Frequently Asked Questions

Premium injectable treatments that restore confidence and reveal your natural beauty in New Zealand

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Consultations & Clinic Policies

How long does an anti-wrinkle appointment take?

The actual injections take less than 5 minutes. However, we book 30-minute appointments to ensure we have ample time to discuss your goals, review your facial anatomy, and answer any questions.

Is tear trough filler dangerous?

The under-eye area is complex, which is why it should only be treated by an experienced medical professional. We use a blunt-tipped cannula instead of a sharp needle to significantly maximize safety and minimize bruising.

Does Aqualyx fat dissolving work on everyone?

Aqualyx is highly effective, but patient selection is key. It works best on clients close to their ideal body weight who have localized, stubborn pockets of fat. It is not a general weight loss solution.

Do I have to pay for a cosmetic consultation?

We charge a $50 consultation fee. However, this fee is fully redeemable against the cost of any treatment you proceed with on the day, acting as a deposit for our clinical time.

Am I a good candidate for tear trough filler?

Good candidates have a true structural hollow without excessive under-eye bags or fluid retention. We must assess you in person to determine if filler is the safe and correct choice.

Is hyperhidrosis treatment safe?

Yes, this is a highly safe, FDA-approved medical treatment for excessive sweating. It targets only the local sweat glands and does not affect your body's overall ability to cool itself.

Who is a suitable candidate for migraine injection therapy?

This treatment is generally for adults who experience frequent, debilitating headaches (often defined as 15 or more headache days a month) and haven't found relief with standard medications.

How long does the under-eye rejuvenation procedure take?

The treatment itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, though we allocate 45 minutes for your appointment to allow for a thorough consultation, mapping, and a slow, precise injection technique.

How many Profhilo treatments are required?

For the best results, a primary course of two treatments spaced 4 weeks apart is required. To maintain the glow, a single top-up treatment is recommended every 6 months.

How long does a TMJ Botox appointment take?

The injections take just a few minutes. We book a 30-minute consultation slot to palpate the muscle, assess your bite strength, and determine the exact dosage required.

Preparation & Aftercare

Does medical microneedling hurt?

We apply a strong, medical-grade topical anesthetic cream before the procedure. You will feel a vibrating sensation and some pressure, but the treatment is highly tolerable.

Do chemical peels hurt or burn?

You may feel a warm, tingling, or slightly "spicy" sensation while the active peel solution is on your skin, but it should not be painful. Our lighter peels feel very comfortable.

Are dermal fillers painful?

We prioritize your comfort. Premium fillers contain Lidocaine (a local anesthetic) inside the gel, which numbs the area as we inject. We also use topical numbing cream for sensitive areas like the lips.

Are there any side effects of Botox or Dysport?

Mild, temporary side effects can include slight redness or a tiny mosquito-bite-like bump at the injection site, which usually disappears within 15 minutes. Occasional mild bruising or a transient headache can also occur.

How long does the peeling process last?

If you have a deeper peel that induces visible shedding, the flaking usually begins on day 3 and is fully complete by day 5 to 7. Light "lunchtime" peels have no visible shedding at all.

Can I wash my face the night after microneedling?

We advise avoiding washing your face the evening of your treatment. Let the serums applied in-clinic fully absorb. The next morning, you may use a gentle cleanser and tepid water.

How severe is the swelling after Aqualyx?

Swelling is a guaranteed part of the process—it indicates the fat cells are breaking down. You should expect your double chin to look slightly larger for the first 3 to 5 days before it begins to shrink.

What should I bring or do to prepare for my consultation?

Come with a clean face if possible, and bring a list of your current skincare products and any medications you take. It also helps to bring reference photos of results you admire (and results you don't!).

How long does my face stay red after microneedling?

Your skin will look and feel like you have a moderate sunburn immediately after. This redness typically subsides significantly within 24 to 48 hours.

Can I get a chemical peel in the summer?

Yes, but strict sun protection is non-negotiable. If you cannot commit to wearing SPF 50+ daily and wearing a hat outdoors, it is safer to save deeper peels for the winter months.

Medical Wellness

How long does migraine relief last?

The therapeutic effects typically last around 12 weeks. Most patients follow a regular schedule of treatments every 3 months to maintain their defense against migraine attacks.

When will my jaw stop clicking after TMJ treatment?

Pain relief from clenching usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. If you have significant joint clicking, this may improve as the muscle relaxes, but structural joint issues may require a dentist's input.

How soon after the injections will my migraines improve?

It can take up to 2 to 4 weeks to see a meaningful reduction in headache frequency. For severe chronic sufferers, it may take two full treatment cycles (at 12-week intervals) to experience the maximum benefit.

Will stopping sweat in one area make me sweat more elsewhere?

"Compensatory sweating" is very rare when treating the underarms with injectables. Your body has millions of sweat glands, and deactivating a small fraction will not overload the others.

How many units are required for jaw slimming?

The masseter is a very strong muscle and requires higher doses than forehead wrinkles. It typically takes between 20 to 50 units per side, depending on the strength and size of your muscle.

