Get Red-Carpet Ready Now – All About Facial Rejuvenation Tells You How

By Denise Mann

Celebs always look their best when attending a big awards show. Now top facial plastic surgeons share their secrets with you.

Water cooler talk the day after a big awards show is not only about who won or lost, but what they wore and whether or not they had any "work" done beforehand.

When most celebrities strut their stuff down the red carpet, their skin is glowing, their makeup is flawless and not a hair is out of place. But how do they manage to look so young, and more importantly, how can you?

Here's what facial plastic surgeons in-the-know have to say about getting red-carpet ready — whether you're attending the Academy Awards or just want to look like you are.

Timing Is Everything

Celebrities pick their dresses months ahead of time, and you can bet they do the same with their facial rejuvenation procedures. Nominated actors and actresses may feign surprise, but winners likely have an idea that they will get that coveted nod, and all nominees want to make sure they look their best whether they win or lose.

More advance notice means more options, says American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery President Jonathan Sykes, MD, the director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of California at Davis Medical Center.

If you have time to get yourself red-carpet ready, surgeries such as brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelift can take years off of your appearance.

"If you want to look perfect, allow ample time for healing so that you are not swollen, and make sure you follow your doctor's recovery advice," says Sykes. "If you only have a few days, it can limit you to things that don't cause excessive swelling and bruising."

Botox and Dysport to the Rescue

This is where two of the most popular injectables, Botox and Dysport, can be of benefit. "These neurotoxins head the list because they can diminish wrinkles and have virtually no downtime," explains Sykes. "You go back to work or go on a photo shoot immediately." The full wrinkle-busting results are visible within 48 hours and last for three or four months, on average. "If you want to be red-carpet ready by Saturday, the latest you could get Botox or Dysport injections would be Thursday," he says. "The beauty is there is no swelling or bruising."

Next on the list of minimally invasive treatments are soft tissue fillers, including hyaluronic-based injectables such as Perlane, Restylane and Juvederm. On the plus side, "the effect is immediate," says Sykes. But these fillers can cause swelling and bruising. "Some patients bruise more than others," he says, "and some areas bruise more than others."

"[Today] we are using fillers for facial contouring and volumizing, not just to fill in lines and wrinkles," says New York City-based facial plastic surgeon Andrew Jacono, MD. The result is that men and women look ageless instead of plastic, according to Jacono. These liquid facelifts can be done using Sculptra, Radiesse or some of the hyaluronic acid-based fillers, and should be done seven to 10 days before a big event, he says.

Batting Your Eyelashes

Whether you're using falsies, super mascara, semi-permanent LashDip or Latisse, eyelash enhancers can certainly boost your star appeal. "Latisse is available by prescription and should only be used under a doctor's guidance," Sykes says. "It takes a little bit of time to work, but there is very little downtime; and if Latisse doesn't have maximum effect, there is no downside."

Skin Care Savvy

Healthy, glowing skin is a big part of the whole youthful-face package, and chemical peels can help your skin look bright and clear for a big event. "The effect and downtime are directly related to the depth of a peel," Sykes says. "Peels with no chance of causing redness or swelling will make your skin look fresh, and are wonderful for a couple of days before a red carpet event." Deeper peels offer more dramatic results, but they come at a cost — more downtime.

There is also no substitute for common sense when it comes to skin care, adds Corey Maas, MD, a facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day. "Well-hydrated skin is younger and fresher looking," he says. Sun protection is also critical, as sun damage can cause wrinkles as well as skin cancer. Choose a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher as part of your daily skin care routine.

Pucker Up

Plump, pouty lips are always en vogue and can add pop to anyone's appearance. "Special lip glosses can make lips look plumper, and so can lipstick by defining the border," explains Maas. Most of these products work by causing inflammation, which is what gives the lips that plump look. "Keeping your lips hydrated with a good lip moisturizer can also help," he says.

If you still want more pop, hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm are the best choices. Better safe than sorry, Maas says. Make sure to schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your big event so any bruising or swelling will have subsided.

How to Get Started

Want to get red-carpet ready? Start by consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon who is well-schooled on facial procedures — and the downtime they involve. He or she can help you make educated decisions based on your aesthetic goals, skin type and anatomy. Remember to discuss facial plastic surgery cost with your surgeon, as you likely don't have the same budget as Oscar nominees.

Finding a Surgeon

To help you get started, All About Facial Rejuvenation has compiled a directory of highly trained and experienced surgeons. To ensure the best possible results, we only list surgeons with impressive credentials who are held in high esteem by both patients and colleagues alike. You can rest assured that you will receive compassionate care and effective appearance-enhancing treatments when you choose a surgeon listed in our up-to-date directory.

Blog | Contact Us | About Us | Meet our Team | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Statement

© 2009 - 2024 Ceatus Media Group LLC Images and text on this site belong to Ceatus Media Group. Copying or reproducing any text or graphics from this website is strictly prohibited by copyright law. Please read our copyright infringement policy.