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Are there any differences between different brands of Botox®? Anon, Huapai. Botulinum toxin comes in many forms, manufactured differently by different brands. “Botox®” was a clever name coined by the company Allergan and is still readily available today. Other players on the New Zealand market include Xeomin® by Merz and Dysport® by Galderma. Multiple other brands exist worldwide, however in Aotearoa MedSafe approval exists for these three players, meaning they can be used legally in New Zealand. Every brand will tell you theirs is best, for the simple reason they want people to use their product. Interestingly, all research around individual brands usually come to the same conclusion: the higher the dose used, the longer the effects last. So the more frozen you are to start with, the longer it will take for full muscle strength to return. Xeomin® is formulated without complexing proteins, so is considered purer than the other brands. Injectors may prefer this option as it theoretically minimizes risk of neutralizing antibodies developing over time and hence less risk of resistance to repeated treatments. Other brands argue this effect is negligible as complexing proteins are released when the product is injected into and metabolized by muscles. Dysport® is formulated and concentrated differently to Botox® and Xeomin®. Less volume of Dysport® is therefore needed to achieve the same effect, so injections may be less painful. This is a subjective advantage however, as many do not notice a difference, especially if certain saline preparations are used to take away the stingy sensation. Some argue Dysport® is more spready in its effect, so is advantageous for larger treatment areas, however other companies argue against this, claiming all brands spread equally from their respective injection sites. So there are many ways to skin a cat. So long as injectors are aware of the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of the products they use, then it probably doesn’t make much difference at the end of the day. The most important considerations for injectors are to ensure the products they use are made by legitimate manufacturers (i.e. not counterfeit), are stored and reconstituted correctly, and are used before they expire. It always pays to ask your injector what they use and why, to ensure you have confidence they understand what they are using, so you receive the best possible care you deserve. Quick Answers: Are there differences between Botox® brands? Yes. Different brands of botulinum toxin are manufactured differently and have varying formulations, concentrations, and properties. Are Botox® / Xeomin® / Dysport® brands approved for use in New Zealand? In New Zealand, Medsafe approval exists for these three brands: Botox® (Allergan), Xeomin® (Merz), and Dysport® (Galderma). Is one Botox® brand better than the others? Not necessarily. Research generally shows that results depend more on dose and technique than on brand alone. How does Xeomin® differ from other Botox® brands? Xeomin® is formulated without complexing proteins, making it a purer form of botulinum toxin, which may reduce the risk of resistance over time. How is Dysport® different from Botox® and Xeomin®? Dysport® is more concentrated, meaning less volume is needed for similar effects. Some people find injections more comfortable, although results are comparable. What matters more than the brand of Botox® used? The skill and knowledge of the injector, correct dosing, proper storage, and using legitimate, approved products are more important than brand choice alone. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland Xeomin® (incobotulinum toxin) Prescription Medicine for the treatment of upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal forehead lines. Xeomin® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Xeomin® is right for you (incobotulinum toxin A, purified Botulinum toxin type A 50 Units and 100 Units). For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland. Dysport®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Dysport is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 300 or 500 Ipsen Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Galderma, Auckland. Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

