The idea might still raise an eyebrow or two, but nipping down to the beauty salon for a spot of surgery in your lunch hour is catching on. Non- or minimally-invasive aesthetic procedures that require no recovery time are available at clinics around town. Here we check out some of the most popular.

Botox

What it is: Botulinum toxin (as it is scientifically known) is injected into muscles underneath the skin to paralyze them.

What it does: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles caused by the repeated movement of facial muscles; these include crow’s feet and laugh lines. “People tend to like the non-invasive nature of these treatments, which come with little or no down time. It’s also cheaper than plastic surgery,” says Pearlin Siow, founder of ReviewAntiAging.com.

What’s new: The Botox solution can be diluted into different concentrations to treat facial muscles of different sizes or to different degrees. There is also the Micro-Botox procedure, which involves the injection of very small amounts of diluted Botox to the whole face to reduce pore size and wrinkles, and improve general skin tone. Botox injections can even reduce the amount your body sweats.

How long it takes: 10 to 15 minutes, depending on which part(s) of the face you want done.

Where to go: Calvin Chan Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, #05-11 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6732-4891.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

What it is: Also known as photo rejuvenation, the IPL procedure involves shining an intense flash of light onto the skin.

What it does: It can remove pigmentation such as age spots and freckles, and hair. Due to its collagen-boosting nature, IPL can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize scarring.

What’s new: Previously, those with dark or tanned skin had a higher chance of getting burnt during the procedure because dark skin absorbs more light than fair skin. Lately, new forms of IPL have been introduced that use low-energy pulses of light making it safer for darker skinned patients.

How long it takes: 30 minutes for a full face treatment.

Where to go: Health Trends Wellness Clinic, #16-02 Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391A Orchard Rd., 6235-0990.

Fillers

What it is: A filler consists of a gel-like substance made of hyaluronic acid, a compound that naturally exists in the skin and muscles of mammals.

What it does: Fillers are injected underneath the skin to fill in wrinkles and help plump up sunken areas of the face and body.

What’s new: Manufacturers of fillers such as Restylane have created fluids that also double up as hydration creams to encourage greater skin renewal. They’ve also come up with numbing agents and applicators such as the Restylane Vital Pen Injector to help ensure that the injection process is pain-free and even.

How long it takes: From 15 minutes for minor touch ups to one hour for face reshaping.

Where to go: JJ Chua Rejuvenative Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, #03-05 Mt Elizabeth Medical Ctr., 3 Mount Elizabeth, 6235-3235.

Ulthera

What it is: A fairly new procedure which incorporates the use of ultrasound imaging to improve doctors’ visualization of the tissues beneath the skin. Doctors then deposit heat into the deep skin tissues, leaving the superficial layers intact.

What it does: Ultrasound rays previously known for their role in foetal scans are now used to tighten and lift sagging skin, and can help lift droopy cheeks and eyebrows and add definition to your cheeks.

What’s new: As the ultrasound waves penetrate the skin, the patient might feel a little sting. However, the latest Ulthera technology has made it possible for doctors to see into deeper tissue layers for more accurate penetration, thus minimizing pain.

How long it takes: 30 to 45 minutes for a full face treatment.

Where to go: TLC Lifestyle, 27B Lorong Liput, 6462-0083.

Prefer to go au naturel? Try these facials instead:

Rose Mini Lunchtime Facial

If your skin is craving a little tender loving care, drop by this homely spa for a 30-minute facial cleansing, massage and rose mask for $38.
Aura Royalis Spa, #01-449 Blk. 83 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, 6223-4498.

Peeling Groovy

Reduce pore size, wrinkles and sun spots with this dermatologist-developed, non-irritating anti-wrinkle complexion reconstructor. At $135, this 30-minute quick fix is a steal.
Bliss Spa, Sephora ION, #01-05/06 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-3511.