FAQs
Dermal Fillers
- After my appointment what should I do and not do?
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Keep the area clean and makeup free for the rest of the day. If you have swelling or bruising developing you may apply ice indirectly (eg through a clean cotton fabric) to the area for 20mins on and 20mins off. You may also wish to apply arnica or hirudoid cream. You may take paracetamol or antihistamines as required. Contact me if you have any concerns & book in a review for 2-3 weeks time.
Avoid touching your face and applying makeup on the day of treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise or sustained pressure on the treated area. Avoid excessive heat on the day of treatment including direct sunlight, spa’s or saunas. - What can I do to reduce my risk of bruising before my appointment?
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For 5 days prior to your treatment avoid:
Fish oil/krill oil/omega oil, gingko biloba, ginseng, ginger, glucosamine, turmeric, angelica and clove
On the day of the treatment avoid high doses of caffeine & strenuous exercise. - I am pregnant or breastfeeding - can I still have a treatment?
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No. Unfortunately, there is no studies or data to suggest that dermal filler treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Please enjoy this precious time and book a consultation once you have finished.
- I get cold sores - will this impact my treatment?
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If you are having your lips or area around your mouth treated you may benefit from taking prophylactic cold sore treatment for 24 hours prior and 2-3 days post treatment. Please discuss this with me during your consultation.
- I've had previous filler elsewhere - will this impact my treatment?
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Please discuss this with me prior to your appointment. It is unlikely that it will have an impact however I will need to know the product you have had injected and where to ensure it is compatible and unlikely to cause you complications.
- Do I need to come for a review?
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I recommend all filler patients come back for a review at 2-3 weeks post treatment. There is no charge for this. During this appointment we can discuss any concerns and take post treatment photos. If you have any concerns prior to this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
- I'm planning travel overseas - will this impact my treatment?
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It is advised that you schedule your dermal filler treatment at least 10days prior to overseas travel. Although unlikely, should you have any complications you will be able to be reviewed and have these addressed prior to your travel. There is also some anecdotal reports of filler swelling soon after injecting with long haul air travel.
- I have just had a vaccination or am planning a vaccination - will this impact my treatment?
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It is advised that you do not schedule a dermal filler appointment for 2 weeks before or after a vaccination as your immune system may be heightened, therefore increasing the risk of a filler related complication such as excessive swelling.
- I have just had some dental work or am planning some dental work - will this impact my treatment?
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Please discuss this with me prior to your appointment. Depending on the dental work you may need to postpone your appointment to 4-6 weeks before or after your planned dental work.
- Can I still have a treatment if I am unwell?
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You must be well on the day of treatment or there is an increased risk of complications. Autoimmune diseases should also be disclosed. Please contact me directly as soon as possible prior to your appointment if you need to postpone due to illness – I will happily accommodate you within reason.
- How painful is it?
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There is some discomfort as the filler is injected however there is local anaethetic in all of the fillers (excl Profhilo) to assist with this. Please advise on booking if you wish to have topical anaesthetic applied prior to your treatment or wish to have a dental block (numbing injections) prior to your lip filler.
- Are there any risks?
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With all procedures there are some risks associated. Injecting of dermal fillers is a medical treatment & will require a medical consultation & consent prior the procedure. Common side effects include but are not limited to: bruising, swelling & redness. Other side effects and rare but possible adverse events will be discussed with you during your consultation.
- How long do dermal fillers rest?
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Most hyaluronic acid dermal filler results last between 6-24 months. This is dependent on the type of filler, the area injected & the individual. Dermal fillers gradually break down over time or can be dissolved if necessary with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
- What is NCTF 135HA?
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An injectable mesotherapy skin treatment which nourishes the skin and delivers 59 anti-aging ingredients. It is particularly useful for dark under eye circles and general radiance. It is recommended in a course of treatments.
- What are Skinboosters?
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Restylane Skinboosters®* can be used to target problem areas to restore radiance, hydration and improve fine lines. They are best used in a course of treatments.
*Restylane® Skinboosters is a gel containing hyaluronic acid that is injected into or below the skin to improve skin structure, hydration and elasticity. Restylane® Skinboosters is a medical device class III that has risks and benefits. Do not use in patients with bleeding disorders, or in patients taking blood thinning medicines. Do not inject intravascularly, where there is active disease, inflammation, infection, or tumours near the intended treatment site Possible side effects are injection site effects like swelling, bruising, and tenderness and inflammation. Treatment usually lasts 6-12 months. Product and treatment costs will apply. Consult your cosmetic practitioner for further information. Further product details can also be found in the full product information. Galderma, Auckland. - What is Profhilo?*
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Profhilo is a unique hyaluronic acid injection treatment program. Blebs of product are injected into a pattern on the skin. This results in improved skin hydration and biostimulation. Skin texture improves and fine linesreduce as well as an increase in your body’s own collagen and elastin. Results last 6-12months. It was launched in Italy in 2015 and arrived in New Zealand and Australia in 2020. I was fortunate to be part of the clinical trial team for NZ. Well over a million treatments have been performed globally
Since being launched in Italy in 2015 over a million Profhilo treatments have been performed in Europe and the UK. Profhilo arrived in New Zealand and Australia in 2020.