What is the best skincare regime? Anon, Whenuapai. Skincare is complex. There is a lot of noise in the market with zero regulation. Most of us start (and often continue) a very basic regime inspired by supermarket shelves, television adverts and people we know. I myself have been victim of using all the no-no things including face cloths, soap and the dreaded St Ives Apricot Scrub. A good regime consists of a few basics. Firstly, a pH balanced cleanser should be used to gently cleanse the skin without compromising the naturally acidic skin barrier. It doesn’t really matter what product you use if the pH is balanced, however be weary of marketing ploys such as foam (foam does not equal better cleaning) and addition of ingredients such a hyaluronic acid as they are washed away during the cleansing process. After cleansing, application of an antioxidant serum is a great idea. Vitamin C is a fantastic option for daytime as it is great for environmental protection, minimising pigmentation and encouraging collagen production. A good alternative for day (or nighttime) is Vitamin B, which helps minimise wrinkles, improve skin tone and also acts to enhance collagen production. Another great serum for nighttime is the famous Vitamin A, AKA, retinol. The hero ingredient to any skincare regime, this powerful micro-nutrient speeds up skin cell turnover, minimises pigmentation, reduces acne, stimulates collagen production and diminishes wrinkles. Care must be taken when starting retinol however as it can cause skin irritation, so staggering its use initially and slowly building to nightly application is recommended. Many products on the market claim to contain retinol, however shop around as some instead contain very weak retinoid esters (retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate), that take many years of consistent use to have effect. On top of serums, one should then apply a quality moisturiser that suits your skin type. Dry skin needs thicker moisturisers, whereas oily skin prefers oil-free concoctions. Choose something that smells and feels good and be sure to also apply it on the neck and backs of the hands as these areas are often neglected and eventually become telltale signs of a person’s true age (you’ll start noticing those celebrity close-ups now). Finally, during the day don’t forget SPF! Super important to minimise ageing as the harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun (on cloudy and clear days) will undo all the good work you do with your skincare regime. Just be sure to pick a product that you like that doesn’t make you look and feel like a greaseball. Everyone can benefit from a good skincare regime; the key is to understand the basics and resist marketing tactics by big brands. A good rule of thumb is if it’s advertised in mainstream media, it probably isn’t worth your time (and money) as quality products don’t need big advertisements to demonstrate their worth. Quick Answers: What is the best skincare routine? There is no single best routine. An effective skincare regime is built around a few core steps tailored to your skin type. What are the essential steps in a daily skincare routine? A good routine includes a pH-balanced cleanser, targeted serums, a moisturiser suited to your skin type, and daily sunscreen. What cleanser should I use for healthy skin? Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that cleans the skin without stripping the natural skin barrier. Foam and added “hero” ingredients do not mean better cleansing. Which serums are most important in a skincare regime? Vitamin C or B serums are useful during the day for protection and collagen support, while Vitamin A (retinol) is best at night for cell turnover, acne control, pigmentation, and wrinkle reduction. How should I start using retinol safely? Introduce retinol slowly. Start a few nights per week and build up gradually to avoid irritation. Is moisturiser necessary if my skin is oily? Yes. Oily skin still needs moisturiser, but lighter, oil-free formulas are usually best. Why is sunscreen essential in a skincare routine? Daily sunscreen protects against UV damage, which accelerates ageing and can undo the benefits of even the best skincare products. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

What is filler made of? Anon, Whenuapai. Dermal filler is commonly made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA naturally occurs in our tissues and attracts water to help hydrate them. Filler contains artificially made HA, chemically bonded together with various degrees of cross-linking to create different gels. The more cross-linked a filler, the firmer the gel. The firmer the gel, the longer it lasts in tissues and the better it is as mimicking bone lost to ageing. Different fillers are injected into different areas of the face to replace lost tissue. When done appropriately, this leads to a harmonious, natural result where it is difficult to tell if someone has had “work” done. Too much filler leads to a puffy overdone look, as does too firm filler too close to the skin’s surface as modelled by many in the media (think girls of “Married At First Sight Australia”). HA filler can be dissolved with the enzyme Hyaluronidase, also a naturally occurring entity we make in our tissues. Cosmetic injectors should always have this at hand for dissolving HA filler in cases of emergency such as blocked blood vessels, as well as correcting overdone or undesirable results. Irreversible fillers such as calcium hydroxyapatite are used less frequently; the latter used more commonly for skin rejuvenation and reduction in fine lines, although some also use it to alter facial structure. Historically fillers such as silicone have been injected, however thankfully this is no longer a common occurrence as a raft of complications have been described with its use including chronic inflammation, lumps, swelling and skin changes. The world of fillers is a rapidly growing one. Products are becoming increasingly safer with better testing leading to improved outcomes. Better results are achieved by injectors who appreciate the nuances of these products existing amongst a saturated market, coupled with their technical skills. Just as our faces are multifaceted, so too should be our injectors. Quick Answers: What is dermal filler made of? Most dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that naturally occurs in the body and helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. Is hyaluronic acid filler safe to use in the face? Yes. When used by a trained practitioner, HA fillers are well studied, biocompatible, and widely used in cosmetic medicine. Why are some dermal fillers firmer than others? Fillers vary in how much they are cross-linked. More cross-linking creates a firmer gel, which lasts longer and is better suited to deeper structural support. Can dermal filler be dissolved if needed? Yes. Hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that naturally exists in the body and should always be available to cosmetic injectors. Are all dermal fillers reversible? No. Some fillers, such as calcium hydroxyapatite, are not reversible and are used more selectively, often for skin rejuvenation rather than major structural change. Why do some people look overfilled? Overfilled results can occur when too much filler is used, the wrong type of filler is chosen, or it is placed too close to the skin’s surface. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.

