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

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

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

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 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