Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sunlit waiting area with two pink chairs, a glass-top table with a small plant, and a wall sign reading 'A1C Aesthetica Clinic'.

Consultations & Clinic Policies

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 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.

Are anti-wrinkle treatments safe?

Yes, Botulinum Toxin has an extensive safety record in both medical and cosmetic fields when administered by a qualified professional like our Registered Cosmetic Nurse.

Can Aqualyx be used on other parts of the body?

Yes, while the chin is the most common area we treat, Aqualyx can also be used for small stubborn fat pockets on the jawline, bra-bulge, or abdomen.

Do I need a consultation for hyperhidrosis treatment?

Yes, a brief medical consultation is required to ensure you have no contraindications and that this therapy is the correct medical pathway for your condition.

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.

Do I need a consultation before booking a skin booster?

Yes, a consultation helps us assess your skin quality and determine which specific booster (e.g., Profhilo, Rejuran, or Sunekos) is best for your anatomy.

How much filler will I need?

This varies entirely from person to person. During your consultation, we will assess your anatomy and volume loss to give you an accurate estimate of the product volume required for your goals.

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.

Are there any alternatives to fat dissolving for a double chin?

Sometimes a "double chin" is actually caused by a weak jawline or recessed chin rather than fat. In these cases, Jawline and Chin Dermal Fillers can stretch the skin and provide the necessary projection.

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 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

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