Question 1

How does Cosmelan work?

Accepted Answer

Cosmelan treats the root of the cause of pigmentation, and re-programs our cells responsible for our melanin (pigmentation) production ensuring they are healthy and produce just the right amount of melanin for skin protection, whilst removing melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,  solar/sentile lentigo (dark spots), ephelides (freckles) and preventing them from returning.

Question 2

What can I expect following a Cosmelan treatment?

Accepted Answer

The Cosmelan peel procedure is broken down into a 5-phase system over a 7 month period. This is vital for achieving the target outcome. Phases 1-3 are always provided in clinic and consist of a cleanse, oil-removal and mask application. The Cosmelan mask looks similar to a mud mask and is applied over the full face with the option of application to the neck and decolletage.  Following your mask application in Clinic, you will be expected to leave the mask on for the recommended time given to you by your therapist, and follow the home care instructions given to you to follow once your recommended time is up.   Over the next 7 days, you will experience the following: Redness, Swelling, some peeling and possible purging (blemishes) as the peel will draw out any underlying congestion throughout this period of time.   As the days progresses your skin will feel similar to sunburn, red with a warm/hot sensation and swelling. This will begin to subside come day 3 & 4.   It is vital that all home care instructions are followed correctly in order to achieve the best results possible.   Check out below our lovely clients 7 day timeline following her Cosmelan treatment.

Question 3

What are the Contraindications and precautions with Cosmelan?

Accepted Answer

Cosmelan is not suitable for the following:   - Pregnant and breastfeeding  - Auto-immune disorders such as: Diabetes, Lupus, HIV, Hepatits and Crohn's Disease - Cancer / Skin Cancer *unless in remission for 2 years + - Chemotherapy - Family and/or personal history of Keloid scarring - Vitiligo  Cosmelan Precautions are as follows:   - Any allergies to any of the active components in the formulation of Cosmelan eg : Aspirin/Salicylic Acid allergy - Herpes complex *it is advised if you are a regular sufferer of cold sores to begin your prescribed medication for at least 1 week prior to your treatment - Eczema/Psoriasis/Dermatitis  - Any current active fungal, viral or bacterial infections - Rosacea - Thyroid - Multiple Sclerosis - Recent sun  exposure ( within last 2 weeks)  - IPL/Laser/Waxing in treatment area in the last 2-4 weeks - Botox/Dysport/Filler in the last 4 weeks  Medications and Cosmelan:  - Natural remedies such as St. John's wart - Any prescribed vitamin a - isotretinoin or roacutane *must have finished taking these for 6 months prior to treatment  - Antibiotics  - Steroids

Question 4

What should I do before my Cosmelan treatment?

Accepted Answer

- Avoid any sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to your appointment - If you suffer regularly with herpes complex ensure you are prepared with your prescribed medications 1 week prior to your treatment - No IPL/Laser/Waxing 2 weeks prior to your treatment - Ensure you have no important events coming up, to allow for the 1-2 week downtime following your in clinic treatment

Question 5

Can I wear make-up after my Cosmelan treatment?

Accepted Answer

It is advised to avoid any make-up for the next 7-10 days following your Cosmelan Treatment. You will however receive a tinted high factor sun protectant as part of your home care kit which will be used throughout your Cosmelan journey especially during these first 7-10 days.

Question 6

Will I need a consulation of Botox?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It is import to establish what your expectations and concerns are. It is also important to do a full medical history check even if you have been treated elsewhere in the past. This initial consultation will include taking confidential photos and going through the consent process to make sure you are aware of all aspects of the treatment.

Question 7

What is Botox and how can it be used?

Accepted Answer

Botox is a prescription medicine made from a naturally occurring purified protein which relaxes muscles causing them to reduce or stop contracting.  Botox is best used to reduce fine lines caused by muscle movements such as crows feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles. Over time the permanent (static) lines will soften and occasionally completely reduce.

Question 8

How long does the treatment take and last for?