Are migraine injections painful?

Because it involves multiple injection sites, there is some mild discomfort, but we use ultra-fine needles. The entire process takes about 15 minutes and is very well tolerated by patients.

How often do I need to repeat masseter injections?

Most clients return every 4 to 6 months. Interestingly, many find that after 2 or 3 consecutive treatments, the habit of grinding is broken, and they can go much longer between top-ups.

Does treating hyperhidrosis cause me to sweat more elsewhere?

"Compensatory sweating" (sweating more in a different area) is extremely rare with underarm injections. Your body has millions of sweat glands, and treating a small area doesn't disrupt your core temperature regulation.

Can I still take my regular migraine medication?

Yes, you should continue your prescribed acute medications as directed by your doctor. Botulinum Toxin is a preventative therapy, designed to reduce how often you need to use those acute medications.

Does the hyperhidrosis treatment hurt?

The needles are tiny. For underarms, the discomfort is very minimal. Hands and feet are more sensitive, so we use specialized numbing techniques for those areas.

Skin Health & Rejuvenation

What causes dehydrated skin?

Dehydration is a lack of water in the skin, often caused by environmental factors, air conditioning, ageing, or using harsh skincare products that damage the skin barrier.

Why is my skin texture uneven and dull?

Uneven texture is usually caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, slowed cellular turnover, sun damage, or mild acne scarring. As we age, our skin struggles to exfoliate itself naturally.

What causes dark circles under the eyes?

Dark circles can be caused by true hollowing (a structural shadow), thinning skin that reveals blood vessels, hyperpigmentation, or a combination of all three.

Can you completely remove acne scars?

While it is difficult to completely "erase" deep scarring, our treatments can significantly soften indentations, remodel the tissue, and dramatically improve the overall smoothness of your skin.

What is the difference between Profhilo and dermal filler?

Dermal fillers stay where they are placed to build volume and shape. Profhilo is a bioremodelling skin booster that flows smoothly under the skin like honey, hydrating the tissue without changing your facial contours.

Does medical microneedling hurt?

We apply a strong, medical-grade topical anesthetic cream before the procedure. You will feel a vibrating sensation and some pressure, but the treatment is highly tolerable.

Do chemical peels hurt or burn?

You may feel a warm, tingling, or slightly "spicy" sensation while the active peel solution is on your skin, but it should not be painful. Our lighter peels feel very comfortable.

Is dehydrated skin the same as dry skin?

No. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. You can have an oily skin type but still suffer from cellular dehydration, making it look dull and tight.

What is the best treatment for dull skin?

We recommend a combination approach. Professional Peels clear away dead cells immediately, while treatments like Microneedling and Skin Boosters remodel the skin from underneath for long-term luminosity.

How does microneedling help with large pores?

Microneedling stimulates new collagen production. As this collagen forms, it plumps the skin and tightens the walls of the pores, making them appear visibly smaller.

Cosmetic Injectables

What is the difference between Rejuran and Sunekos for eyes?

Both are excellent skin boosters for the eyes. Rejuran (Polynucleotides) is highly regenerative, ideal for thickening thin skin and repairing damage. Sunekos is a blend of amino acids and HA, excellent for deep hydration and targeting dark circles.

Are the results from fat dissolving immediate?

No. It takes time for the body's lymphatic system to naturally flush out the destroyed fat cells. You will typically start seeing the contouring results 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment.

Will dissolving filler ruin my natural tissue?

No. While it temporarily reduces some of your natural hyaluronic acid, your body constantly produces new HA, and your natural tissue will replenish itself within a few days. It does not cause permanent tissue damage.

What is Profhilo and how does it help hydration?

Profhilo is a bioremodelling skin booster made of pure hyaluronic acid. It spreads beneath the skin like honey, acting as an internal moisturiser while stimulating collagen.

Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?

The injections feel like a tiny, quick pinch. The needles used are incredibly fine, and the procedure is usually completed within a matter of minutes with minimal discomfort.

Will fillers make me look puffy or unnatural?

Our signature is subtle, undetectable enhancements. We focus on restoring the structure you used to have or balancing your natural features, avoiding the "overfilled" or puffy look entirely.

Does tear trough filler hurt?

The area looks delicate, but the treatment is surprisingly comfortable. The cannula glides smoothly under the skin, and the filler itself contains a numbing agent.

How long do Radiesse results last?

Because Radiesse stimulates your own natural collagen, the results are highly durable. Most clients enjoy structural benefits for 12 to 18 months, and sometimes longer.

Is the fat reduction from Aqualyx really permanent?

Yes. The body does not create new fat cells. Once Aqualyx destroys a fat cell, it is gone forever. As long as you don't gain a significant amount of weight (which expands remaining cells), the results are permanent.

Can I dissolve my fillers if I don't like them?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid fillers can be safely and quickly dissolved using an enzyme called Hyalase if the results are unsatisfactory, migrated, or if a correction is needed.

Take the first step

Ready to enhance your natural beauty? Contact us today to schedule your personalised consultation and discover how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Clinician holding a tablet at the Aesthetica Clinic reception