With money tighter than ever, you would expect aesthetic treatments to be the last thing on everyone’s mind. However, with the current job market, there is more pressure than ever to look young and attractive, which is sending people in droves to the doctor for minimally invasive procedures. These procedures have short to no recovery time, but can make you look younger and instill confidence on your job search.

Here’s an interesting article I found in Channel News Asia reporting about the trend:

More people are going for aesthetic treatments despite the recession, and what is interesting is that increasing numbers of them are men.

To look their best this festive season, some are pulling out all the stops.

Aesthetic service providers said business has increased some 30 per cent despite the recession.

Many go for botox and laser treatments to reduce ageing signs, while others opt to go under the knife to sharpen their image.

But if you think these only involve women, think again. Men now make up 15 per cent of clients.

Dr Gerard Tan, medical director, Neuglow, said: “Men also realise the importance of actually looking good. A lot of all these procedures are non-invasive and do not need much time.

“All they have to do is to come in for a simple procedure, may it be a botox injection or filling up a void in their face – just basically simple procedures. This has made them want to come in, more actually.”

Observers said people are more willing to invest in aesthetic treatments to get an edge in the job market – especially during an economic downturn.

Some have even gone to the point of getting non-scientifically proven treatments. These include cellular therapy and placenta injections which are supposed to regenerate youthful looks.

Currently, doctors need to seek approval from the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee before offering such procedures. This is because they are not considered well-established practices in the aesthetic treatment field.

This is the latest facial enhancement procedure that is gaining popularity as it is non-invasive and has no downtime. In fact, Dr Z says that it has been referred to as the “Friday Party Nose” as you can literally get a sharper nose in minutes and then head out to a party!

The only downside is that is it not permanent. Botox ® can last for about 4 months (the more often you do it, the longer its effects apparently) while fillers can last from 4 to 18 months (shorter for smokers, great reason to quit!). It costs from $200 for jawline up to $3,000 for a full face procedure.

Well, I kinda like that it is not permanent as I would like to be able to modify my features to suit my face as I age (argh! hate that word). I also like the fact that I don’t have to go under the knife and that it is quite painless. Fillers are also made from hylauronic acid, which is a substance that is already found in our body, so it is natural. Enough talking, I’ll let the pictures do the talking below:

The charming Dr Z explaining his facial remodelling treatment

Attendees taking notes

Volunteer A gets a higher nose bridge

Voila!

A before

A after - Botox for jawline which takes about 2 weeks to show, fillers for nosebridge and chin

Volunteer C also getting a nosebridge

Volunteer C after - nosebridge filler and Botox for jawline

Dr Z is at Z Medical Aesthetics:

Orchard Paragon
290 Orchard Road, #11-04/05
Paragon Medical Suites, Singapore 238859

Tel: 6235 2343

Website: http://www.z-aesthetics.com