Focus: low-downtime procedures for parties and pictures
Treatments: Botox, microneedling, hydrating facials, IV “glow”
By Dr. Jenkins Clarkson | Physician-led care at Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics, Powell, WY
If we were sitting together in my treatment room—coats on the chair, cheeks a little wind-kissed from the parking lot—you might say what I hear every December: “Doc, I’m grateful for the season… but I’m tired, and I’ve got photos coming up. Is there anything simple I can do to look a little more rested without a big recovery?”
Yes. There are thoughtful, low-downtime options that help you look like you—just a touch more rested and camera-ready. No gimmicks. No hard sell. Just physician-guided care that respects your calendar, your comfort, and our Wyoming winter reality (dry air, wind, bright sun bouncing off snow). And if you’re wondering whether you “deserve” to do something for yourself this time of year—you do. It’s okay to want to feel your best and stay safe doing it.
Below is the holiday plan I walk through with patients: what to choose, when to schedule it, how it works, and what to expect—so you can step into family gatherings and photos feeling steady and confident.
The Holiday Aesthetic Strategy (in Plain English)
A good pre-photo plan does three things:
- Quiet the motion lines that read as “stress” on camera (forehead lines, 11’s, crow’s feet).
- Refresh surface quality so light reflects smoothly (texture, fine lines, dullness).
- Rehydrate from the inside and out so skin looks plump, not papery.
That’s why my go-to combination for parties and pictures is:
- Low-downtime Botox to soften expression lines (natural doses; no frozen look).
- Microneedling to nudge fresh collagen—think “aerating the lawn” for your skin.
- Hydrating facial to smooth, calm, and brighten the surface.
- IV “glow” therapy for hydration and steady energy when your tank feels low.
We’ll talk timing next, because sequencing is where most of the magic—and the practicality—lives.
Timing Map: When to Do What Before Photos
Use this as a guide; we’ll tailor it to your exact date.
3–4 Weeks Before Photos (The “Foundation” Window)
- Botox/Dysport (light, natural dosing): Results settle in 10–14 days and look their best by week three. This window gives us time for a quick two-week check to adjust if needed.
- Microneedling Session #1: Minimal downtime (1–2 days of pinkness); early glow by week two; collagen activity builds through weeks 4–8.
7–10 Days Before Photos (The “Polish” Window)
- Hydrating Facial: Calms any lingering dryness, smooths texture, and boosts radiance. Choose a gentle treatment—nothing aggressive right before the camera.
- IV “Glow” Therapy: Smart option if travel, stress, or sleep have you running on fumes. Hydration shows up in the skin (and in your mood).
24–48 Hours Before Photos (The “Don’t Rock the Boat” Window)
- Rest, water, gentle skincare. Skip any “new” product or scrub you haven’t tested.
- Optional quick facial massage (light, de-puffing) if your skin tolerates it.
If you’re short on time: Even a single light Botox session two weeks prior + a hydrating facial 3–5 days prior will carry nicely. Add an IV drip within a week if travel or stress has dehydrated you.
Treatment #1: Low-Downtime Botox (or Dysport)
Goal: Soften the lines that broadcast fatigue or worry—without erasing your expressions.
What it helps:
- Frown lines (the 11’s) that look stern in photos.
- Forehead lines that catch overhead light.
- Crow’s feet that look deeper in dry, windy weather.
How it works:
Tiny doses relax specific muscles so those lines don’t crease as strongly. Done well, you still look like you—just a little less “tired at rest.”
When you’ll see results:
Initial onset in 3–7 days; best at 10–14 days; natural look for 3–4 months. That’s why two to three weeks before photos is ideal.
Safety & technique:
I personally map your muscle patterns and dose conservatively, especially for first-timers. I’d rather under-treat and refine than overshoot. Small chance of pinpoint bruising; most return to normal life immediately.
