Whether you’re walking down the aisle, attending a milestone birthday, heading to a high school reunion, or simply want to look your absolute best for a special occasion, a little self-care time can go a long way. At Self Skin Studio in Wilmington, NC, we see a big uptick in patients looking for skin-smoothing, glow-boosting, and facial-balancing treatments in the weeks leading up to their big day.
The key to perfect pre-event skin? Choosing treatments that deliver noticeable, yet natural results—without long downtime. Here’s our guide to the five best medspa treatments to try before a big event, plus exactly when to schedule them so you’re looking flawless right on time.
1. Botox for Smooth, Wrinkle-Free Skin
When it comes to a quick, reliable refresh before a big event, Botox tops the list. This FDA-approved injectable works by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines—think forehead creases, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the brows.
Why it’s perfect for events:
- Softens existing lines and prevents them from deepening.
- Gives the skin a smoother, more rested appearance.
- Results look natural when administered by an experienced injector.
When to book: Schedule your Botox appointment 3–4 weeks before your event. This allows time for the product to fully take effect (Botox generally takes 14 days to settle) and ensures you have time for a follow-up dosage adjustment if needed.
Our tip: For first-timers, we recommend booking even earlier—about 6 weeks out—so you can see how your face responds and make any tweaks before the big day.
2. Dermaplaning Facial for an Instant Glow
If you want your skin to look baby-soft and your makeup to apply like a dream, dermaplaning is a must. This exfoliating treatment uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving you with a silky-smooth complexion.
Why it’s perfect for events:
- Instantly brightens dull skin.
- Smooths texture for flawless makeup application.
- Helps skincare products absorb better.
When to book: You can book dermaplaning about 10 days before your event for maximum glow. There’s no downtime, but your skin may be a bit more sensitive to the sun, so SPF is non-negotiable.
3. PRP + Microneedling for Collagen Boosting
If you have a little more lead time before your event and want to seriously up your skin game, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) combined with microneedling is a powerhouse treatment. Microneedling uses tiny, controlled punctures to stimulate collagen production, while PRP—extracted from your own blood—is rich in growth factors that speed healing and boost results.
Why it’s perfect for events:
- Improves overall skin texture and tone.
- Reduces fine lines and acne scars.
- Gives skin a healthy, youthful glow that keeps improving for weeks.
When to book: Ideally, you’ll want to schedule PRP + microneedling 4–6 weeks before your event. This allows your skin time to heal and gives collagen production a chance to ramp up for optimal results.
Our tip: For best results, consider a series of treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart, starting a few months before your big day.
4. Moxi Laser to Smooth Out Texture
If you’ve noticed uneven tone, texture, or early signs of sun damage, the Moxi laser is a game-changer. This gentle, non-ablative fractional laser targets pigment and stimulates collagen without the harsh downtime of more aggressive lasers.
Why it’s perfect for events:
- Evens skin tone and fades discoloration.
- Improves texture for a smoother surface.
- Minimal downtime—skin may look sun-kissed for a few days, then glowy
When to book: Schedule your Moxi treatment 3–4 weeks before your event so you have time for any redness or MENDS to fade, revealing your fresh, radiant skin underneath.
Our tip: Pair Moxi with BBL (BroadBand Light) to target pigmentation and texture. This is a team favorite!
5. Filler to Balance and Enhance Your Features
If you want to subtly enhance your features, restore lost volume, or create more symmetry, dermal fillers can deliver natural results. Whether it’s plumping the lips, softening smile lines, or sculpting the cheeks, fillers are a versatile way to refresh your look.
Why it’s perfect for events:
- Provides instant volume and contour.
- Enhances facial harmony while keeping your look natural.
- Long-lasting results—often 6–18 months depending on the type of filler used
When to book: Plan your filler appointment 4 weeks before your event. While swelling is usually minimal, this gives you plenty of time for any minor bruising to resolve and for the filler to fully settle.
Our tip: Trust an injector who understands your desire for natural results—we believe you should still look like yourself, just refreshed.
Timing Your Pre-Event Treatment Plan
One of the most common mistakes we see is patients trying something new too close to their event date. Even low-downtime treatments like Botox or dermaplaning need some buffer time to ensure you look and feel your best. Here’s a quick scheduling guide:
Treatment | When to Book Before Event
Botox/Dysport | 4 weeks
Dermaplaning | 7-10 days
PRP Microneedling | 4–6 weeks
Moxi Laser | 4-6 weeks
Filler | 4-6 weeks
Final Tips for Looking Your Best
1. Start Early – The sooner you plan your treatments, the more flexibility you’ll have to fine-tune results.
2. Don’t Try Everything at Once – If it’s your first time getting a treatment, do a trial run months before the event.
3. Prioritize Skin Health – The healthiest skin will always photograph best. Keep up with hydration, SPF, and gentle exfoliation.
4. Trust Your Provider – Choose a medspa with skilled injectors and licensed estheticians who understand your goals and timeline.
Ready to Look Your Best for Your Big Day?
At Self Skin Studio in Wilmington, NC, our goal is always natural, timeless beauty that helps you feel confident—whether you’re walking into a wedding, gala, or simply celebrating life’s milestones. We’ll help you create a personalized treatment plan so you can step into your event with glowing skin, refreshed features, and zero stress.
Curious about botox in Wilmington, NC
Peer Reviewed by Chelsea Delgado, RN
Chelsea brings nearly seven years of experience in Medical Aesthetics, specializing in injectable and laser treatments. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Chelsea began her nursing career with a focus on Aesthetic Medicine and quickly realized her passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