*Profhilo ®, containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty. Ltd. Whanganui. - What is Sculptra*
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Sculptra is a bio stimulant poly L-lactic acid dermal filler. I use it on suitable candidates in the surrounding area of the face, where our fat is often lost with age. A course of treatments can help your body to stimulate its own natural collagen production resulting in a tightening and lifting effect of the face.
*SCULPTRA® is a poly-L-lactic acid implant liquid that is injected by a healthcare professional into or below the skin to increase volume of depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions. Class III Medical Device. Sculptra® may also be used for large volume restoration and/or correction of the signs of facial fat loss. Sculptra® has risks and benefits. Sculptra® treatment may result in injection site reactions and pain. Ask your healthcare professional to explain the range of possible side effects and tell them if any side effects concern you. Sculptra® should not be injected into skin that is inflamed or infected. Exposure to excessive sunlight or UV lamp exposure should be avoided until redness or swelling has resolved. Sculptra® is not recommended for people taking blood thinning medicines and has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women or those aged under 18 years. Lasts for 12-25 months. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN. Galderma Australia, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics Auckland. - What are hyaluronic acid dermal fillers?
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A hyaluronic acid gel substance which is injected under the skin to replace lost facial volume, fill fine lines and wrinkles, augment the lips, improve symmetry or contour the face.
BOTOX / DYSPORT / XEOMIN
- I am pregnant or breastfeeding - can I still have a treatment?
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No. Unfortunately, there is no studies or data to suggest that botulinum toxin treatments are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Please enjoy this precious time and book a consultation once you have finished.
- Will I look unnatural or weird?
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I advocate a refreshed approach to botulinum toxin. I am happy to discuss your aesthetic goals and any concerns you may have with you during your consultation. There is no need to look unnatural or weird from a botulinum toxin treatment.
- How long do results last?
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Most people will experience an effect up to 3-4 months. During this period a gradual return of movement is expected.
- If I choose to stop treatments will I look older?
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Your face will gradually return to full movement. Depending on your age and how long you have been having treatments your brows may descend and your lines and wrinkles may become more obvious, but less so than if you had never had any treatment at all. This is a result of the treatment wearing off. The treatment will not have aged you (it may have prevented some aging).
- Are there risks?
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All procedures do carry potential risks. Fortunately the risk of side effects or adverse events with botulinum toxin injections is very low. You will need to complete a medical consultation and consent prior to your treatment to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Specific risks relating to you and your treatment area will be discussed at this time.
- Do I need a review?
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I strongly advise a review 2 weeks following your first treatment with me. This is to ensure that we are both happy with your results and that we have the ideal dose in the ideal place for future treatments.
- How long does it take to work?
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Most patients begin to see the results from about day 3. The full result will be evident at 2 weeks.
- What is Botox/Dysport?
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These are brand names of Cosmetic botulinum toxin. They work by temporarily reducing the motor function of specific injected muscles. In doing so they are able to assist with wrinkle reduction of the frown, crows feet and forehead. It can even be injected for severe underarm sweating and a wide range of other indications.
*BOTOX® and DYSPORT® PRODUCT INFORMATION
BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Dysport® is a Prescription Medicine containing 500 units of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A for injection. It is used for the treatment of Glabellar lines. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Ask your specialist about the benefits and risks of using Botox® or Dysport® and whether they are right for you. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your health professional. You will need to pay for Botox® and Dysport®. They have benefits and risks. Always follow your specialist’s instructions. For more information refer to the Consumer Medicine Information for Botox® or Dysport at www.medsafe.govt.nz
DYSPORT® (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-haemagglutinin complex, 500 IPSEN units) is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. DYSPORT® has risks and benefits. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional or read the Consumer Medicine Information available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Ask your specialist if DYSPORT® is right for you. Always follow your specialist’s instructions. If you experience side effects and they concern you, see your healthcare professional. You will need to pay for DYSPORT® and for the administration and consultation charges. Galderma c/o Healthcare Logistics 58 Richard Pearse Drive Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand. 0800 174 104
BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. Allergan New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 1873, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand.
Dysport is distributed by Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd t/a Healthcare Logistics P O Box 62027, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
PDO THREADS
- Are there risks with PDO mono threads?
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Side effects can include slight swelling or bruising, redness or pain and risk of infection. These normally resolve spontaneously within several days.
- What are PDO mono threads?
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A PDO mono threads are single, smooth threads composed of a material called PDO, polydioxanone. PDO is an absorbable material that has been used for decades in dissolvable sutures. PDO threads are absorbed over a 6-month period and leave in their place new collagen. Mono threads can be used for lines and
OMNILUX
- Should I use any serum or cream or other skincare products underneath the Contour light therapy devices?
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Contour should be used on clean, bare skin, or with the Contour Hydrogel. However, if additional hydration is desired during treatment, a light water-based or Vitamin C serum can be used instead of the Hydrogel. Any other products could impact the amount of light reaching the skin and reduce effectiveness, or possibly cause a skin reaction or damage the Contour device itself.
