By Meghan Yost, Multimedia JournalistPublished: April 8, 2016, 10:37 am Updated: April 8, 2016, 11:13 am

GUILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — In just a few short months, I’ll be taking a trip down the aisle, and like most brides, I want to look and feel my best when I say “I do.” That’s why I turned to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Beth Collins, M.D., to see how I can freshen up without going under the knife.

“These ladies are already beautiful but we can make people feel a little bit fresher,” Dr. Collins said of the brides she sees. “They’re going to be in the most important pictures they take in their life so they want their skin to look the best.”

Dr. Collins and I met to come up with a game plan, targeting three of the areas that will get the most visibility on my wedding day and honeymoon.

First up: My face and chest.

“Definitely on my chest I have some wrinkles and some brown spots,” I showed Dr. Collins. “Wth the dress I’m wearing, it’s going to be front and center.”

As a kid and even as a young adult, I was no stranger to the sun, and its effects are catching up with me now. Thankfully, Dr. Collins recommended using her brand new laser machine, which uses different wavelengths to tackle everything from brown spots to hair removal to sagging skin.

“It’s actually one of a kind,” Dr. Collins explained. “There’s nothing else on the market like this.”

For the red and brown spots on my chest, Dr. Collins used the broadband light, or “BBL” laser setting. It works by gently heating the upper layers of skin, stimulating the cells to generate new collagen. The procedure makes the spots on my chest temporarily darker but in the next week or so, they’ll flake off to reveal glowing skin.

For my face, Dr. Collins used a combination of BBL and the Halo laser.

“This laser and the halo is the next thing; it’s the next step forward,” Dr. Collins said. “It’s honestly like a magic machine.”

The Halo combines two treatments that in the past were performed separately. One laser targets the top layer of skin while another removes years of sun damage from deep within.

“So it’s not only going to decrease the pigment appearance on her face, but it’s also going to retexture her skin, and any fine lines and wrinkles that may be there will be diminished,” Dr. Collins explained. “At the same time will give her just a bright healthy glow for her big day.”

The effect will continue to get better over time. Next up are my hands.

“Have you ever seen a picture where the photographer wanted to highlight the wedding bands or holding hands with their new husband?” Dr. Collins asked. “So that’s an important area.”

To get rid of my unwanted pigment spots, Dr. Collins also used the Halo laser. The last area Dr. Collins targeted were my legs.

“On my honeymoon, we’re going to Hawaii, we’re going to be in bathing suits,” I told Dr. Collins.

This amazing machine can even tackle spider veins. I watched as they seemed to disappear before my eyes.

“Your body will take care of that redness,” Dr. Collins explained. “It will fade in time.“

It’ll take a few weeks to see the full effect from the laser procedures, but after today, I’m definitely on my way to being a blushing bride.

If you’re planning on getting a laser treatment before your big day, Dr. Collins recommends doing it at least a few months before you walk down the aisle. For more information, log on to BethCollinsMD.com.

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