What is the best treatment for acne? Anon, Kumeu. Acne is a frustrating beast. It can rear its ugly face at all ages and can fluctuate at different stages of our lives. Back in the infomercial days of acne skincare, many of us will remember the “miraculous” treatments all the popstars used that seemingly served to only irritate our skin, without any real solution (sorry Beibs). Several types of acne exist, all relating to different stages of hair follicle blockage and inflammation. These stages are referred to as Comedomal Acne (red spots and blackheads), Acne Vulgaris (pimples and blackheads), and Nodulocystic Acne (angry red pimples and sores). Often an array of these features co-exist, and are further categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Treating hormonal imbalances, tweaking medications, restricting the use of occlusive cosmetic products and reducing intake of dairy and high GI foods can all help as a starting point to minimizing acne. Cleansing the face twice daily with a pH-balanced cleanser, ideally containing salicylic acid is the next step, followed by use of topical Retinol (Vitamin A). The latter is famous for not only controlling acne, but also sports marvelous anti-ageing effects, plumping skin and evening pigmentation. Hardy versions of retinol are available on prescription. Chemical peels and microneedling can also help settle the skin; however need to be done on skin without active infection present. Failing that, oral medication such as doxycycline and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) are an option to really help things clear. Like any oral medication, these must be prescribed by a Doctor and monitored closely to ensure safety and adequate response. As acne clears and scars emerge, these too can be minimized by treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling. As complex as acne can be, advancements in skincare, topical and oral medications have thankfully altered the course of how we can treat this problem. Goodbye pizza face, hello smoothness! Quick Answers: What is the best treatment for acne? There is no single best treatment for acne. The right approach depends on the type and severity of acne and often involves a combination of skincare, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment. What types of acne are there? Common types include comedonal acne (blackheads and small red spots), acne vulgaris (pimples and blackheads), and nodulocystic acne (deep, painful red pimples and sores). Can skincare alone help treat acne? Yes, for mild to moderate acne. Using a pH-balanced cleanser twice daily, salicylic acid, and topical retinol can significantly improve breakouts. Do diet and hormones affect acne? Yes. Hormonal changes, certain medications, dairy intake, and high-GI foods can all contribute to acne and may need to be addressed as part of treatment. When are medical treatments needed for acne? Moderate to severe acne may require prescription treatments such as oral antibiotics or isotretinoin, which must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Can acne treatments also help with acne scarring? Yes. Once active acne has settled, treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling can help improve acne scarring and skin texture. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

A friend asked me the other day, why is sunscreen so important? With the upcoming long hot summer El Nino is expected to deliver (wahoo!), it got me thinking. Why do we bang on about sunscreen? It must seem like sunscreen companies are sponsoring us to (they aren't). It all comes down to science. When the sun stuns us with her rays, she emits Ultraviolet Radiation (UV). There are different types of UV, the main ones that affect us are UVA and UVB. The energy they carry penetrates our skin and cooks us in a similar way to how a microwave heats up our dinner. Limited amounts of cooking (up to 15 minutes or so) are good for our tissues as it stimulates beneficial pathways in our body such as the production of Vitamin D, good for anti-ageing, bone and immune system maintenance. Too much of a good thing causes changes in our skin including altered pigmentation (spots), damaged collagen and dysfunctional deposits of elastin leading to wrinkles. Pigmented lesions/spots can also be triggered to mutate, leading to formation of cancer cells and the dreaded Melanoma. Sunscreen protects us from this radiation, broad spectrum the preferred choice to combat UVA (penetrates deeper and through glass, causing us to tan) and UVB (penetrates less deep and causes us to burn). Using this every day (even in Winter and when its cloudy) helps prevent and treat these changes. Like the necessity of wearing clothes, sunscreen should be part of the wardrobe. To be worn every day, except when the curtains are drawn and one is hiding inside. Quick Answers: Why is sunscreen important for your skin? Sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages collagen, alters pigmentation, accelerates ageing, and increases the risk of skin cancer. What damage does the sun cause to skin over time? Too much UV exposure can cause pigmentation spots, wrinkles, collagen breakdown, elastin damage, and mutations that can lead to melanoma. What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays? UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, contributes to ageing and tanning, and passes through glass, while UVB causes surface damage and sunburn. Should I wear sunscreen every day, even in winter or when it’s cloudy? Yes. UV radiation is present year-round, even on cloudy days and in winter, so daily sunscreen use helps prevent long-term skin damage. How should sunscreen fit into a daily routine? Sunscreen should be part of your everyday routine, like clothing, and applied daily whenever your skin is exposed to daylight. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

How do you know if you need cosmetic treatments? Anon, Whenuapai. A great question. Often pondered by the masses, taking the leap to having "work done" can be a daunting one. First, we must clarify what "work" entails. Cosmetic treatments are designed to help us look and feel better. The looking better part is really up to you. It ranges from glowy, clear skin to less wrinkles to restructuring facial features, creating harmony and a refreshed appearance, where people comment you look great, but can't quite put their finger on it. A holiday to the tropics? A new diet? New earrings? Therein lies the beauty of well-executed cosmetic medicine. Both an art and a science, the delicate balance lies in the hands of the injector. One who sees your unique beauty with acute awareness of the aesthetic end point. Various media have highlighted the dark side of cosmetic treatments, where aesthetic end points were crossed so fiercely, naturally beautiful people were given new identities. Lovely lips turned to sausages, cheeks turned to chipmunks and jawlines turned to jagged messes. Such stories are wonderfully entertaining, alas not helpful for those seriously wanting the odd tweak to help them look and feel their finest. Thankfully, there are a raft of ethical practitioners out there, properly trained with your best interests at heart. So it really all depends on you. If that pesky frown is making you look grumpy, those forehead lines are becoming crevices for your make up, your skin is looking dull, you're tired of looking tired or if you just want a professional someone to cast an objective eye, then you are ready. The key is to sit firmly in the driver's seat, accept no pressure and do what feels comfortable for you and your budget. The right practitioner will guide you, support you and care for you at every step. Your face and feelings are precious, so should always be handled with kindness, dignity and respect. Quick Answers: How do I know if I need cosmetic treatments? If something about your face or skin is bothering you, or you feel you look tired, grumpy, or less refreshed than you feel, you may be ready. What are cosmetic treatments meant to achieve? Cosmetic treatments are designed to help you look fresher and more balanced, while still looking like yourself. What kinds of cosmetic treatments are included? They can range from improving skin clarity and glow, to softening wrinkles, to subtle facial restructuring for better harmony. What should good cosmetic treatment results look like? People may say you look great, but they should not be able to tell exactly what has changed. How do I avoid overdone or unnatural cosmetic results? Choose an ethical, properly trained practitioner who has a clear aesthetic end point and does not pressure you into treatment. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, FRNZCUC, PGDip Cosmetic Medicine, NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

Why do people bully others, especially in industries built around appearance, status and comparison? In Episode 5 of the All or Nothing Podcast, Dr. Heather Anderson explores the psychology behind bullying, projection, insecurity and self-worth. Drawing on her experiences working in medicine and the cosmetic industry, she discusses how bullying can shape confidence, career choices and the way we see ourselves. This episode dives into: • Women versus women bullying • Workplace and professional exclusion • Projection and insecurity • Social media and online bullying culture • Why self-worth changes how bullying affects us • How compassion and boundaries can coexist One of the most powerful ideas in this episode is that bullying often says far more about the bully than the person being targeted. As Dr. Heather explains, truly confident people do not need to diminish others to feel important. Subscribe for more insights from the All or Nothing Podcast with Dr. Heather Anderson by ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine. Watch Episode 5: Bullying In The Cosmetic Industry And Beyond YouTube Link: Episode 5 Or you can listen on Spotify:

