As your big day approaches, many brides-to-be consider ways to enhance their natural beauty, and botox is a popular option. If you're considering your pre-wedding beauty treatments and botox is on your radar but you're a little nervous, I'm here to help. As a medical doctor specialising in aesthetics and ageing, I promise to guide you through this and make you feel empowered about your choice.
Before we dive in - I want to tell you that no one needs botox and results can vary. It's a personal preference – some find it beneficial, while others are happy without it - Let's get to it!
1. What is botox, and how can it help you feel more confident on your wedding day?
First up, botox is a general term for Botulinum Toxin A, with three licensed brands in the UK: BoCouture, Azzalure, and Botox. Also known as anti-wrinkle or wrinkle reduction injections, it's a non-invasive treatment that temporarily smooths wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing targeted muscles. For some this temporarily refreshes their skin for a more youthful look. When I say "botox," I mean the treatment in general, not a specific brand.
2. How far in advance should I start botox before my wedding?
Botox takes 2-4 weeks to fully settle, and every face responds a little differently. The best approach? Start at least six months before your wedding so you have time for 2-3 treatments before the big day:
- First treatment (6 months out) – We see how your face responds. Do you love the look?
- Second treatment (3 months out) - Now we refine and perfect it for a seamless, natural result.
- Third treatment (ideally three weeks before the wedding) – your personalised treatment is provided by your medical expert.
Starting any beauty treatment well in advance allows you to experience the effects and decide if it's right for you. By doing this, we avoid last-minute surprises, and you walk down the aisle looking like the best version of you.
3. Will botox make me look unnatural?
A good treatment should make you look like yourself, just fresher and more rested. The key? Working with a medical expert who understands facial anatomy and tailors the treatment to you. No cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach here!
4. Does Botox hurt and is there down time?
Not really. Most patients describe it as tiny pinches—over before you even register what's happening. If you're extra nervous, you can apply numbing cream thirty minutes before your treatment. It's a zero-downtime treatment, so you can go right back to wedding planning.
5. Are there any side effects I should be worried about?
Like any medical treatment, botox has potential side effects. While most are minor, it's important to be aware of the side effects and risks. It is important your medical expert explain these to you. The most common are mild redness or tiny bumps (like mosquito bites) lasting 15–30 minutes. Some may experience minor bruising, which fades in a few days. The best part? No one will even know you had anything done.
6. Will Botox affect my facial expressions in wedding photos?
The goal is to soften wrinkles, not erase expression. You should still be able to laugh, cry, and make all the happy, emotional faces of the day. Your wedding photos are high-resolution and last a lifetime. You'll look like you, just fresh, polished, and radiant.
7. What if I don't like my results? Can it be reversed?
Here's the deal - botox isn't permanent, your body naturally breaks it down, so if for some reason you don't love it, it naturally wears off in 3-4 months. Its effects will diminish over time. That's exactly why we do a test round 6 months before!
8. Should I get botox before my hen party or bridal shower?
If you have events leading up to the wedding (like a hen do or bridal shower), and you personally find botox helps refresh your look, then treatment in advance can help you get the subtle results you want for every pre-wedding celebration.
- Hen do selfies? Stunning.
- Bridal shower videos? Flawless.
- Late-night fun? No tired, stressed-out forehead lines.
By planning ahead, you'll be ready for every moment, not just the big day.
9. Will Botox help my makeup look better on my wedding day?
Absolutely! Botox creates a smooth, even canvas for your wedding makeup, helping foundation and concealer glide on effortlessly. No more makeup settling into fine lines or creasing by the end of the night!
Pro tip: If you're planning on airbrush makeup, botox can help with the application by providing a more even skin surface — some people find it enhances the finish without the need for heavy coverage.
10. Will Botox last through my honeymoon?
Yes! After months of planning and the whirlwind of the wedding, honeymoon exhaustion is real. Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, so its effects will continue beyond your wedding day and still look great on honeymoon.
Confidence is the Best Bridal Beauty Hack
Botox isn't about changing your face—it's about enhancing what's already beautiful and helping you feel confident, radiant, and relaxed on your big day. Find a medical aesthetic expert to personalise your treatment. Now, let's toast to glowing skin, and a stress-free wedding day (or at least one where no one can see the stress on your face).
Ready to start? Let's chat! Follow Dr. Sandrine on Instagram or visit her website. You can use code GFB for £25 off your treatment at Inject Set.