The iVillage guide to cosmetic surgery

How it works: If you've ever overdone it on the beach and watched your skin come off in sheets, you're halfway to understanding the principle behind cosmetic peeling. This procedure involves painting an acid solution on the skin and, depending how deep you want the peel to go, you can choose from a 30 per cent or 70 per cent strength glycolic acid peel.

The solution is left on for however long your skin can manage, then the doctor simply washes it away with water. For an even deeper peel, trichloric acid may be required. This is applied in much the same way, but is much more intense and requires a neutralising gel for removal.

Effects and side effects: Needless to say, chemical peeling isn't one of those procedures you can have at lunchtime and then return to work without anyone noticing. Depending on the degree of peel you have, you're likely to be laid up for a while. 'A peel is like a very severe sunburn effect,' says Dr Percival. 'After two or three days the skin goes very dry and literally starts to peel. The deeper the peel, the longer the skin takes to come off.'

Chemical peeling can remove all kinds of blemishes, including sun damage and signs of ageing. However, with particularly strong peels there is a potential risk of scarring.

Botox injections
Approximate cost: £250-£350

How it works: Botox is recommended for lines around the eyes, between the eyebrows and on the forehead. An injection of this botulinium toxin - a much diluted form of toxin from the bacteria that causes botulism - works by chemically relaxing face muscles and preventing the creases and wrinkles formed by common expressions like smiling and frowning.

A series of small injections are administered to the specified area and the toxin sets about paralysing muscles and nerves. The procedure is considered one of the safest types of cosmetic medicine, as it doesn't involve cutting the skin.

Effects and side effects: 'It often takes two or three days to get the full effect,' says Professor Sharpe. He warns, however, that these injections aren't necessarily as reliable as you might think. 'Sometimes it doesn't work at all and you have to go back for a top-up,' he says.

When it does work, apart from limiting your facial expressions, the only pitfall is that it won't last long. To keep your furrowed brow in check, you'll be hotfooting it back to the clinic every few months.