to incorporate a good skin care routine. With so many different brands, products, and advice on the market it can be difficult to know where to start. A consultation is key in starting this journey. At Dr Yusra clinic, her team of experts don’t just ask what you are using currently, they look at your medical history, discuss nutrition and assess the health of your skin, thereby advising you on a holistic plan from makeup to treatments. Dr Yusra recommends starting your skin transformation 9-12 months before the big day to allow time for your skin to acclimatise to new products and to maximise your skin health and glow.

Skincare and skin health is a bespoke treatment and, as with dermal filler, there certainly is not a one size fits all. Each individual will have different concerns that they want to focus on. From acne to hyperpigmentation and scarring these are all concerns that can be treated using prescription grade skin care, and in some cases alongside in clinic skin treatments such as Microneedling or laser. Dr Yusra’s go to prescription products come from brands such as Obagi, SkinCeuticals, Alumier and Teoxane to help deliver life changing transformations.

Dr Yusra says “Pre-wedding skincare plans often start 9-12 months before the wedding, where we have plenty of time to really maximise our patients glow. We offer scientifically backed prescription skincare that is clinically proven to improve collagen density and radiance, and we offer prescription treatments for those who suffer with their skin health and appearance of acne, scarring, rosacea, pigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles through sun damage or ageing. One of the best pore busting treatments is Secret Pro by Cutera, a combination treatment that uses microneedling radiofrequency and CO2 laser to create a smooth and beautiful canvas whilst also tightening the skin, improve pores, resurface the skin to reduce lines around the face, eyes and mouth and for improved collagen density as well as an FDA approved treatment for scarring. This treatment sends heat energy to the collagen forming fibroblasts through tiny microchannels in the skin created from the microneedles. The result is new collagen, reduced lines, and a smoother brighter tighter complexion. It can be used around the eyes, face and neck and is hugely popular with our patients. It can also be used on stretch marks on the body to diminish their appearance.”

Face

Facial treatment’s will depend on your concerns, and desired outcome, and are best planned months in advance. One of the most widely sought after treatments are dermal filler and anti wrinkle treatments.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to dermal filler, and a consultation is always best placed as a first step to discuss and plan your journey well in advance and create a bespoke plan to suit your life style, budget and desired outcome. Dr Yusra recommends finding a practitioner you trust, who shares the same goals, who can work with you to address your concerns and help you to feel your best on your special day.

Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can be used in subtle enhancing ways to provide brides and grooms with confidence ahead of their special day. Dr Yusra says “we see many brides and grooms alike visit us ahead of their wedding for pre-wedding tweaks or rejuvenation along with many visiting for life-changing treatments such as the non- surgical rhinoplasty after realising they have been bothered by a feature and feel anxious about wedding photos as a result. As these treatments are medical procedures, and there is always a small risk of bruising or complications, I always advise planning such treatments well in advance of your special day to ensure you like the end result and have plenty of time to either change your mind or plan top ups before the big day if you want”.

It is recommended that you begin your dermal filler journey around 9 months before your wedding. This allows time for a full treatment plan to be curated, and treatments planned effectively in the run up to your wedding which means your treatments are performed and often built upon to achieve beautifully natural results. Following the 9-12-month rule also allows you to trial treatments to make sure it is the right treatment for you, and to make any tweaks necessary. In the unlikely event you don’t like the results, there is also plenty of time to reverse the treatment and tweak if need be.

Ultracel is a non-invasive treatment that works by tightening and lifting the lax muscle layer. It can be used to treat the face, neck or eyes. The technology used combines radio frequency and focused ultrasound to which works on the deeper layers of the skin, and muscle. This provides the ultimate lift with no needles or down time. For the best results it is recommended that 3 treatments take place around 3 months apart. This treatment can be done in conjunction with dermal filler and medical grace skin care.

ENDOlift is a revolutionary treatment used for immediate and effective skin tightening and fat reduction, leaving no scarring. Endolift remodels the entire face: correcting mild sagging of the skin and fat accumulations on the lower third of the face (double chin, cheeks, mouth, jaw line) and neck and can also be used in the upper face to correct the skin laxity of the lower eyelid. The results are not only immediately visible but continue to improve for several months following the procedure, as additional collagen builds in the deep layers of the skin. The best moment to appreciate the results achieved is after 6 months.

Body

With outfits to fit into, hundreds of photographs being taken and being the centre of attention, many brides feel anxious about their bodies and how they look in the run-up to the big day. It is important to first remember that you are beautiful and your physical and mental health should be the priority. For brides and grooms who are wanting to get rid of any stubborn areas of fat or lose weight ahead of their big day, Dr Yusra and her team are here to help. Dr Yusra recommends starting your body journey around 9 months before the wedding. This will allow her team of experts to help you on your journey and optimise your results. We have a number of body contouring and fat reducing treatments that are FDA approved to improve your health and your silhouette.

CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved medical treatment and is perfect for treating and permanently reducing stubborn pockets of fat, without any needles or surgery. In just one session you can permanently destroy up to 27% of fat cells using a process called cryo lipolysis, this is where fat cells are frozen to -11 degrees which results in them being permanently destroyed and therefore leave the body through the normal lymphatics. Patients can often be recommended 2, and on some occasions 3 sessions of CoolSculpting which take place 3 months apart. Results can be appreciated in as little as 6 weeks, though you will see your optimum results 3 months after the treatment. It is a non-invasive treatment with no downtime meaning it is the perfect treatment to fit into a busy wedding planning schedule. We treat the double chin area, bingo wings, back fat, abdominal fat, muffin top and inner and outer thighs.

Dr Yusra Clinic is also home to the National Weight Loss programme which is led by our superintendent pharmacist on our ‘Journey back to health’ programme. The national weight loss programme uses medication to aid with weight loss only where necessary and medically appropriate. This is a prescription medication which when used alongside healthy eating and exercise can result in significant weight loss. This treatment is suitable for people with a BMI over 27. On average patients find that they can lose up to 2 pounds a week. Dr Yusra recommends booking in for a consultation with our clinical lead prescriber who will not only provide information on the medication but also support with nutritional plans, exercise plans and a healthy lifestyle with monthly check-ins.

3 – 6 MONTHS BEFORE:

Face

Anti-wrinkle injections last on average 3-6 months however Dr Yusra recommends trying these injections at least 6 months before your wedding. Anti-wrinkle injections are different to dermal filler and cannot be reversed should they not be for you, therefore trying these injections prior to the wedding will allow time for this to wear off before the big day.

Skinbooster injections like Profhilo, skinbooster Restylane Vital or Beltoero revive are an injectable treatment that is designed to deliver deep skin hydration, promoting a natural glow and radiance. Unlike a dermal filler, these treatments are not designed to create volume or change the shape of your face – the effect is more subtle and is suitable for all. Injectable skin boosters are perfect for those wanting a natural glow on their special day along with helping to reduce fine lines and creepy skin. Skin boosters can also be used on the neck or chest area. 2-3 sessions are recommended 4 weeks apart in order to get the optimum results.

Skin

For the ultimate wedding glow, Dr Yusra recommends having the Dr Yusra Signature Glow facial that combines hydration, extraction, medical grade skin peel and LED light therapy. It is recommended that you have one facial a month in the 6 months leading up to the wedding. Dr Yusra always recommends speaking with your practitioner to find the best facial that combines treatments to help with any concerns along with giving you glowing, healthy skin. It is important not to introduce anything new into your skincare regime a month before the big day to avoid any reactions or purges in the skin.

Hydrafacials are bespoke 6 step medical grade facial that can be tailored to your skin type and desired outcome. HydraFacial will give you instant and visible results that you can see and feel after each treatment. This patented technology follows a six-step treatment process – Detox, Cleanse and Exfoliation, Brightening, Extraction, Hydration and finally Rejuvenation. Dead skin cells and impurities are removed and the skin is hydrated with antioxidants and peptides. Dr Yusra recommends having one HydraFacial a month in the lead-up for the big day.

Body

ULTRAcel Q+ is a non-invasive treatment that non-surgically remodels and contours areas of the face and body using HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) which penetrates deep into the skin and fat. ULTRAcel Q+ can be used to achieve a more youthful and toned appearance, for all skin tones and types with no recovery time and skin that will feel smoother and tighter immediately after treatment. As new collagen is produced over the 6 months after treatment you will then feel the full result. As the 6 month count down begins it is important to keep up with your healthy life style including exercise, healthy nutrition and positive mindset to help continue and maintain your weight loss results. Our superintendent pharmacist is on hand to support you on this journey, helping you to achieve your goals.

1 – 2 MONTHS BEFORE:

HydraFacial’s and continuing with your medical grade skin care are vital in the 1-2 months before your wedding. Don’t introduce any new products into your regime unless advised to by your practitioner.

THE WEEK BEFORE:

Relax, enjoy your moment and don’t be tempted to book any last minute tweakments or facials or change your skincare regime. Stick to your routine, hydrate yourself and smile!

Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar

Dr Yusra is a distinguished dental surgeon and a skilled medical aesthetic clinician with a wealth of experience in maxillofacial head and neck surgery and skin cancer surgery. She holds an impressive academic background, having graduated with first-class honours in Medical Science and Healthcare Management from Imperial College London and earned Honours and Distinction as a dental surgeon from King’s College London. Dr Yusra is a Level 7 Trainer in medical aesthetics, in line with Ofqual guidelines, and is renowned for her expertise in providing natural-looking non-surgical facelifts and a range of aesthetic treatments. Her commitment to patient well-being and safety is unwavering, making her a trusted practitioner in the field.

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