Botox and other cosmetic procedures booming after lockdown

Women and mothers are flocking to get cosmetic procedures in hope of revitalising their looks after “staring at themselves on Zoom.”

As cosmetic surgeries reopen across the country, many have been inundated with appointment bookings and inquiries from women and mothers looking to feel refreshed after lockdown.

While some are searching for natural alternatives to injectables, such as dermal rollers, vitamins and facial creams, others are seeking cosmetic help in the hope of revitalising their looks.

Cosmetic surgeons have been inundated with appointment bookings for Botox and fillers.

From frown lines to droopy chins, cosmetic surgeons say they have a 40 per cent increase in non-surgical bookings for Botox and fillers.

“After spending so much time staring at themselves on Zoom, mums have noticed the lower part of their face looks jowly,” cosmetic surgeon Dr Michael Zacharia says.

“They want to look natural and refreshed when kids go back to school. But they don’t want to be dropping off kids with people looking at them and thinking, ‘What has she got done?’ ”

Zacharia says he’s also 50 per cent busier with surgical treatments, such as rhinoplasty and facelifts.

“Due to many late nights in lockdown, some mums are looking tired and have gained a few extra kilos so they want to fix that right away,” he says.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr Michael Zacharia.

Jelena Vucica Shah, owner of The Cosmetic Lounge, says the store received more than 600 online bookings when news of salon reopenings were revealed.

“We have seen a 35 per cent increase of mothers messaging and booking through Instagram DMs (direct messaging),” she says.

So what are the most wanted cosmetic treatments?

FILLER UP

Zacharia says there’s a demand for injectable cosmetic procedures for mothers as young as 25.

“Younger mums are starting to see lines and they want to prevent them,” he says. “They are also changing their anatomy, like lifting a low eyebrow or reducing fat with SculpSure.”

Jelena Vucica Shah of The Cosmetic Lounge.

Then there’s the “Mummy Makeover” which includes tummy tuck and breast augmentation.

“Mothers at the end of their motherhood are now considering surgical treatments to lift or reduce their breasts or remove excess skin after having babies,” Zacharia says.

Other popular treatments include PDO threads, a procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to rejuvenate and lift sagging skin.

“It’s the third most popular treatment with our mums and growing rapidly,” Shah says. “They’re fantastic and a safe treatment for providing skin tightening in the tummy area. Lots of new mums are undergoing the treatment and loving the results.

“Being a parent is one of the hardest roles. It can take away a lot from you, especially when homeschooling is in the mix.”

Bethany Sarah Heagney. Picture: Adam Yip

FIRST IN, BEST DRESSED

Keeping the beauty routine under control while in lockdown has been difficult for many women.

Bethany Sarah Heagney, 35, is among those hoping to be first seen when cosmetic clinics reopen.

“My injector and hairdresser know I’ll be there the minute they open,” the mum-of-three says.

“I was due to get Botox right before the recent lockdown so I’m really feeling it this time around.”

Heagney has been getting preventive Botox every six months for the past five years.

“Botox gives me that extra fresh feeling I love while not changing my face,” she says. “It’s not changing much – it just maintains how you look … like frozen in time.

“I’m looking forward to having an excuse to get pampered and dressed up again.”

Relationship expert Melissa Ferrari says people make the decision to undergo cosmetic procedures or treatments for a variety of reasons.

“For some it may be vanity, for others the want to alter a feature that has bothered them through life,” she says.

“My advice for people thinking of undergoing treatment is to take a step back, chat with those close to you and explore honestly why you are having the treatment.

“Make sure that you have a strong support network around you and if you do start to feel anxious, seek professional support to help get you through.”

FRESHEN UP FOR SUMMER

Here’s how you can look and feel good with cosmetic treatments recommended by Jelena Vucica Shah of The Cosmetic Lounge.

● Anti-wrinkle helps with frown lines, makes you look fresh and youthful, and also helps with squinting which we always do in the sun – whether it’s playing with the kids at the beach or going on a bike ride with the family.

● Mid-face filler is great for volume loss and helps rehydrate the skin during dehydrated times in the sun. Remember to keep up the water intake because filler is attracted to water.

● Biostimulator injections help with cellulite.

● Diamond polar treatment is great for skin tightening anywhere on the face or body. It firms skin and there is no downtime.

● Dermaplaning skin treatment is great for several things. It removes peach fuzz (light and dark hair), leaves the skin feeling smoother and gives you a nicer application when you apply your makeup. Your skin feels like a baby’s bottom for weeks after this treatment.

Originally published as Botox and other cosmetic procedures booming after lockdown