By Alexis Crisman Kelly

With more Americans spending up to $6 billion a year on cosmetic procedures, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, it is obvious that people everywhere want to look and feel their best. And with your big day approaching, now just may be the time to make those drastic changes you’ve always dreamed about—changing the profile of your nose, tucking and tweaking your tummy, or subtly reducing your bustline—so that you look and feel your best on your wedding day. And though plastic surgery is a popular option for some, not everyone wants or can afford these major cosmetic surgery improvements. Luckily there are simple, less-invasive procedures that can make an enormous impact on your looks and self-esteem—just in time for your walk to the altar.

“Lunchtime procedures are most attractive for the bride-to-be because there is little to no recovery and less expense,” says Wayne Foster, M.D., of the Foster Facial Plastic Surgery, with offices in Toms River and Manasquan (www.fostermd.com; 732-914-2233). “Plumping the lips, filling fine lines, and enhancing facial features are a few exciting options.” Foster also suggests Botox cosmetics to soften the lines between and around the eyes.

Every bride is bound to shed a tear or two on her wedding day, but how do you avoid the mascara runs? “Eyelash extensions,” says celebrity makeup artist Mary Schook, who does the procedure at Orlo (212-242-3266), a Manhattan salon. Individual synthetic lashes (pictured on the previous page) come in different lengths and colors and are bonded to your own lashes with a medical-grade glue. “You get longer lashes and you don’t have to curl them or apply mascara. You can even go swimming,” says Schook. The lashes last six to eight weeks or until you naturally shed them ($450 with one free touch-up; maintenance is $100).

Looking for a bright smile? Try the simple teeth-whitening process with an appropriate name, Brite Smile (www.britesmile.com). Each visit lasts one hour and consists of three 20-minute sessions ($600). During each session, a whitening gel is applied to your teeth, and a blue light is shown, which activates the gel and whitens teeth. While the process is occurring, you can relax, watch TV, or nap. Treatments traditionally last up to four years, but you can purchase maintenance products or enroll in the two-year Smile Forever program, which allows you to come in for 20-minute touch-ups. Another great bonus is that the blue light, which activates the gel, has been proven to kill four major bacteria that plague teeth. There are seventeen centers around the country.

Want to have a fresh face in just one day? The Obagi Blue Peel at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus (201-967-1212) is a quick, relatively simple procedure that is a great alternative to a facelift. The application takes about twenty minutes, depending on the number of coats your therapist has determined you need. The cost ranges from $250 to $800, depending on the number of layers.

Hair can also pose a problem for brides-to-be. Albert Poet, M.D., director of Shore Laser & Esthetics in Manahawkin (609-597-6800; www.shorelaser.com), suggests laser hair removal. He has been performing the procedure since 1998 and believes it is one of the easiest ways to improve your appearance. A hair-free body can be obtained in one quick session ($100 to $800, depending on the area), generally two to three weeks prior to your big day, but eventually, the hair will grow back. For more permanent results, Poet suggests a series of three treatments within a six-month period.

“You deserve great looking legs all year round,” says Philip Seaver, Jr., M.D., of the Vein Center of North Jersey in Florham Park (973-408-8346; www.northjerseyveincenter.com). “Why should you have to suffer the pain and embarrassment of varicose or spider veins on your wedding day,” he adds.  Noninvasive injection procedure sclerotherapy can treat both spider and varicose veins. Depending on the severity of the problem, a patient may only require one or two treatments. Endovenous laser treatment is predominantly used to treat varicose veins. A local anesthetic is used, but the entire procedure is done in the office. The Vein Center offers a free, no-obligation consultation and screening for all interested parties to find out which procedure will work best for them.