A sprinkling of Latte Creations makes an everyday coffee break extra special
Lunchtime Cosmetic Procedures
Before you spend an arm and a leg on looking good, check out our guide to the pros and cons of the most common cosmetic procedures you can have in your lunch hour
Domestic Goddesses, business whizzes and picture-perfect princesses - if you're a noughties super-women you'll be trying to keep up with them all:
Which is why a new breed of cosmetic clinics are becoming commonplace, offering quick-fix solutions to suit our diaries, drain our purses and prey on our ever-growing desire to appear more of a plum than a prune. But are we raving mad to join in?
Select a procedure:
- Dermal fillers
- Isolagen
- Botulinum toxin (Botox)
- Skin peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Radiofrequency skin tightening/thermage
- Biorejuvenation/Mesotherapy
- Laser treatments
- Teeth whitening
- Holistic face-lift
- Choosing your practitioner
Cost: £300-£600 (depending on area covered)
How and why: Polyfilla for the face, these literally fill those facial cracks and crevices - or with lips and cheeks, pump them up like tyres. Choose from cow, pig or human (only available in the US) collagen, your own fat or brands mimicking hyaluronic acid (which occurs naturally in the body). The latter are the most popular because the body can already break down hyaluronic acid, so they're less risky.
Time factor: 30-45-minutes
Pros: Immediate results. Aim to deliver a peachy-faced reflection for 2-12 months (average is 6 months).
Cons: Lumps may occur - with hyaluronic acid these can be treated.
Swelling, tenderness and redness are common for a few days after.
Semi-permanent and permanent fillers are more likely to go lumpy and if something goes wrong, there's no going back.
Pain: 2/10 (injections to some facial areas can feel a bit tender)
Cost: £2,750-£3,500
How and why: If a face-full of fillers doesn't appeal but you can bear the idea of your own cells doing the job, this relatively new alternative involves a skin sample being taken from behind your ear. Your own cells are then grown in a Petri dish before being re-injected into your face.
Time factor: 30-minute appointment for skin sample, 8-10-week wait, then 1-hour appointment when the cells are ready
Pros: Cells continue to multiply and maintain your line-free complexion for up to 18 months.
Risks appear to be minimal as you're using your own cells.
Cons: Results vary and it's not cheap! As with any new procedure, you could be jumping in crow's feet first.
Pain: 3/10.
Call free on 0800 434 6644 to request a brochure, or to book an appointment with a consultant surgeon.
We can also arrange a free appointment with a cosmetic nurse adviser.
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iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
