Taking a good hard look in the mirror recently I couldn't help but notice the growing presence of what I like to affectionally call "smile lines" on my make-up-removed face. No longer mistaken for being in my late 20s, I decided to check out what could be done at a moment's notice in Beijing to fight back through the ages in an attempt to return to my youth, on the surface at least.

After a few phone calls, my interest was sparked by the promise of "opening new doors" and improving all aspects of my life by "continuously making you look your most youthful and vibrant."

Excellent. Upon further investigation I discovered that the center in question and most of its competitors, could remove my "smile lines" with BOTOX injections, a variety of very painful sounding chemical peels, wrinkle fillers and advanced nip'n'tucks, should the situation be slightly more severe.

My stomach turning at the prospect of any of the presented options, I was also informed that complete face-lifts were available and nose reconstructions and eye-surgery the most popular procedures among locals and foreigners alike.

What's more, everything could be done under local anesthetic in my lunch hour, or sedatives chosen should I wish to catch up on a bit of sleep.

All a bit too easy and a little scary in my books, my curiosity was piqued none the less.

Lured by the promise of eternal youth and an interesting pamphlet presenting a procedure to "stop sweating in Beijing" during the hot summer months, I decided to follow up on my initial inquiry and found myself sitting in a waiting room alongside several young women appearing at least 10 years my junior – either something was amiss or the surgeons here were very very good.

After asking my counterparts about their motivation, it soon became clear that lunchtime tummy-tucks and facial rejuvenation mini-lifts are all the rage at the moment – and here I was, hoping that an indulgent mud-mask every now and then would do the trick.

The girls around me were in fact all in their 20s, trying to get a beauty-boosted step up in life in an increasingly competitive world. Albeit slightly disturbing, most were more than happy to disclose what they were planning to get done and many were not newcomers to the cosmetically-enhanced beauty circuit.

Thanking the young ladies for their insight, I slowly backed out of the room and then ran away, my instincts and shock confirming my perhaps outdated The Beauty Myth-formed ideals that aging gracefully was in fact a much better option for me.

So, I am taking my smile lines and crows feet with me and will persevere with exercise, deodorant and mud-masks in my pursuit of health, happiness, sweat reduction and feeling 10 years younger, at least on the inside.