More young people turning to aesthetic procedures

SINGAPORE: The need to look and feel better has been driving Singapore’s multi-million-dollar aesthetic industry for many years.

According to aesthetic doctors, more people are turning to minimally-invasive treatments to spruce up their appearance, even during the downturn.

Lately, doctors said patients are getting younger, from those in their forties to those in their twenties. And they are seeing more customers despite the slow economy.

Dr Kevin Teh, Singapore Lipo, Body and Face Centre said: “It is partly an issue of greater accessibility, greater affordability, and awareness among the general population.

“They are the younger set, working adults, who really want to look their best. Sometimes to climb the corporate ladder, it does make a difference if you look fit and trim.”

Non-invasive procedures, such as acne treatment and hair removal, are fast gaining popularity, even among the very young.

Dr Yeak Hwee Lee, medical director, Singapore Aesthetic Centre said: “I can recall a very young girl, an 11-year-old, who was brought in by her parents.

“That is because she was going into Secondary School and she had lots of hair on her legs, and her parents decided that in order for her to blend in and to have less social stigma, they wanted her to have her hair permanently removed.”

Dr Yeak said 50 per cent of her clients are less than 20 years of age.

“When students come in, they come in groups. They hang around here, they have their drinks, some of them bring their computers.

“And their friend goes in, and then they go off as a group, for their movie, for their lunch. So it is almost like a social occasion,” Dr Yeak added.

Another reason for the popularity of these treatments is affordability. It costs S$15 for one botox injection, and less than S$1,400 for fat removal.

By Claire Huang/Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia 01 January 2010