11 Cosmetic Treatments Experts Say You Can Still Do For a Holiday Glow Up

If the holiday season snuck up on you, we’ve got you covered. We want to look our best when seeing extended family, gathering with friends or entering the new year. So, we talked to dermatologists and dentists to see what cosmetic treatments have a quick turnaround to get you looking merry and bright in time for the holidays.

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Skin tightening

Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby says skin-tightening devices are a great option for a quick holiday glow up. SoftWave is a skin-tightening device with no downtime and limited discomfort. Some lift can be seen immediately, with full results peaking in two to three months, says Dr. Allenby. She also recommends the radio frequency device Virtue, “which builds collagen and lifts the skin.”

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Porcelain veneers

Sarasota, FL cosmetic dentist Jenifer C. Back, DMD says porcelain veneers are a great way to enhance your smile ahead of the holidays. She explains that they “can completely change the alignment and color of your smile.” The process takes a few hours—and up to two appointments—so she suggests planning on the treatment taking three weeks from start to finish to be safe, although sometimes results are finalized in as little as a week.

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Injectables

Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD says simple five-minute treatments with neuromodulators are perfect for earlier in the holiday season. These injections will relax the muscles and soften expression lines. “Since it’s fast and very effective, anyone can fit it into their busy schedule,” says Dr. Blyumin-Karasik. She notes that there’s minimal downtime, such as light bruising. Results tend to appear in about three to ten days and last for four to six months, she adds. “It’s no brainer that this is the most popular cosmetic procedure of the season.”

However, Dr. Allenby warns that when the holiday is rapidly approaching, “we don’t want to use too many needles to prevent bruising for those big social events.” This is why Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD recommends scheduling your botulinum toxin and filler appointments two to four weeks ahead of the holidays. This helps ensure you get “the full tox effect and that any swelling or bruising from the filler is clear,” she explains.

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Smile recontouring

New York cosmetic dentist Jason Kasarsky, DDS agrees with all the other quick-fix dental procedures recommended but adds another to the mix. He says the small chips or angles on “smile zone” teeth can be easily remedied with recontouring. He notes that it’s an inexpensive way to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing look.

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Fillers

This is “a very popular procedure to lift, contour and soften deeper wrinkles, grooves under eyes, smile lines and marionettes,” says Dr. Blyumin-Karasik. Filler procedures can be a bit longer and more tender with a slightly lengthier recovery than neuromodulators. The recovery can last a few days with redness, swelling and bruising, so be sure to schedule this appointment far enough out from your holiday plans. The results last one to two years on average, says Dr. Blyumin-Karasik.

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Lasers

If you’re not into needles, Dr. Blyumin-Karasik suggests refreshing skin with minimally invasive glow-boosting lasers. One of her favorites is the PicoWay Resolve. “It is well tolerated with minimal prickly heat sensation and takes about half an hour to complete. Recovery is only a few days of mild redness and blotchiness,” says Dr. Blyumin-Karasik. The next week you’ll notice “a stunning facial glow from micro-exfoliative and brightening laser effects. The skin is smoother, the complexion more even.”

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Teeth whitening

Chicago cosmetic dentist Nathan Hoffman, DDS says his favorite way to spruce up patients for the holiday season is with an in-office whitening treatment since it offers instant results. “A brighter smile can take years off your appearance, and that’s a total confidence-booster,” says Dr. Hoffman. He adds that wearing a bolder lip color can also help maximize the brightness of your smile.

Although teeth whitening takes only about an hour, Dr. Back suggests scheduling the treatment for at least a week prior to events. She explains that this allows time to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with your new smile.

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HydraFacial

Dr. Allenby recommends indulging in a HydraFacial to freshen up for the holidays. She adds that it’s perfect timing with the new JLo Beauty Booster option.

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Dental Bonding

For a quicker and less expensive aesthetic solution than porcelain veneers, Dr. Back suggests turning to dental bonding veneers. She recommends making an appointment about two weeks before the holiday festivities.

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Certain peels

“PRX peels that have no downtime are amazing” without the lengthy downtime, says Dr. Allenby. “These are TCA peels—which allow people to still get sunlight and look fabulous.”

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Upgrade old bonding or get a polish

If you’ve already invested in bonding, Wellington, FL cosmetic dentist Sam Sadati, DDS suggests freshening up your smile. For bonding that’s seen brighter days, he advises upgrading the bonding or getting it polished.

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