Accepted Answer

After your initial consultation and consent process, you can expect the treatment to take around 10 -15 minutes. This procedure has little to no pain and there is no need for numbing or post care interventions. The downtime following treatment is minimal with the possibility of slight swelling and redness for around 30 mins. The effects of the Botox treatment can last between 3-4 months and over a period of time of regular use people find this can become extended.

Question 9

What are the side effects of Botox?

Accepted Answer

There are no serious or long term side effects of Botox known to date. Occasionally people experience slight swelling at the sign of injection, redness and the possibility of bruising. Mineral powder can be worn to cover these after 4 hours if needed.

Question 10

How much does Botox cost?

Accepted Answer

Price of treatment depends on area treated. To see prices go to www.shineaesthetics.co.nz/pricing

Question 11

Disclaimer

Accepted Answer

Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50,100 or 200 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection.  It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines.  It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. 
Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. 
Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Note: Botox® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary.  Speak to your specialist about your own situation”. A charge applies. You will need to pay for treatment.

All before and after photos are of treatments performed by Shine Aesthetics NZ Registered Nurses. Results may vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Dysport® is a prescription medicine containing Clostridium Botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines and excessive sweating. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling or nausea, or compensatory sweating in other skin areas. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure. A charge applies. Dysport® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation. Healthcare Logistics, Auckland.

Question 12

What is Dermal Skin Needling?

Accepted Answer

Dermal skin needling also known as Collagen Induction therapy (CIT) uses micro fine needles to penetrate the capillary network igniting the production of collagen which aides in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, strengthening the skin, reducing pore size, redness and aiding in the reduction of black heads.  Dermal needling also improves the appearance of melasma, pigmentation, acne, fine lines, stretch marks, cellulite and surgical scars. This treatment can be performed on most areas of the body not just the face such as the neck, décolletage , hands and abdomen.

Question 13

How painful is Dermal Skin Needling?

Accepted Answer

Dermal needling has minimal pain associated with it. The rate at which the tiny micro needles penetrate is so fast it often just leaves people with a warm flushed feeling. There is no need for numbing cream or other analgesia’s.

Question 14

How many treatments are needed?

Accepted Answer

Its recommended that you have between 3-6 treatments. However, this is dependent on your skin structure to begin with and what end result you are hoping to achieve. This can be ongoing and maintenance session are recommended. These can be performed every 4-6 weeks as needed.

Question 15

What will I look like after my treatment?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after you will appear flushed, slightly red and occasionally with very mild swelling in the treated area. This commonly subsides quickly but can last for those with very sensitive skin for up to 24 hours. It is possible you may experience light flaking around day 2-3. It is important to keep your skin hydrated with skincare and not to pick at the dry skin if any.

Question 16

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

The most common side effect is redness and skin sensitivity post treatment. This can last between 6-48 hours.  Other side effects include flaking of the skin, redness, bruising, dryness, swelling and discomfort.

Question 17

What do I need to know post treatment?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the aftercare instructions page.

Question 18

When can you see the results from mono/long threads?

Accepted Answer

There is immediate swelling, slight lifting, tightness and some bruising may also occur post treatment. Neocollagenesis formation takes approximately 12 weeks so, effects are seen best at this time.

Question 19

How long do results last?

Accepted Answer

Generally the results will hold and last for 6-12 months, this will differ from patient to patient. The longevity depends on how well the clients takes care, protects and nourishes their skin. Lifestyles choices will also effect the effectiveness and longevity of the PDO threads for example if the client lost weight quickly, smoked, was a heavy drinker, struggled with sleep - these contribute to the breakdown of your extracellular matrix (which is composed of your collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans that make your skin feel fresh + plump).

Question 20

How deep are the threads placed?

Accepted Answer

MONO threads are placed in the sub-dermal plane, this is the OPTIMAL position for neocollagenesis to be initiated within the skin.

Question 21

How long does the PDO material stay in my skin for?

