photography by Teri Montoya of Teri Montoya Photography 810-7840

When a bride walks down the aisle, her thoughts should blissfully focus on her beloved spouse-to-be - not her legs, or bosom, or makeup, or hair, or how her skin or teeth will appear in the wedding photographs.

A wide assortment of aesthetic treatments are available that can help any bride look and feel spectacular. And for those who are feeling the economic crunch (who isn't?), many of these procedures are wallet-friendly.

Say "Cheese!"
On your wedding day, your smile should radiate heartfelt happiness. Dental problems can overshadow such visible joy, however. Dr. Bobby Irani of Valencia Dental Arts realizes that all brides (and grooms) want to look their best. "The last thing they want is to look back at these pictures and feel disappointed with their smiles," stated the dentist, whose practice offers general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Procedures that can greatly enhance smiles include teeth whitening (starts around $150), bonding and replacing old fillings and crowns (prices vary), and complete smile makeovers (can cost $5,000-plus).

While veneers - thin, custom-made shells (hand)-crafted out of tooth-colored materials that cover the front side of teeth - are very popular and create splendid smiles, they also permanently affect the teeth, Irani said. "You should know that this is usually an irreversible process, because it's necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the shell," said Irani, who is UCLA-trained and certified in advanced bonding and ceramics.

Advanced cosmetic makeovers tend to be pricey, but most people can significantly benefit from even minor, non-costly smile alterations, says Dr. Gina Dorfman of Dentistry for Kids & Adults. She notes that insurance may even be an option.

"While dental insurances don't normally cover cosmetic services, most will pay for replacements of failing fillings and crowns with new decay at the edges, fractures or sensitivity," said Dorfman, whose offices are in Canyon Country and Valencia. "New porcelain crowns look more natural and tooth-colored resin fillings strengthen teeth better than the old metal material." Dorfman also lauded the Invisalign alternative to braces for straightening teeth or closing gaps. "It's a perfect alternative for busy adults to get the smile they've always wanted without the hassle and discomfort of metal braces," she said.

Lashes and More for $40 or Less
Local licensed cosmetologist Lola Piraino of Studio Luxe proposes three treatments for budget-conscious brides. "As opposed to a full set of lash extensions that would last through the honeymoon, for $40 I'll apply a set of three-pronged individual lashes that give a full look but last the day of the wedding or into the next day... if they 'sleep gently,'" Piraino said. "That option is far less expensive and they look every bit as beautiful."

To add a little "pop" around the face, a few face-framing highlights are recommended, Piraino suggests. "That too starts at about $40," said Piraino, a color specialist for 20 years. "In addition, a brow wax, which costs about $20, creates a nice, clean brow line. This makes such a difference in making eyes stand out."

Cosmetic Pigmentation
Certified permanent cosmetic technician Karen Kim helps women look lovelier through permanent makeup applications, such as eyeliner, brows, and lip color, scar camouflage, and post-breast cancer reconstruction nipple tattooing (areola reconstruction restores natural nipple color and shape). Kim, who practices in Beverly Hills (she works with post-breast cancer patients at Cedar Sinai Medical Center), owns Cosmetic Pigmentation Center. Her practice has opened a satellite location in Newhall and is now open for appointments.

"Permanent cosmetic pigmentation gives clients lasting beauty without the daily ritual of applying expensive makeup," she said. "It frees women from unpleasant smearing eyeliners, allows for a beautiful set of eyebrows without any hair, or very little hair, produces luscious, fuller and well-defined lips, correction of unsightly scars, and many years of pleasure and beauty. With it, you will save time, money, and wake up looking beautiful."
Kim, who offers brides a specially-priced beauty package, also recommends procedures be done a good two months before the wedding. This allows for healing and any needed touch-ups.

A Stunning Bride
At Valencia plastic surgeon Dr. Edward A. Pechter's office, non-surgical services are available that can make any bride look amazing. "Performed by specialists in their field, they're designed to enhance appearance with minimal downtime," said the well-known SCV surgeon.

Options include Botox, Restylane, and Juvederm injections provided by Trista Schalkx, RN. These can soften wrinkles and fill out creases, giving the face a softer, more youthful appearance. At Pechter's office, Restylane and Juvederm treatments cost approximately $550 and last four to six months. Botox is in the range of $200 to $350, depending on the number of areas treated; results last three to four months.

Viva la Breasts
Brides of any age who dream of "filling out" their gowns with a fuller, sexier bosom may find nirvana in breast augmentation surgery. "Technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, this surgical procedure enhances the size and shape of a woman's breasts and is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today," says Dr. Kevin Hayavi, medical director of Beverly Hills Physicians.

The result of breast augmentation can be life-changing and satisfying as women learn to appreciate their fuller appearance, added the doc, whose group provides the most cosmetic surgical procedures in California.

De-Veined and Divine
Got spider or varicose veins? Would you like to "delete" them before your groom slips the garter from your leg while everyone watches? If so, vascular surgeon Dr. Anthony D. Panasci can help.

Panasci, who has practiced in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys since 1980, specializes in treating these problems and more. Spiders - superficial veins in the skin -are eliminated with sclerotherapy. But to be effective, this cannot be done immediately before a wedding. In the average patient, the final cosmetic result is seen in three to four months. Some are quicker; some take longer.

"Sclerotherapy gives excellent results if the physician and patient are patient with the treatment and results," he stated, adding, "Good sclerotherapy is an art which is only mastered by a doctor who has many years of experience."

The successful treatment of varicose veins depends on the ability of the physician to detect where the problem originates in the leg (done through testing). Following that, the best course of action is rendered by several treatments which can include sclerotherapy, surgery utilizing micro-incisions, and laser, Panasci said.

"The cosmetic results are superb, with the incisions in most patients becoming invisible," stated the surgeon, also a Fellow of American College of Surgeons and member of the Southern California Vascular Surgery Society.

Med Spa Marvelous
Beyond Harmony MedSpa in Canyon Country offers cost-effective "fix-its" that brides will love. "Our new mini treatments are just $25 each and include flash facial exfoliation, eye repair treatment, and hand and foot exfoliating treatment," said spa owner and esthetician Rosemary Murphy. "These are short sessions that concentrate on certain areas, thus providing professional care on a budget or time constraints."

Infinity MedSpa in Valencia also offers substantial savings for brides. Check out the "Eye Package," which should be considered a necessity for brides who also want to look great on their honeymoon. An eyebrow wax and tint, as well as an eyelash tint, is $195. Add an Epicuren Enzyme Tightening Facial for only $99.

For More Information...
• Beverly Hills Physicians 800-788-1416
• Beyond Harmony MedSpa 298-8008
• Dentistry for Kids & Adults 513-9393 & 299-2525
• Dr. Edward Pechter 255-2151
• Infinity MedSpa 259-8100
• Karen Kim of Cosmetic Pigmentation Center 818-322-9512
• Studio Luxe 702-1708
• Valencia Dental Arts 799-9989
• Valencia Vein Center 254-0720