YOUTH IS YOURS

We trial a trio of treatments

Another year, another leap in advancements that has seen appearance medicine becoming quicker and slicker, and although there are some good old favourites that have simply been tweaked to give better results, there are also new treatments that are really altering the beauty landscape. We trialled three we think are worthy of their current cult status or are soon to be the treatments to try.

MICRONEEDLING AT CACI, AUCKLAND What is it?

Microneedling is a treatment that’s performed by experienced skin technicians using tiny needles of varying lengths to penetrate the skin, triggering the body’s healing response. The idea is that when skin becomes compromised, the body starts to produce collagen tissue. Over time this results in stronger, firmer collagen fibres, creating more youthful-looking skin with an improved texture and tone.

Until now, treatments saw a small needled roller guided over the face, but with Caci’s recent introduction of a more high-tech device using microneedles and electro-currents, the results are more effective and consistent. The needles are set at optimal levels of penetration, and the ability to adjust around sensitive or tricky-to-reach areas makes it a good alternative to more intensive laser treatments. At Caci, a serum is also infused deep into the skin, the delivery mechanism allowing its cocktail of nutrients to have more of an effect than the usual topical application.

Who’s it good for?

At 39, it was the gradual change of the texture of the skin around my chin and cheeks that had me interested, as well as the appearance of some fine lines, but microneedling is generally regarded as a good all-rounder for helping the skin appear smoother and more youthful. If your topical creams aren’t quite giving you the results you’re after anymore, microneedling is a good option to consider. Acne scars, obvious pores and stretch marks are also great reasons to try it.

What’s it like?

After waiting 40 minutes for a topical numbing cream to work, the therapist guided the handpiece over my entire face while homing in on areas that needed extra attention. It’s not a treatment for the faint-hearted, but it was much faster (10 minutes) than my previous experience of the roller version, so it wasn’t intolerable. Afterwards, my skin was pink (you won’t want to head straight back to the office), but the next morning any lingering redness was easily minimised with a little mineral makeup. Any questions as to the sanity of undergoing such a treatment slowly evaporated over the next two to three weeks, replaced by admiration for my satin-smooth skin and well-rested appearance that improved with further treatments.

Does it hurt?

I was able to hold a conversation throughout the treatment, with regular pauses to wince away the pain. But like your first bikini wax, you quickly become philosophical about any discomfort because the results are so good.

What does it cost?

From $562 per treatment. A course of four to five over a period of months is recommended for best results. Visit caci.co.nz.

– Megan Bedford

LIP FILLER USING THE JULIE HORNE TECHNIQUE AT CLINIC42, AUCKLAND What is it? Lip fillers aren’t a new thing, but if the slew of plumped pouts seen on social media is anything to go by, this treatment isn’t going anywhere. Although there are a number of fillers that have become popular on the appearance-medicine scene, the trend now is towards a softer formula for a more natural finish.

Who’s it good for? With its ability to reshape your lips entirely, or simply accentuate your Cupid’s bow, this is certainly a treatment to try if you’re unhappy with your smile. Even the smallest amount of filler can make a world of difference.

What’s it like? I’ve had lip fillers a number of times in the name of research, with varying results. I knew I was in good hands at Clinic42, though, and Dr Lynn Theron was keen to use the new Julia Horne technique on my lips, which were in need of moisture and also some help on the outer edges to lift the corners and counter the drooping that can occur as we age. With this technique, a series of superficial injections are placed just under the surface of the lips, which is different from the more traditional approach, which goes much deeper. What I love about this is that it’s safer (as it steers clear of blood vessels) and the results are the best I’ve ever had. I’d describe my ‘after’ lips as cushiony. They feel soft, the border is perfect (unlike with other techniques, which can result in an altered border) and Dr Theron tells me the results will last longer.

Does it hurt? As the saying goes, no pain, no gain, but it’s pretty low on the pain scale. You can have this treatment with a local anaesthetic or a dental block; I opted for the latter and barely felt a thing. It was definitely unpleasant when the dental block was administered, and there were certain spots on my lips that felt a little more tender, but other than that, it was completely fine. When the dental block wore off about an hour later, the centre of my lips felt a little sore, but it was nothing major.

What does it cost? From $650 to $800, depending on how much filler is used. A follow-up consultation is advised to check on progress. Visit clinic42.co.nz.

– Sarah Simpson

BABY BOTOX AT THE FACE PLACE, AUCKLAND

What is it? I’ve worked in fashion media for over a decade and I’ve yet to try Botox – a rare occurrence, trust me. Although I’ve never been opposed to it, it was the old-fashioned fear of looking frozen or unnatural that put me off for so long. I have a very expressive face, and I like some of my lines, but in recent years, a few have set in in all the appropriate places – on the forehead, around the eyes – and left me looking a little worn out, so I was keen to give it a go.

Advancements in injectables have really changed the game, with the look now much more relaxed than frozen. Dubbed ‘baby Botox’, a smaller dose is used by skilled practitioners in a personalised way, for a more natural result. Although it now has a cute moniker, this more tailored take actually reflects the long-time approach to Botox at The Face Place, where they’ve always recommended administering lower doses more regularly.

Who’s it good for? It’s particularly good for those like me who are new to and a little afraid of Botox. I’d also recommend it to anyone wanting a subtle refresh before a big event and as a preventative approach. If you have very lived-in lines, baby Botox won’t do much to get rid of them.

What’s it like? The majority of my appointment focused on the consultation, with Dr Catherine Stone explaining the Botox basics and identifying the areas I wanted to target. Offering treatment suggestions for each of my concerns, she also politely recommended other spots that would subtly help reduce my resting bitch face (my words, not hers). The actual application part took less than 10 minutes and focused on key areas: my forehead and frown lines, and under my drooping brows to provide a slight lift. I was excited to see the effect between my eyes in just a couple of days (I actually couldn’t frown), but the rest took a bit longer (one to two weeks is common). I could still express worry and annoyance, and every other emotion, but looked less tired. At the recommended two-week follow up, I suggested increasing the number of units used in my forehead.

Does it hurt? I was handed a soft toy to grip, but for me it felt no worse than having my eyebrows waxed – just a slight pinch when the needle went in. A tiny bruise developed on my forehead, but disappeared after a couple of days.

What does it cost? Charged per unit (starting from $18), the cost varies depending on the amount of Botox you receive and whether it’s being injected by a doctor or a nurse. Consultation fees range from $250 to $500, with the follow-up free unless you need a top-up. Visit thefaceplace.co.nz.

– Zoe Walker Ahwa