Camera reality check:
Botox doesn’t change who you are on camera. It simply lowers the “volume” of stress lines so the rest of you—eyes, warmth, personality—comes through.
Treatment #2: Microneedling (Collagen Induction)
Analogy: This is aerating your lawn. Tiny, controlled channels tell the skin to rebuild, leading to smoother texture, finer pores, and a soft, healthy glow.
What it helps:
- Fine lines that makeup finds.
- Rough or weathered texture from wind and dry air.
- Dullness that makes you look tired even when you’re not.
- Mild acne scarring and pore appearance on the cheeks.
Feel & downtime:
With proper numbing, most describe it as scratchy pressure. Expect 1–2 days of pinkness and maybe a faint sandpapery feel for a few more. Many are photo-ready in 48 hours with a gentle tinted SPF.
When it shines for holidays:
One session 2–3 weeks before photos produces a subtler glow; a series of three across winter yields the deeper “wow, I look rested” effect. You don’t need to go aggressive for camera benefit—consistency beats intensity in busy seasons.
Why I like it with Botox:
Microneedling improves the skin fabric, while Botox improves movement lines. Together, they read beautifully in person and on camera.
Treatment #3: Hydrating Facial (Calm, Smooth, Illuminate)
Goal: Last-mile polishing and barrier repair so makeup sits nicely and light reflects evenly.
What to expect:
- Gentle cleanse + enzyme or light exfoliation (no harsh peels right before photos).
- Targeted masks, humectants, and emollients to plump and calm.
- De-puffing finish (cool globes, lymphatic drainage if your skin tolerates it).
- SPF application—non-negotiable in Wyoming, even with snow glare.
When to book:
5–7 days before photos if your skin is reactive; 3–5 days before if your skin is steady. The aim is to glow—not to surprise your face with something brand new the day before pictures.
Treatment #4: IV “Glow” Therapy (Hydration + Support)
Why it helps:
Holidays are dehydrating—travel, coffee, salty foods, long days. Smart IV therapy replenishes fluids and electrolytes and supports energy metabolism (e.g., balanced electrolytes, B-complex, vitamin C), which can brighten skin and steadier your energy.
How it feels:
You rest in a recliner while we infuse slowly and safely. Many patients describe the outcome as “back to baseline” rather than an artificial jolt—which is exactly what we want.
Timing:
Within 7–10 days of photos works well; some prefer 48–72 hours before a big event. If you’re actively fighting a cold or have medical conditions, we’ll tailor or defer based on your health history.
Physician-led matters:
I review medications, vitals, and contraindications. If IVs aren’t right for you, I’ll say so and adjust the plan. Safety first.
Put It Together: Sample Holiday Face Plans
A) “I’m On the Go” (minimal time)
- Light Botox to frown/forehead/crow’s feet (14–21 days before photos)
- Hydrating facial (3–5 days before)
- At-home barrier repair + tinted mineral SPF for the camera
B) “Subtle Glow-Up” (one extra step)
- Light Botox (2–3 weeks before)
- Microneedling (2–3 weeks before)
- Hydrating facial (5–7 days before)
- IV “Glow” (within the week of the event if desired)
C) “Series Starter” (holiday now, skin health all winter)
- Botox (December)
- Microneedling #1 (December)
- Hydrating facial (late December)
- Microneedling #2 (January), #3 (February) for long-term texture and brightness
Each plan is gentle, practical, and designed for real life—ranch chores, call schedules, church programs, and last-minute guests included.
What You’ll See on Camera (and in the Mirror)
- Fewer worry lines catching overhead lights.
- Smoother texture so makeup sits evenly.
- More light bounce across cheeks and temples (the “rested” look).
- Less dullness—a quiet glow that doesn’t scream “I had something done.”
Most important: you still look like yourself. This is Wyoming; we keep it honest and natural.
Aftercare Cliff Notes (So Nothing Surprises You)
After Botox/Dysport:
- No heavy exercise for 24 hours; no face-down massage that day.
- Tiny bruises are rare; if you get one, a dab of concealer in a day or two is fine.
- Results begin 3–7 days, best at 10–14.
After Microneedling:
- Expect pinkness for 24–48 hours; gentle cleanser + bland moisturizer.
- Skip retinoids, acids, and scrubs for several days.
- Mineral sunscreen daily (snow glare counts).
After Hydrating Facial:
- Keep it simple—no new actives for 24–48 hours.
- Enjoy the glow.
After IV Therapy:
- Hydrate, have a balanced meal, and keep moving—nothing strenuous required.
FAQ: Quick Answers I Give All Season
Will Botox make me look frozen in photos?
Not if we dose conservatively and place it well. The goal is to soften, not erase.
Is microneedling too risky before pictures?
With proper timing (2–3 weeks before) and good aftercare, it’s an excellent pre-photo choice.
What if I only have two weeks?
Light Botox now, hydrating facial next week, and simple skincare—you’ll still notice a difference.
Can I do a peel right before an event?
Skip medium or deep peels. If you want a light enzyme or very gentle peel, schedule it 7–10 days before and confirm your skin’s tolerance.
What about fillers right before photos?
Cheek or lip filler can look great, but I prefer 2–3 weeks’ cushion in case of swelling or bruise. If time is tight, we can plan post-holiday.
The Wyoming Factors (We Respect Them)
- Dry air: demands barrier repair and humectants.
- Wind: increases redness and micro-inflammation—go gentle.
- Sun on snow: SPF isn’t seasonal; it’s daily.
- Small-town photos: natural wins. You want family to see you, not your treatments.
At-Home Support That Actually Helps
- Humidifier on your nightstand.
- Tinted mineral sunscreen (camera-friendly, no flashback surprises).
- Gentle retinol (pause around procedures if I advise it).
- Peptide/antioxidant serum in the morning for extra light bounce.
- Consistent sleep and water—unflashy and effective.
If you’re already using medical-grade skincare, great. If not, we can design a simple holiday-safe routine that doesn’t pick a fight with your face three days before pictures.
Safety & Selection: Why Physician-Led Care Matters
I’ve been practicing medicine for decades, and I take aesthetics as seriously as any other part of patient care. This isn’t a chain. I personally perform every treatment—injections, microneedling, and clinical oversight for IV therapy. We review your health, meds, upcoming travel, and your schedule. If something isn’t a fit, I’ll say so and give you another path.
Long-term results and your trust matter more than trends or quick fixes. A quiet win for the holidays beats a dramatic swing you’re not sure about.
If You’re Feeling a Little Guilty
The holidays can amplify that voice that says, “Everyone else needs me. I’ll wait.” I understand it. But I’ll also remind you: it’s okay to take care of yourself. You’re not asking to look 20; you’re asking to look like you, rested and ready. That’s reasonable. That’s healthy.
And if you’re nervous? We’ll go slow. Small steps. A micro-dose of Botox. A single microneedling session. A hydrating facial and a better sunscreen. You set the pace.
A Simple Way to Start
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s the easiest entry point I suggest every December:
- Light Botox to soften the most distracting lines (two weeks before photos).
- Hydrating facial the week of the event to smooth and calm.
- At-home barrier routine + mineral SPF (daily).
- Optional IV glow if travel or stress has you depleted.
From there, we can plan a winter microneedling series or a skin-quality reset for January—no pressure, just options.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
If you’re hoping to look quietly refreshed for gatherings, photos, and the swirl of the season, there are safe, gentle ways to do it—without disappearing from your life for recovery. We’ll tailor the plan to your calendar and comfort, and we’ll keep it natural so your reflection feels honest.
Let’s talk about what’s right for you.
📍 Ageless Perfection Medical Aesthetics | Powell, Wyoming
📞 (307) 228-9002
🌐 agelessperfectionwy.com