More brides relying on cosmetic procedures for perfection on their big day

Bridal Botox PartiesFirst it was the bridemaids luncheon, then came spa days as a way brides-to-be thanked their circle of attendants.Now a growing trend in cosmopolitan cities is for the bride-to-be to spring for Botox injections for all her girls at a bridal party, held in a location of her choosing.Drs. Carey Nease and Chad Deal at Southern Surgical Arts say Botox parties, in general, are held in Chattanooga, but they don’t endorse them.”Our personal preference is not to go out of the office to work Botox parties,” says Nease. “Both for the safety of the procedure, as well as making sure people are of sound mind at the time (not inebriated), we prefer to do it in the office under controlled circumstances.”BRIDAL BEAUTYHere are facts and figures on the most popular pre-wedding procedures. Prices given are national averages according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; however, most local fees for the surgeries begin at $1,000 or more higher.BOTOXProcedure: An injection into the muscle between the brows and/or the eyes to block nerve impulses that cause forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet. When injected under the arms, it can stop sweating.Plan ahead: Three months.Cost (national average): $400 and up, depending on amount needed.CHEMICAL PEELProcedure: Application of a liquid chemical solution that removes the upper layers of skin, revealing younger-looking layers underneath. Peels may be light, medium or deep.Plan ahead: Three months minimum.Cost: $140-$1,200, depending on depth of peel.DERMAPENProcedure: Micro-needling procedure that stimulates collagen production. Can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and minimize acne scars.Plan ahead: Two weeks ahead; or once a month over 4 to 6 months.Cost: $300 for one treatment.MICRODERMABRASIONProcedure: Light “sanding” of upper layer of skin to smooth skin and reduce blemishes and wrinkles.Plan ahead: Six months; often more than one treatment required.Cost: $150 per treatment.RESTYLANE & SCULPTRAProcedure: Injections to fill out wrinkles, plump lips, reduce laugh lines.Plan ahead: One month minimum. Treatment takes less than one hour, but allow time for redness and swelling to disappear.Cost: $675.RHINOPLASTYProcedure: Surgery to change the size or shape of the nose.Plan ahead: Six months minimum.Cost: $4,400 surgical fees only.BREAST AUGMENTATIONProcedure: Insertion of saline or silicone implants to increase breast size.Plan ahead: Three to six months; minimum six weeks. Have it done before purchasing the bridal gown.Cost: From $4,000 for surgeon’s fees only.LIPOSUCTIONProcedure: Fat removal from beneath the skin of arm, thighs, midriff, hips.Plan ahead: Six months.Cost: $2,800 for surgical fees only, prices rise depending on amount of work done.Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery