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Should I have Botox ® and fillers before or after cosmetic tattooing? Anon, Riverhead If you’re planning both injectables and cosmetic tattooing, timing matters more than most people realise.  If you’re thinking about lip tattooing and also want lip filler , do the filler at least 6 weeks beforehand.  Filler changes the shape of your lips, which is what the tattoo artist uses as their guide. If you want eyebrow tattooing, it’s best to have Botox ®  worn off first as Botox ®  can affect eyebrow position.  As a rule of thumb, allow at least 3-4 months after your last Botox ®  treatment before tattooing.  Once the tattoo has healed, you can resume Botox ®  treatments as normal. If you already have microblading and want a more refined look with cosmetic tattooing, you will need laser removal first.  Removing the old pigment gives a clean canvas for your artist to create the ideal shape.  It usually takes a few laser sessions spaced several weeks apart, but the result is worth the patience. I have personally had cosmetic tattooing done by Jeni Hart from Brows and Beyond in Kumeu (browsandbeyond.co.nz ) .  I highly recommend Jeni as she is not only skilled with brows and lips, but she also has a laser, so can remove previous pigment. Jeni also works in reconstructive tattooing, creating realistic nipples for women after breast cancer surgery and restoring features for people with facial deformities.  Her attention to symmetry and balance is exceptional, which sets her apart from the rest. Quick Answers: Should I do lip filler before lip tattooing? Yes. Do filler at least 6 weeks before lip tattooing so the final lip shape is stable for mapping. Should Botox® be worn off before eyebrow tattooing? Yes. Allow at least 3–4 months after your last Botox® treatment before tattooing brows, because Botox® can affect brow position. If I already have microblading, do I need laser removal before cosmetic tattooing? Often, yes. Laser removal can clear old pigment to give a clean base, and it may take a few sessions spaced several weeks apart. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz 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.

What are the best treatments to make my skin look its best before the holidays? Anon, Whenuapai The lead-up to the holidays often shows on our skin.  Warm weather, late nights, Christmas shopping and the general rush of December can leave your face looking a little tired (coffee anyone?!).  Many people ask me what the best treatment is to look and feel fresher before the holidays, especially when they want something quick and simple that still makes a noticeable difference.   When someone wants fast results, I often start by looking at expression lines.  Fine lines around the frown, forehead and eyes tend to show more when the skin is tired. Botox ®  can soften these areas and create a lighter, well-rested look without changing your natural expression.  It is a straightforward option with minimal downtime, and the results settle in over the following few days, with maximal results achieved at two weeks.  For many people, this alone is enough to look and feel confident heading into the social season.   Skincare is just as important, especially when time is short.  A good routine can refresh the skin very quickly.  I recommend simplifying things in the lead-up to the holidays, using evidence-based skincare brands such as ZO, Synergie and Emepelle.  A gentle cleanser, an active serum and a barrier-supporting moisturiser from these ranges help brighten the skin and reduce dullness.  When the barrier is steady and hydrated, the skin looks smoother and glows.  Even small changes in skincare can make us look and feel fresher.   No holiday routine is complete without sunscreen .  Consistent SPF is one of the most powerful ways to keep the skin bright and even throughout summer.  Sun exposure can undo improvements very quickly, especially when you are outdoors more often.  A lightweight SPF such as Heliocare used every morning prevents new pigmentation, protects collagen and helps maintain treatment results.  The added bonus of Heliocare is that it has a slight tint that blends beautifully with any natural skin tone, giving a luminous finish that can easily blend with concealer and set with a light mineral powder to give a natural glowy look without the aged, matte appearance of foundation.   So, what is the best way to refresh your skin before the holidays?  For most people it is a combination of softening key expression lines with Botox ® and supporting the skin with a nourishing skincare routine backed by daily SPF.  These steps work together to create a natural, rested look that carries you confidently through the holiday season.  Merry Christmas everyone! Quick Answers When should I get Botox® before the holidays? You should plan Botox® around two weeks before events . Results begin within a few days, with full effect seen at about 14 days. Is it too late to improve my skin before the holidays with skincare? No. Barrier support, hydration and active serums can improve brightness and texture within days , especially when the routine is kept simple and consistent. Should cosmetic treatments be done all at once or staggered? Staggered treatments usually look more natural. Combining subtle Botox® with skincare allows changes to settle without a rushed or overdone results. Does sunscreen really make a visible difference to skin over summer? Yes. Daily SPF helps prevent new pigmentation and collagen damage, which directly affects skin brightness, texture and how long treatment results last. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz .