Botox & Fillers

Botox® is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In small, controlled doses, it’s used medically and cosmetically to relax specific muscles and smooth wrinkles.

Botox® works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that signals muscles to contract. When these muscles relax, the overlying skin becomes smoother and lines soften or disappear.

By relaxing wrinkle-causing facial muscles, Botox® helps create a fresher, more rested and youthful appearance without changing facial structure or expression. It softens existing lines and helps prevent new ones from forming.

The overall effect is a natural, smoother appearance with reduced forehead creases, frown lines, and crow’s feet. The face retains movement, but harsh or tired-looking lines are diminished.

There’s no specific “best” age—it depends on individual needs. Many people begin Botox® in their late 20s to 30s as a preventive measure, while others start later to soften established lines.

Most commonly treated areas include:

• Forehead lines (horizontal lines)
• Glabellar frown lines (between the brows)
• Crow’s feet

It can also be used around the mouth, chin, and neck.

Beyond cosmetic use, Botox® is also used to treat:

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
• Migraine prevention
• Neck muscle spasms
• Facial asymmetry

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein that, in minute and purified quantities, safely and temporarily blocks nerve impulses to targeted muscles. There are several brands—Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®—all using the same active principle.

Treatment involves a series of tiny injections delivered with a fine needle into specific facial muscles. The procedure usually takes 10–15 minutes, with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

Results begin to appear within 3–7 days, peak at around 2 weeks, and last approximately 3–4 months. Duration may vary depending on the area treated, muscle activity, and metabolism.

Most patients repeat treatment every 3–4 months to maintain results. Over time, as muscles adapt, intervals may lengthen.

Botox® is very safe. It has been used for over 20 years and has a strong safety record in both medical and aesthetic practice.

Side effects are generally mild and temporary. They can include slight redness, swelling, or bruising at injection sites. Rarely, temporary drooping of a brow or eyelid can occur but resolves as the effect wears off.

Cost varies by clinic, practitioner, and treatment area. In New Zealand, prices typically range from $14–$20 per unit, with total treatment costs averaging $250–$650 depending on the number of areas treated.

Profhilo is a two-session treatment, with each session spaced 30 days apart. Results are not immediate because the product works by stimulating your own collagen and elastin production. Over the 30 days following each session, the skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more hydrated. Most people notice improvement after the first session, but full results are seen 4–8 weeks after the second treatment.

There is no downtime. Immediately after treatment, small raised bumps—similar to insect bites—can appear at each injection point. These are normal and usually settle within 4–24 hours.

Yes. Profhilo was launched in 2015 in Italy and has been used safely worldwide ever since. More than 150,000 treatments have been performed with no significant adverse reactions reported. It is highly biocompatible because it is made from pure, natural hyaluronic acid and stabilised without chemical cross-linking agents.