Treatment Timelines | Courtenay’s Trusted Advanced Skin Solutions

When to book your microneedling, IPL photofacials, laser hair removal cosmetic injections for your most optimal results.  

“How far in advance should I book microneedling before my wedding?” 

“I have a photoshoot next week, is it too late to book botox?”

We get these types of questions weekly (if not daily) and we need to clear a few things up. It’s understandable that when you have a big event coming up, you want to look and feel your best, but most people do not plan their treatments far enough in advance to have their optimal results line up properly. 

At Clinic 5 Collective, Comox Valley’s advanced medical spa, our collective of licensed nurses, laser technicians, ND cosmetic injectors, medical estheticians and hair artists are dedicated to helping you feel your best for the moments that matter most to you. Every practitioner at Clinic 5 Collective brings deep expertise in their own aesthetic specialty, so you can feel confident knowing your treatment is delivered by someone who truly masters their craft. 

From chemical peels and cosmetic injections, to waxing and at-home professional grade skin care, our medical spa in Courtenay, BC helps clients across the Comox Valley find the right treatment for you, and more importantly, book it for the right time. 

When it comes to treatments, timing is everything. The right treatment at the wrong time can actually be the wrong treatment. Optimal results are only possible with the proper prep and aftercare. The right timing gives your skin space to heal and see visible results on the days that matter most to you. 

Every face, treatment and event is different, so while you can use this as a guide, booking your consultation with our licensed clinicians is the best way to fine-tune a treatment plan curated for your individual skin type, goals, and schedule. Please note we are definitely not saying that every individual needs all of the treatments listed below; our team will help you find the best combination of treatments for your goals.

You have an event on the books, here’s what to do…

Six to Twelve Months Before: Build the Foundation 

This is the ideal time to book your consultation and start planning your treatment series. Meeting early with one of Clinic 5’s licensed technicians allows you to discuss your skin goals, budget, and timeline in detail.

If the event you want your results for is six to twelve months away, maybe you feel like it is too early to reach out—but it’s actually the perfect window. Beginning now gives you time to build a personalized plan and complete a full series of treatments, such as microneedling, IPL photofacials, or laser hair removal. The extra time means more flexibility to space out sessions, adjust based on your skin’s response, and allow for proper healing. It’s always better to finish feeling fully ready than to be rushing through your final appointments.

These treatments work best with a longer timeline, so it’s recommended to begin your first session six to twelve months before your event:

Microneedling Series – Clinic 5 uses the TWIST® microneedling system to refine skin texture and stimulate collagen production using medical-grade, sterile needles. Because the body needs time to build new collagen, most patients complete a series of three treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. Starting several months in advance allows you to finish the full series and gives your skin time for any mild redness or inflammation (typically lasting 24–48 hours) to settle before your event.

Lumecca® IPL – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) targets brown spots, sun damage, and vascular lesions to even out overall skin tone. Lumecca delivers high energy for visible results in as few as one to three sessions, though more may be recommended for concerns like rosacea. Expect mild darkening and flaking of pigmentation for about five to seven days post-treatment. For best results, plan your first session several months ahead and space treatments roughly a month apart. Avoid tanning for one month before each session and discontinue retinoids seven days prior.

Diolaze XL Laser Hair Removal – For smooth legs, underarms, or other areas by summer or wedding season, start your laser hair removal series early. Diolaze XL, available at Clinic 5 Collective, uses advanced diode laser technology with a built-in cooling system for a safe and comfortable experience. Because multiple sessions are needed to treat different hair growth cycles, starting 9 to 12 months before your event ensures optimal, lasting results.

Sculptra® – Sculptra® injections work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production to gradually restore volume. Results develop over several weeks and work best in a series of three treatments, so plan in advance to give collagen time to rebuild and skin to look its best.

Three to Six Months Before: Enhance, Refine & Rejuvenate

Now that you’ve started your treatment plan, this stage is about building on your results and fine-tuning your complexion. Your skin has begun responding to earlier treatments, and consistency now will maximize collagen production, hydration, and overall tone. Meeting with your licensed technician at this point allows you to reassess your progress, make adjustments, and plan the next phase of your journey with confidence.

If your big day is still a few months away—or if you’re just getting started—you’re right on time. Treatments started in this window can still deliver meaningful, visible improvements before your event. Collagen-stimulating and resurfacing treatments rely on cumulative effects, so regular sessions now will help skin look firmer, smoother, and more even as your date approaches.

These are the treatments to focus on between three and six months before your event:

BELA MD+ Facial Series – This multi-step facial combines diamond-tip microdermabrasion, hydrogen-water infusion, and customized serum delivery for hydrated, refreshed skin with no downtime. While results are visible immediately, long-term improvement comes with consistency. Clinic 5 recommends monthly treatments for at least three months to maintain hydration and boost skin texture over time. Discontinue retinol use three days before your session.

Forma Radio-Frequency Facial – Forma uses gentle radio-frequency energy to tighten skin and stimulate collagen production. Often nicknamed the non-surgical facelift, it helps lift and firm without downtime. For noticeable collagen rebuilding, Clinic 5 recommends a series of six weekly sessions. Begin at least three months before your event to complete the full series and allow collagen renewal to peak.

Chemical Peel Series – Clinic 5 offers Vivier® peels in gentle and advanced strengths to smooth texture and restore radiance. The Vivier Peel provides controlled exfoliation for an instant glow with little to no downtime, though mild peeling or redness may occur for two to five days. For optimal results, we recommend three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart. Begin several months in advance—you can safely have a peel mid-week and feel event-ready by the weekend.

TX Jessner Plus Peel – This advanced resurfacing treatment targets melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. Because it’s stronger than the Vivier Peel, schedule your final session at least six weeks before your event to allow for mild peeling and pigment changes to settle.

Botox or Filler – If you’re considering injectables for the first time, schedule your initial botox or filler appointment six months before your event. This gives your injector time to see how your body responds and fine-tune dosing if needed. Starting early also allows for subtle refinements so results look natural and well-settled by your big day.

Six to Eight Weeks Before: The Final Touches

Six to eight weeks before your event is the sweet spot for perfecting results, topping up injectables, and finishing your final rounds of treatments. Ensure your schedule is set for touch-ups and finishing treatments with time to spare.

Even if your skin already looks great, this is not the time to get complacent—it’s your maintenance phase. Stick to trusted treatments that keep skin calm, balanced, and camera-ready.

Here’s what to focus on now:

Botox or Filler – This is the ideal window to complete your cosmetic injections before a big event. Botox reaches its peak results (fully kicked in, but not too stiff) at 3–4 weeks, so treating now ensures your results are fully settled and natural-looking by the time your event arrives. For filler, this timeframe is the final opportunity for any subtle refinements—whether lips, cheeks, or other areas. Bruising and swelling are common with filler, and you don’t want either showing up right before your event. And in the rare case that migration occurs or dissolving is needed, this window gives enough time for proper correction. Try nothing new at this point, play it safe.

Complete Resurfacing Series – Wrap up your chemical peel or microneedling series at this stage. Avoid starting new or aggressive treatments within eight weeks of your event. Focus instead on maintenance and gentle procedures so your skin is calm, balanced, and photo-ready.

Final Forma Sessions – Finish your Forma radio-frequency series during this window to complete the collagen-building process. Since Forma treatments have no downtime, your last session can safely be as close as two weeks before your event.

BELA MD+ and LED Therapy – In the final month, focus on hydration and calming redness. BELA MD+ facials deeply hydrate while LightStim MultiWave® LED therapy uses multiple wavelengths to refine pores, even skin tone, and reduce inflammation—all with no downtime. These treatments are ideal for achieving healthy, balanced skin right before your celebration.

One to Two Weeks Before: Maintain and Protect

The hard work is done now and it’s all about maintenance. The final two weeks are for hydrating, calming, and protecting your skin. Avoid anything new or intense, and stick to familiar, gentle treatments that keep your complexion balanced.

This is the time to focus on consistency and recovery. Give your skin a break from active ingredients and harsh treatments so it can look its best naturally:

Gentle Facials – Schedule your final BELA MD+ facial or LED session to lock in hydration and brightness. 

Avoid New Treatments – Skip any new or invasive procedures at this point. Instead, stick with mild exfoliation and hydration to maintain your skin barrier and avoid irritation before your event.

Hydration & After-Care – Drink plenty of water, use gentle cleansers, and follow all post-treatment instructions. For example, after microneedling, avoid touching your face or exercising for 24–48 hours. After a chemical peel, avoid exfoliants and waxing for a few days to prevent irritation.

Sleep & Stress Management – Rest and hydration show on your skin. Prioritize good sleep, limit alcohol and salty foods, and maintain your skincare routine

Treatment Timelines | Optimal Results at the Optimal Time

If you have an upcoming wedding, photoshoot or other special event in the Comox Valley, book your consultation for your customized treatment plan. We’ll guide you through every step—from first consultation to the final week leading up to the event.

As your trusted medical spa in Courtenay serving the Comox Valley, Clinic 5 Collective is here for you now so when the big day arrives, you can simply enjoy it.