Your Holiday Glow-Up Timeline: What to Book Now, in October, November and December

Every December, my schedule fills with patients hoping to look rested for a party that weekend. Some of those requests are easy. Others — a laser resurfacing treatment five days before a wedding, for example — I have to talk people out of. The difference comes down to timing.

It’s late September as I write this, which is the ideal moment to plan. Thanksgiving falls on November 26 this year, and the stretch from there to New Year’s is packed with photos and gatherings. Here is how I suggest working backward.

Now through mid-October: the treatments that need the longest runway

If you want meaningful change in texture, sun damage or firmness, this is your window. These treatments either involve real downtime or build results slowly:

• Laser resurfacing. A deep CO2 treatment ($1,000) can transform texture and fine lines, but expect roughly one to two weeks of peeling and several more weeks of pinkness. Fall is the classic season for it because sun exposure is lower.
• Collagen-building series. Morpheus8 and microneedling are usually done as a series spaced several weeks apart, and collagen continues to remodel for months. Starting now means your last session can land in November with results still improving into the holidays.
• Sculptra. Because Sculptra works by stimulating your own collagen, results appear gradually over weeks to months. It’s a long game, not a quick fix.
• Brown spots and redness. A photofacial series works best started early, since spots darken and flake off over one to two weeks after each session.

Late October to early November: injectables

Dermal filler: at least two to four weeks before your event

Swelling and bruising from filler usually settle within one to two weeks, but they can last longer, especially around the lips and under the eyes. I also like to see patients back after about two weeks to evaluate the result. Booking filler in late October or early November leaves time for both. Lip filler is $500 for a full syringe or $300 for a half syringe.

Neuromodulators: about three weeks before

Botox and other FDA-approved neuromodulators take several days to start working and up to two weeks for full effect. For Thanksgiving, I suggest early November. If you want the effect to last through New Year’s too, that same appointment usually covers it, since results typically last three to four months. Botox is $11 per unit in Hudson and $10 per unit in Barboursville.

Mid-November to early December: polish

This is the time for lighter treatments with minimal downtime:

• A light chemical peel, if you’ve had one before and know how your skin reacts.
• Skin-boosting injectables such as SkinVive, which can leave small bumps for a few days.
• Touch-ups on anything evaluated at your two-week filler check.

The final week: gentle only

In the last five to seven days before an event, I recommend only treatments with essentially no recovery, such as a HydraFacial or a medical facial. Resist the urge to try anything new. Unfamiliar products or procedures right before a big night are the most common reason I see irritated, blotchy skin in December.

Who should adjust this timeline

• Anyone who bruises easily or takes blood thinners should add extra buffer before injectables and should not stop prescribed medication without talking to the prescribing physician.
• People prone to cold sores may need antiviral medication before lasers, peels or lip filler.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should skip injectables and most lasers for now.
• If you’re traveling somewhere sunny, avoid resurfacing and peels in the weeks before the trip.

All injectables and lasers at Serene are performed or supervised by trained medical professionals under my oversight.

Frequently asked questions

Is it too late for filler if my party is in ten days?

It’s possible, but risky. Bruising or swelling may not fully resolve. I would usually suggest a neuromodulator or a facial instead and plan filler afterward.

Can I get a laser treatment in December?

Light treatments, yes. Deeper resurfacing is best done at least six to eight weeks before a major event so the pinkness has time to fade.

What if I only have time for one appointment?

For most people, a neuromodulator treatment about three weeks before the event gives the most visible refresh with the least risk of downtime.

Should I stop my retinoid before treatments?

Often for a few days before peels, lasers and microneedling. We give specific instructions based on the treatment you book.

Start your holiday plan now

The best time to plan for December is today. Schedule a complimentary, no-commitment consultation and we’ll map out your dates:

• Hudson, OH: 50 W Streetsboro St, Suite 2 · (330) 460-5915
• Barboursville, WV: 1 Chateau Grove Ln · (304) 520-0461

Ask about Easy Pay financing.

References: Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. · U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers (soft tissue fillers). fda.gov · American Academy of Dermatology. Laser resurfacing: what to expect. aad.org

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Treatments are provided only after consultation and evaluation by a licensed provider. Individual results vary.