TWEAKMENTS?

Ducking out for a non-invasive non invasive cosmetic procedure in your lunch break is now easier than ever. We lift the lid on the ones everyone’s talking about

Gone are the days of a week-long recovery period after cosmetic treatments. Now, a new and improved range of beauty fixes has women all over Australia popping into clinics for within-thehour, budget-friendly face fresheners.

New research reveals 61 per cent of Australian women are considering injectables, and treatments such as laser, anti-wrinkle injections, chemical peels and fillers are among the top facial treatment methods.

Here’s everything you need to know about the most popular procedures.

THERMAGE

“It’s a non-invasive radio frequency cosmetic procedure that helps smooth, tighten and contour skin,” explains Katherine Millar-shannon. “It’s perfect for ageing skin around the j jawline and neck, under the eyes and around the mouth.”

Thermage, which takes as little as 60 minutes, uses heat and energy to kickstart the body’s natural cell-renewal process to boost firmness. AFTERCARE “Some clients experience swelling and redness,” explains Katherine. “But generally they’re fine to return to work straight after treatment.” THE RESULTS You may see results immediately and it will continue to improve for up to six months, when the new collagen (born from the treatment) starts to appear. “It’ll last years, but yearly follow-up treatments are advised for optimal results,” says Katherine. DOES IT HURT? No, it just feels hot. “Each time the device touches your skin, you’ll feel a brief cooling sensation followed by y a deep p heatingg sensation

– a sign that the deep layers of skin are reaching effective temperatures for collagen remodelling,” explains Katherine. “If you’re having treatment near the eyes, we insert numbing drops and protective shields (similar to contact lenses) into the eyes to help with comfort.” THE COST Prices start at about $2000, depending on the clinic you visit and the area treated.

ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS

You can’t go past Botox for smoothing and preventing lines and wrinkles. It involves using superfine needles to inject a neurotoxin into your face to relax muscles.

Dr Jack Zoumaras says the popular lunch-break treatment, estimated to already be used by two to three per cent of Australians, takes about 20 minutes, so it’s great for women on the go.

“After a quick consultation and examination of facial nerves, the injecting process takes about 10 minutes,” he explains. “I usually inject the forehead and around the eyes, mouth and lower jaw. As a rule, Botox works better in the places your face is most animated. Be sure to book in with someone who is qualified to do more than just Botox, so you get a realistic facial assessment.” AFTERCARE None – so you can head straight back to your daily life. “There may be slight bruising and redness, and some patients experience light tension headaches, but that’s all normal and doesn’t last long,” explains Dr Zoumaras. THE RESULTS “It takes about 24 hours for Botox to inhibit the muscle, and then it can take about four to 10 days to see results,” says Dr Zoumaras. “It’ll last between three and five months, depending on how much h you get and whether you’ve had it done before.” DOES IT HURT? Most people describe the injections as short, sharp pinches