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

Do I need to wear a compression garment after chin fat dissolving?

We highly recommend wearing a chin compression strap when you are at home (and sleeping) for the first 3 days. It helps minimize swelling and supports the skin as it retracts.

Do underarm sweat injections hurt?

The underarm skin is surprisingly resilient. We use an ultra-fine needle to make shallow injections just beneath the skin's surface. Most clients report it feels like tiny, very tolerable pinpricks.

Does dissolving filler hurt?

The Hyalase enzyme can sting slightly as it goes in. To make the process comfortable, we often mix the dissolving agent with Lidocaine (a numbing medication) and use topical numbing cream prior to injection.

Does the fat dissolving injection hurt?

The injections themselves are quick. The solution is mixed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort, though you will feel an aching or warm sensation as it starts to work.

Will jaw slimming injections affect my ability to chew?

Not noticeably. We only reduce the excess overactivity of the muscle. You will still be able to chew, talk, and smile entirely normally—you just won't have the strength to unconsciously grind your teeth.

How long does the swelling last after lip filler?

Lips are highly vascular, so swelling is expected. The majority of swelling peaks the morning after treatment and subsides over 3 to 5 days. We recommend icing the area intermittently.

Will I have bumps on my face after Rejuran or Profhilo?

Yes, you will have small, localized bumps (like little bee stings) immediately after the injections as the product sits under the skin. These typically disperse and flatten out within 12 to 24 hours.

How should I prep my skin before a peel?

Discontinue the use of Retinols (Vitamin A), AHAs, BHAs, and physical exfoliants for at least 3 to 5 days prior to your peel to prevent over-sensitizing the skin.

How soon can I shave my underarms after the treatment?

Please wait at least 24 hours before shaving or applying deodorants to ensure the injection sites are fully healed and to prevent any irritation or infection.

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.

Medical Wellness

How do injections stop excessive sweating?

We use neurotoxins (Botulinum Toxin) injected into the skin. This blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that tell your sweat glands to activate, effectively turning off the sweat production in that specific area.

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 do injections treat chronic migraines?

Botulinum Toxin is a medically proven preventative for migraines. By relaxing the muscles in the forehead, neck, and shoulders, it reduces physical tension triggers and helps block the nerve pain signals sent to the brain.

Will masseter Botox affect my smile?

When performed correctly by an experienced injector, it will not affect your smile. The masseter is a chewing muscle, not a smiling muscle. We carefully map the injection points to avoid the risorius (smile) muscle.

How exactly does Botox stop sweating?

Botox temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that triggers your sweat glands. Without this signal, the glands simply do not produce sweat in the treated area.

How many injections are needed for migraine treatment?

The standard clinical protocol for chronic migraines involves approximately 30 to 40 shallow injections across specific points on the forehead, temples, back of the head, and upper neck.

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.

Will masseter Botox change the shape of my face?

Yes, it often will. When the masseter muscle works less, it shrinks (atrophies). This is a highly desired side effect that slims a square, wide lower face into a softer, more oval contour.

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 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.

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

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.

Can Radiesse be dissolved?

No. Unlike Hyaluronic Acid fillers, Radiesse cannot be dissolved with Hyalase. This is why it is an advanced treatment used primarily for structure (jawlines, cheeks) by highly experienced injectors.

How fast does filler dissolving take to work?

The enzyme starts breaking down the filler immediately on contact. You will see a significant reduction before you even leave the clinic, with the full dissolving process completing within 24 to 48 hours.

Will my face look frozen after treatment?

Not at all. Our philosophy at Aesthetica is "less is more." We use precise micro-dosing to soften your lines while preserving your natural ability to express emotion.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Depending on the product used and the area treated, results typically last anywhere from 9 to 18 months. Areas with less movement (like cheeks) tend to hold filler longer than areas with high movement (like lips).

What is the difference between Rejuran and tear trough filler?

Filler adds immediate volume to physically lift a hollow. Rejuran (Polynucleotides) regenerates and thickens the skin tissue over time to reduce dark pigmentation and crepey lines without adding bulk.

How many sessions of Aqualyx do I need?

Most clients require between 2 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal reduction of under-chin fullness.

Do I need to keep getting injections forever once I start?

No. If you decide to stop, your muscles will simply regain their normal movement over a few months, and your lines will slowly return to their pre-treatment state. They will not look worse than before you started.

Will under-eye filler fix my puffy eye bags?

Filler is used to correct hollows. If your primary issue is protruding fat pads (puffy bags), adding filler may actually make them look worse. During your consultation, we will assess if you are a suitable candidate.

What happens if I hate my filler results?

One of the great benefits of Hyaluronic Acid fillers is that they are not permanent and are fully reversible. If you are unhappy, we can safely dissolve the filler using an enzyme called Hyalase.

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