Melbourne racegoers are queuing up for Botox and anti-ageing filler injections in the lead-up to the social whirl of the spring racing carnival.

While fashion retailers have reported weak racewear sales, business is booming for the city's beauty salons and skin clinics, with Botox and dermal fillers topping the list of must-have treatments. Plastic surgeon Dr Chris Moss, from the Liberty Belle Skin Centre in Toorak, says while budget-conscious racegoers are cutting back on new clothes they're not willing to forgo their face-saving treatments.

Justine Harvey enjoys her spray tan treatment. Credit:Angela Wylie

''For a lot of people the spring racing carnival is their big social event of the year and understandably they want to look their best. ''We had our busiest week of the year last week and what people are telling us is they'd much rather spend their money on Botox than on a new dress or pair of shoes because they see it as great value for money. They get real, obvious results that make them feel really great about themselves.''

Nicole (pictured), 49, is a client of Dr Moss. In recent weeks she has had Botox, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light treatment - to improve skin tone and offset sun damage) dermal fillers and laser treatments in preparation for the carnival.