Recession not deterring people from undergoing aesthetic treatments
SINGAPORE : 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.
- CNA/ms