Accepted Answer

The PDO threads are metabolised by the body through a process called hydrolysis and this occurs 3-6 months after the procedure. The threads, once broken down, are excreted as CO2 and water within the skin + naturally the lymphatic system will work the waste out of the body. If you were to biopsy the dermis of the skin at this exact point in healing, you would find a unique and fresh Type 3 collagen mesh network in the treated area.

Question 22

Can the results be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Small amount of steroid can be introduced into the area of treatment IF necessary.

Question 23

When can i start using Hyaluronic Acid again?

Accepted Answer

Utilise your HA as soon as you can! HA will help the skin to stay hydrated, repair quickly + effectively AND supply the threads with more assistance in neocollagensis - as a hydrated, healthy skin repairs faster than a dehydrated one.

Question 24

Why after threads can I not have heat based treatments like laser?

Accepted Answer

The threads that you have just had placed within the skin are heat sensitive, meaning that they degrade MUCH more quickly when exposed to higher temperatures. This is due to the fact that heat rises the activity of the cells, meaning that they work to get the foreign body out much faster than what is anticipated. It is advised to AVOID heat based treatments for a MINIMUM of 12 weeks.

Question 25

Will I need a consultation for Dermal Filler?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It is import to establish what your expectations and concerns are. It is also important to do a full medical history check even if you have been treated elsewhere in the past. This initial consultation will include taking confidential photos and going through the consent process to make sure you are aware of all aspects of the treatment.

Question 26

What is Dermal Filler and what is it used for?

Accepted Answer

Dermal Filler is a hyaluronic acid based injectable gel. Hyaluronic gel is a naturally occurring substance in skin which aides in keeping us youthful. Shine Aesthetics using only premium quality dermal fillers known for their safety and longevity. The advantage of using premium fillers is the have a lignocaine (numbing) component added straight to the gel for patient comfort. We are sure you have seen the “horror stories” often advertised by reality shows but at Shine Aesthetics we work with a Less is more approach to provide natural results. This can be achieved over several treatments to gain the best results and also make it affordable. Dermal fillers are used to replace volume lose, plump and fill fine, medium and deep lines. It can also be used to give definition and shape Common areas of treatment:  Cheeks, lips, chins jawlines, oral commissures, nasolabial and marionette lines.

Question 27

How long does treatment take and last for?

Accepted Answer

After your initial consultation and consent process, you can expect the treatment to take between 45 minutes -1 hour depending on the number of areas being treated. This procedure has minimal pain due to the anaesthetic in the product, however numbing cream can also be applied for more sensitive areas such as lips. Ice is also available for immediately after treatment to help reduce the chance of swelling and bruising. The downtime following treatment is dependent on the area being treated. The effects of the dermal filler treatment can last between 6-12 months and will slowly dissolve over this period of time. Longevity and results vary between each person.

Question 28

Can Dermal Filler be removed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The dermal fillers used at Shine Aesthetics are only temporary and can be dissolved if needed for either a vascular occlusion or an undesirable result. This can be expensive and is why a thorough initial consultation is important. If coming from another establishment it is recommended you consult with them to have the product dissolved there before retreatment at Shine Aesthetics. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called Hyalase. It starts to work after 10 minutes and is usually completely dissolved by 3-7 days. Retreatment can be completed 2 weeks after hyalase.

Question 29

How much does Dermal Filler cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices are dependant on area treated. See www.shineaesthetics/pricing for details.

Question 30

Disclaimer

Accepted Answer

JUVEDERM ULTRA® & JUVEDERM ULTRA PLUS® injectable gels are Prescription Medicines containing 24 mg/mL cross linked hyaluronic acid. They are used for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler. People with autoimmune disease; or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, age under 18; or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. Possible Side Effects: Injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling /itching/pain on pressure); induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor.  Note: Juvederm® treatment lasts from about 12-24 months.  Allergan New Zealand Ltd. PO Box 1873 Auckland 1140, New Zealand