top of page

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

 If you have an any questions or require further details, please submit a query or book an 'Initial Consultation'

Is there a DIFFERENCE between Botox® and Dermal Fillers?

YES, a big difference! 
To simplify it, Botox® works by relaxing the muscle (not the skin). It is a naturally occurring, purified protein that works in the nerve ending by reducing the transmission of a chemical called acetylcholine. One function of this neuromodulator is to activate muscle contraction. With this restricted, the muscle is relaxed so that the treated 'wrinkle' can soften, and for some clients, disappear over time. As a result, the collagen in the skin has a chance to repair the 'wrinkle' without the constant contraction of the muscle. Botox® is NOT permanent. It's predicted lifetime is usually 3-6 months (depending on dosing), before the muscle activity begins to return.

 

Dermal filler is used to add volume and replace fat pad loss or mimic bone to create support for the face. The dermal fillers used at Refining Room are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally produced and found in our bodies. HA creates hydration within the skin, a single molecule can bind up to1000 times its weight in water! How amazing is that? There are studies that show injecting HA helps stimulate collagen and elastin production. The majority of HA dermal fillers available in the industry last anywhere from a period of 6-24 months. However, this is dependent however on the cohesivity of the product and your own natural metabolic rate in breaking down HA. All dermal fillers at Refining Room are NOT permanent.
While our fillers are not permanent, there can be rare side effects that can be damaging and life-changing. It is incredibly important to select a skilled injector, discuss all questions and queries, and be correctly informed of ALL risks involved prior to any treatment.

Must I have the INITIAL CONSULTATION ? 
(even if I have had the same treatment elsewhere)

Absolutely, YES!

Not everyone can have injectables, so it’s imperative that we have time discuss your medical history, previous treatments, any other relevant information we request on our consent form, and then tailor a plan to you and your needs. Every face is completely different so it makes logical sense to curate a plan to fit the individual needs and concerns of your facial structure. Refining Room is not a clinic that offers "standardised dosing or a one-size fits all approach"! We analyse and critique every procedure given, even for repeat treatments, and we will update your medical health accordingly at each visit. 

What AGE should I start getting injectables?

As long as you are over 18, this is completely up to you!

There isn’t a specific age to asking the question, do I want to look into cosmetic procedures? Especially if a specific area is a concern to you. Through every season of life, in any age group, injectables need to be approached from a position of conservation and restoration. While injectables can restore some youth back into the face, I want to stay away from the ‘anti-ageing’ stance. Because it's inevitable, sorry to tell you, we are all going to age. And age we should! It’s a privilege to do so but… hey, if we can do it gracefully, while looking the best we can for every age group we move through, then why shouldn't we? This should be the aim of the game! I’ve had clients as young as 19 years to treat a genetic under-eye hollow, to a 75 year old client wanting a little "pick me up".  

 

Please keep in mind, deep, pre-existing, etched in lines or excessive skin laxity, can impair a desired outcome being achieved. In some cases, an injectable may not show any notable results, and it may be that we need to have a discussion around expectations. While it is incredible what we can do with injectables, if you are looking for a surgical result, then you need to see a surgeon (can provide referrals on request). Here at the Refining Room, we firmly believe we should always embrace and learn to LOVE ourselves, with or without any medical assistance. This is why an 'Initial Consultation' is vital to the beginning process of any treatment journey.

Will the treatments be PAINFUL? 

GAH, hard one to answer!

As we all experience pain differently and have different levels of tolerance, this is hard to gauge for each individual. Discomfort (if any) is usually brief and minimal. However, a person's pain threshold can vary from day-to-day, especially if you are on your period cycle. As a guide, clients have commented on having their eyebrows plucked as being more painful. Good to hear.

 

The majority of the needles that are used across most treatments are generally very small. If you know you are fearful of needles, and/or prone to fainting, please discuss this with us prior to performing any procedure so we can allocate more time, as there are some tricks of the trade we can use to help. We strongly suggest you eat something prior to your appointment and we are more than happy for you to bring along a support person, just in case you need a little extra handholding. No judgement here! I have treated many 'needle phobes' in my time.

What will HAPPEN to my face if I choose to stop treatment?

Essentially, nothing!

There are no permanent side effects from NOT continuing treatments.

Botox® is completely temporary, as explained, and eventually the muscle contraction will return to its original strength and previous movement. The related line or wrinkle treated will creep back, the dermal filler will re-absorb, and everything will slowly regress to your original facial structure, as if you had never had any procedures at all. 

Dermal filler does NOT stretch the skin, causing any excess laxity to its form or texture. The body naturally metabolises the HA fillers into mainly carbon dioxide and water, and this is then excreted out of the body. What some clients may fail to realise, is that these treatments are performed to SLOW the ageing process. Hence, if they are not maintained with the recommended intervals for follow-up procedures, the body or face reverts back to baseline, and in some cases, clients may APPEAR older due to the fact that they have aged naturally over time.

Can I have injectables while PREGNANT or breastfeeding?

So sorry, no.
Enjoy your pregnancy and the precious time with your baby, we will still be here when you’re ready! Understandably, there are limited studies that have been conducted around the safety of injectable's during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For obvious reasons, it is not considered ethically viable to do studies on this. As Refining Room prides themselves on being a best practice clinic we CANNOT offer any treatment, until both pregnancy and breastfeeding is no longer an active part of your motherhood journey.

For peace of mind, if you were unaware that you were pregnant at the time of any treatment undertaken, you can take some comfort that there have been NO reported issues to date...Phew! 

Why can't I get a QUOTE for an area?

This is a tricky question.

Dermal filler is charged 'per syringe'.

As it stands, even if you did not require the full syringe in one particular area, there is usually another area of the face that it can be placed in and we will discuss this in our consultation. As dermal filler comes in a pre-filled syringe, it is a set price

At Refining Room, Botox® is charged 'per unit'.

While other clinics may offer a set price 'per area', I feel that may not be the most fair way to charge. A lot of clinics offer standardised dosing, because this means every client will get 20 units of Botox® (or will be charged for this dosing but may use less) for their 'area' whether they require it or not, (men will have a higher standard dose etc, for reference). At Refining Room, we treat every client as an individual, with an individual course of action and personalised dosing plan.

 

For example: a commonly treated area such as a 'frown' will usually cost between $285 - $380.

Only a handful of clients require a full (or more) 'standard' dose in their frown. Dosing is customised and is dependent on the muscle size, strength and your aesthetic goal. While you may need a 'stronger' dose on your initial treatment, once the muscle activity is reduced and we 'train' the muscle, it is often found that follow-up treatments for those same area/s, may require less units. We aren't a cookie cutter clinic! Each procedure is tailored to you and we endeavour to make it as cost-effective as possible.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

 

marble.png

*Mandatories

 

Botox® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you.  If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for Botox® and clinic fees will apply. 

For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe.govt.nz.  

Botox® treatment lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary.  Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. (contains botulinum toxin A 50,100 & 200 units) Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

Teosyal® from Teoxane® Medical Device Class III. Is a space- occupying supplement to correct skin contour deformities (e.g. wrinkles, folds, scars especially round the eyes. Teosyal® has risks and benefits. Contains Hyaluronic Acid in various volumes with lidocaine 0.3% by mass. Ask your doctor if Teosyal is right for you.

© 2023 Refining Room. All Rights Reserved 

bottom of page