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

Does the masseter injection hurt?

It is incredibly quick and virtually painless. Most clients describe it as a tiny pinch, and the entire procedure takes less than 5 minutes.

How soon will I notice a reduction in migraines?

Some patients notice a reduction in headache frequency within 2 weeks, but it often takes a full month, and sometimes two treatment cycles, to experience the maximum preventative benefit.

When will I notice a reduction in sweating?

You will start to notice a significant decrease in sweating within 3 to 7 days, with the full drying effect locked in by day 14.

How soon will my jaw pain go away?

The muscle begins to relax within a few days, and most clients feel significant relief from jaw tension and headaches within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I stop taking my migraine medication after treatment?

You should never stop prescribed medication without consulting your primary doctor. However, many patients find their need for acute pain relief drops significantly after injection therapy.

How long does it take to see the facial slimming effect?

The slimming effect takes longer than the pain relief because the muscle needs time to physically shrink. You will start seeing the contour change around 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment.

Are there any side effects to migraine injections?

Mild, temporary side effects can include soreness at the injection sites or slight neck stiffness. As a bonus side effect, you will also experience softening of forehead and frown lines.

Do I need a formal diagnosis of chronic migraines to book?

While a prior diagnosis is helpful, our consultation will include a thorough review of your headache history to ensure this treatment is safe and likely to be effective for your specific pain patterns.

Skin Health & Rejuvenation

How often should I get microneedling for texture?

We generally recommend a course of 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. For maintenance, a session every few months keeps your skin smooth and glowing.

Are skin boosters painful?

The treatment involves multiple shallow injections, but we use ultra-fine needles and offer topical numbing cream to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Can skin boosters help with fine lines?

Yes! While they don't relax muscles, skin boosters plump the skin with hydration and stimulate collagen, which softens the appearance of fine, static lines on the skin's surface.

Do skin boosters help shrink pores?

Yes, by intensely hydrating the dermis, skin boosters "plump" the skin from the inside out, which visually compresses and tightens enlarged pores.

How many skin booster sessions do I need?

For optimal results, most skin boosters require a primary course of 2 to 3 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6 months.

Can skin boosters help with skin texture?

Yes, bioremodelling skin boosters improve the extracellular matrix of your skin, effectively ironing out crepey texture and returning bounce to the skin surface.

Will Rejuran help with thin skin under my eyes?

Yes, Rejuran is derived from salmon DNA and is specifically designed to heal and thicken thin, fragile skin, making it one of the best treatments for the eye area.

How long until I see results for acne scars?

Collagen production takes time. You will notice improvements 4 to 6 weeks after your first treatment, with results continuing to build over the following months.

Will I have loose skin after the fat dissolves?

Aqualyx does trigger a mild skin-tightening response. However, if skin laxity is a major concern, we may recommend combining it with a collagen stimulator like Radiesse.

Can I combine peels and microneedling?

Yes, combining treatments often yields the best results. However, they are usually alternated rather than done on the exact same day to protect your skin barrier.

Cosmetic Injectables

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Both are premium brands of Botulinum Toxin. They work similarly to relax muscles, but Dysport has a slightly smaller molecule size, making it spread slightly differently. We choose the best one for your specific needs.

What are dermal fillers made of?

The majority of our fillers are made from Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring sugar substance in the body that keeps skin plump and hydrated.

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.

What is Aqualyx fat dissolving?

Aqualyx is an injectable compound made from a modified bile acid. When injected into stubborn fat deposits, it breaks down the fat cell membrane permanently.

How do anti-wrinkle injections help with TMJ and teeth grinding?

We inject the masseter muscles (the large chewing muscles at the back of the jaw) to relax them. This stops the involuntary, intense clenching and grinding that causes TMJ pain.

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.

How much filler do I need for my lips?

For a natural enhancement, 0.5ml is often perfect for subtle hydration, while 1ml provides more noticeable volume. We will assess your natural lip shape and discuss the best approach during your consultation.

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.

What makes Radiesse different from regular fillers?

Radiesse is a biostimulator made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA). While HA fillers simply take up space, Radiesse acts as a scaffold that forces your body to produce its own fresh collagen and elastin.

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.

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