- Will this help with psoriasis, rosacea or eczema?
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There are studies showing that red and near-infrared light therapy may be effective in reducing redness & inflammation and improving overall skin tone due to rosacea, psoriasis and eczema flare ups. However, Omnilux Contour has not been tested specifically for these skin conditions.
- Will light therapy increase pigmentation or exacerbate melasma?
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The red and near-infrared wavelengths used in our Contour devices have been shown to decrease pigmentation, not increase it. Although we are FDA-cleared for treating fine lines & wrinkles, studies and anecdotal data have shown benefit in reducing the overall appearance of sun damage and pigmentation. As melasma is a hormonal condition, it can be difficult to treat. While there have been some reports of melasma improvement using red and near-infrared light, Ommilux Contour has not been specifically tested for this condition, but it should not make your melasma worse.
- Can I use an LED mask every day?
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The Omnilux Contour protocol is 3 – 5 treatments per week for 4 weeks, followed by maintenance as desired. However, you may use your mask every day if you like. However, more frequent use may not produce faster or better results.
- What does an LED mask do to your face?
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Omnilux Contour FACE reduces fine lines & wrinkles as well as the appearance of pigmentation and redness. It also improves overall skin tone and firmness.
- Do LED light masks really work?
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Yes. Omnilux’s Contour devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to produce medical grade results. However not all LED masks are created equal. Some brands are less powerful and lack the clinical studies or FDA clearance that demonstrate proven effectiveness.
- What is the best LED light therapy for me?
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For skin rejuvenation red and infrared light has been clinically proven to produce the best results. For acne, red and blue light is best.
- How long does it take LED light therapy to work?
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Each person is a little different. Some will see improvement in a single treatment. Others will see improvement with additional treatments. In all cases we recommend 3 – 5 treatments per week for 4 weeks, and then routine maintenance as desired.
- Does LED light therapy actually work?
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Yes. Omnilux’s Contour devices are FDA cleared and have been clinically proven to produce medical grade results. However not all LED masks are created equal. Some brands are less powerful and lack the clinical studies or FDA clearance that demonstrate proven effectiveness.
- What does LED light therapy do?
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LED light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths (colors) of light and energy levels (brightness) to stimulate the body’s own natural healing processes. LED light works at the cellular level, inducing a cascade of cellular reactions aimed at specific skin conditions and outcomes.
- How many LEDs does Contour have?
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Omnilux Contour has more LEDs than any other home use LED device. Contour FACE has a total of 132 LEDs (66 red and 66 infrared) encased in 66 bulbs. Contour NECK & DECOLLETE has 102 LEDs (54 red and 54 infrared) encased in 54 bulbs. Contour GLOVE has 144 LEDs (72 red and 72 infrared) encased in 72 bulbs.
- Can I use it more frequently than the 2-3x per week in your User Guide?
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Yes. There is no downside to using it more frequently. However, using it more often will not, in most cases, provide any faster or better results.
- Can I use Contour while moving around or do I have to remain plugged into a wall outlet while using it?
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The Contour is completely portable and battery powered so you can easily walk or move around while wearing it. You only need to plug it into an outlet to recharge the battery, which lasts for approximately 140 minutes, or 14 treatments
- How does Contour compare to the Omnilux Medical professional system?
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The Omnilux Medical device has an output of 105mW/cm2, but because the Contour’s LEDs are directly on the skin, it delivers a higher concentration of light. It’s similar to shining a flashlight on a wall — the closer you get to the wall, the brighter and more intense the light becomes. Therefore, the dose delivered during a Contour treatment is very similar to that delivered during a treatment with an Omnilux Medical professional device, and the results are also therefore very similar
- Is there a quick start guide?
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You can request a quick start guide from our staff in-office or online by filling out a contact form. NOTE: Please refer to the Omnilux Contour User Guide that is included with the product for complete instructions for use, warnings, precautions and contraindications.
- Do I need eye protection with the Omnilux Contour FACE mask?
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No, it has been tested and conforms to medical device standards including IEC/EN 62471 Photobiological eye safety standard.
- Can I use Omnilx Contour with my current skincare products?
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Omnilux Contour is compatible with most skin care routines. It can also be used in conjunction with other professional skin treatments such as microneedling, peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, injections or fillers to promote healing and optimize results.
- What is the treatment regimen?
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We recommend a course of treatments: three to five 10 minute treatments per week, for 4-6 weeks, followed by routine maintenance as desired.
- Is it safe
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Over 40 clinical studies and nearly 20 years of experience have proven that Omnilux light therapy is very safe, with no adverse side effects, no pain and no downtime. Omnilux Contour generates no heat or UV light and is intended for adults 21+ and is safe for all skin types.
- How does it work?
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Optimized energy output and two clinically proven wavelengths of light work on a cellular level to stimulate new collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce sun damage and the visible signs of aging
- What is Omnilux Contour?
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Based on the world’s leading Omnilux MedicalTM light therapy technology, Contour is an FDA cleared flexible, portable, affordable home use device that uses light emitting diodes (LED) to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin tone, firmness, and health