An honest conversation on the science, safety and realities of cosmetic medicine. Dr. Heather Anderson recently joined Himani Singh on the Beautiful Chords Podcast for a thoughtful discussion about cosmetic medicine. The episode explores Botox, lip filler, microneedling, chemical peels and skincare through a clinical lens rather than a social media one. The conversation centered on safety, sound clinical process and achieving natural outcomes without chasing trends. Thank you to Himani Singh for the considered questions and the warm welcome. It was refreshing to have space for a grounded discussion about what truly matters in cosmetic medicine. At ALLOR, that means careful assessment, precise technique, informed consent and decisions guided by long-term outcomes rather than short-term results. What This Conversation Explored Looking good versus feeling good. Cosmetic medicine can support confidence. It should never be used to mask insecurity or pursue an entirely different identity. Why good work should be invisible. The best result is usually, “You look great.” Not, “What have you had done?” Lip filler requires planning and restraint. Lips are one of the most technically demanding areas to treat. A rushed five-minute appointment is a red flag. Lip filler should be approached as a six-week settling process, not an instant transformation. Botox® expectations for first treatments. Botox® softens dynamic lines and may help prevent early static lines from deepening. It does not erase deeply etched lines overnight. When done well, results remain natural and expressive. Microneedling and the collagen myth. Microneedling is one of the most effective way to improve collagen is to stimulate your own skin cells. Quick fixes such as collagen supplements and topicals rarely deliver long-term structural change. Patient selection is critical, particularly where pigmentation risk exists. Sunscreen as foundational care. UVA damage accumulates quietly over time. Daily sunscreen remains one of the most effective long-term investments in skin health. Choosing the right practitioner. Ask about training. Ask how complications are managed. Ask what the follow-up plan is. If you feel pressured, pause. Cosmetic treatment should feel considered, not rushed. Watch or Listen Or watch the full episode here: Beautiful Chords Podcast - Youtube You can follow Beautiful Chords on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Youtube If you are considering treatment, or simply want to understand what happens behind the clinic door, this episode offers a practical and balanced starting point. Good cosmetic medicine should feel calm, deliberate and well judged. Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, Urgent Care FRNZCUC, Cosmetic Medicine PGDip - NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz. Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

We talk a lot about careers, but not enough about the paths behind them. Many of us are taught that a career should look a certain way. You pick a direction, stay the course, and follow the steps in order. In medicine especially, the path is often presented as fixed, linear, and unquestionable. But real life isn’t linear, and most careers aren’t either. In this episode of the All or Nothing Podcast, I talk about what it feels like to drift off the “expected” path and why that doesn’t make you a failure. I explore the pressure to stay inside the lines, what happens when your interests change, and why it can feel confronting to choose a different direction. A non-linear career isn’t a detour. It’s often where growth happens. It’s where people discover strengths they didn’t know they had, reconnect with what matters to them, and build a path that feels more authentic than the one they started with. We also look at the identity side of career change. When so much of your self-worth is tied up in titles, exams, roles, or achievements, stepping into something new can feel uneasy. But it can also be grounding. Clarifying. Liberating. Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. You’re allowed to evolve, to shift direction, and to choose a path that reflects who you are now rather than who you were when you began. Subscribe for more insights from the All or Nothing Podcast with Dr. Heather Anderson by ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine. Watch Episode 3: Carve Your Own Path – Embracing the Non-linear Career Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/WePaqdpzzXw Or you can listen on Spotify: Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, Urgent Care FRNZCUC, Cosmetic Medicine PGDip - NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

We are pleased to share something a little different from our usual updates. ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine is proud to sponsor the Child Safety Awareness Program at Hobsonville Primary School, an initiative designed to help young students learn practical skills that support their well-being and confidence. As part of the program, the school receives educational exercise books created to teach children about personal safety in a gentle, age-appropriate way. These resources guide students through important topics while keeping the learning process positive and engaging. We chose to support this initiative because safety matters at every age. For children, having clear, accessible information helps them understand how to look after themselves and when to reach out for help. For families, it provides reassurance that these conversations are being introduced thoughtfully within the school environment. It has been a privilege to contribute to this work and to support a school within our own community. We are grateful to Hobsonville Primary School for the opportunity and look forward to continuing our involvement in future community programs.

We talk a lot about beauty, but not enough about what shapes it. Trends. They can inspire us, connect us, and give us ideas to explore. But they can also quietly lead us away from what makes us feel like ourselves. In this episode of the All or Nothing Podcast, I’m talking about why we follow them, how they influence our choices, and what happens when we stop questioning whether they truly serve us. WHEN BEAUTY BECOMES A TREND In cosmetic medicine, trends move fast. One year it’s fuller lips. The next it’s sharp jawlines or contoured cheeks. Social media and celebrity culture have blurred the line between individuality and imitation - and it’s easy to lose sight of what really suits you. Sometimes we follow trends because they feel exciting. But sometimes, without realising it, we start to drift from our natural beauty in the process. THE LINK BETWEEN TRENDS AND SELF-WORTH This conversation connects deeply to self-worth. When you feel grounded in who you are, trends can be fun and inspiring. When you don’t, they can become a way to fill something that feels missing. But beauty doesn’t need to be rushed. Confidence grows when you learn to appreciate what’s already yours. THE “PICTURE-PERFECT” TRAP In a world of filters and photo edits, perfection has become the goal. But real faces move. They express. They live. And that’s what makes them beautiful. FINDING YOUR BALANCE Every face has a point where it looks its best - natural, balanced, and authentic. Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing where to start. That’s something I talk about often, finding your aesthetic end point and protecting it. GROWING YOUR OWN ROOTS When you nurture who you are on the inside, you grow beautifully in your own direction. Trends will come and go, but your sense of self doesn’t have to. Because true beauty isn’t about keeping up. It’s about knowing who you are and staying rooted there. Watch Episode 2: Beauty Trends - Inspiration or Manipulation? Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/fZSL8Ur-1N8 Or you can listen on Spotify: Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, Urgent Care FRNZCUC, Cosmetic Medicine PGDip - NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland

Before we talk about cosmetic medicine, I want to talk about something deeper. Self-worth. It’s a phrase we hear often, but rarely pause to explore. In the debut episode of the All or Nothing podcast, I’m starting where I believe all meaningful cosmetic conversations should begin - with how you feel about yourself. WHY SELF‑WORTH MATTERS I see it every week in clinic. When someone walks in feeling grounded in who they are, their approach to treatment is completely different. They’re not chasing perfection. They’re not trying to look like someone else. They’re simply enhancing what already feels right to them. But when self-worth is fragile, cosmetic medicine can become a mask. It might offer a momentary boost, but it rarely brings lasting peace. That’s why this conversation matters - because beauty isn’t just about how we look. It’s about how we see ourselves. WHERE SELF‑WORTH BEGINS For many of us, self-worth is shaped by the past. Old trauma, criticism, comparison. I’ve been there myself. But one of the most powerful things I’ve learned - both personally and professionally, is that we’re not defined by those stories. We can re-frame them. And yes, we can choose to make cosmetic changes… but not because we need to. Because we want to. HOW IT RELATES TO COSMETIC TREATMENTS When you approach a treatment with good self-worth, you make more thoughtful decisions. You ask better questions. You know where the line is. And you trust yourself to stop when you’re happy - not when someone else says you should be. That kind of confidence isn’t superficial. It's powerful. A PERSONAL BEGINNING This episode isn’t about techniques or trends. It’s about laying the groundwork, which can be confronting. I have been on my own journey building self-worth, and it is why I believe the most beautiful transformations begin long before you ever walk into a clinic. Watch Episode 1: Building Beauty from the Inside – Cultivating Self-Worth Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYEU8a7bABg Or you can listen on Spotify: Written by Dr. Heather Anderson, MBChB, BSc, Urgent Care FRNZCUC, Cosmetic Medicine PGDip - NZSCM | ALLOR Cosmetic Medicine, Auckland