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

I think about doing cosmetic treatments but feel guilty. I always put my family first, but my husband keeps telling me not to feel bad for wanting to put myself first for a change. How do people get around feeling guilty? Anon, Riverhead. Parental guilt is real for parents, so it is entirely understandable you feel this way. We always put our family first and so naturally feel as if we don’t deserve the same. Interestingly this concept often stems from us suffering low self-worth. Taught to us by generations above, it is surprisingly common to feel as if we don’t deserve certain things because we feel we aren’t worthy. Self-worth is a core belief we possess similarly to any other core belief such as religion. It is different from low self-esteem as it does not fluctuate easily (think good hair day versus bad hair day). It is instead a static mental space where one is so secure within themselves; they know they will be okay if they lost everything (a scary but very powerful space to be). The seeds of low self-worth are often planted when we are children and continue to grow with dysfunctional adult relationships, where we suffer emotional abuse ranging from not feeling heard, through to being yelled at, severely criticised, or even physically abused. Identifying this is not to necessarily lay blame on our parents, partners, or friends, as they are a product of their own experience, but instead allows us to identify patterns of intergenerational and interpersonal trauma that lay the foundations of low self-worth, so toxic cycles can be broken. Low self-worth is often developed alongside an inner critic who negates our decisions and tells us we shouldn’t do things because we aren’t worthy. It can also develop as a reflex of receiving criticism from influential figures in our lives and can be hard to turn off. One of the most liberating things we can do to counteract our inner critic is to say DELETE every time it rears its ugly head. Saying it aloud, with conviction is an extremely effective way to diminish its power and allows us to instead turn up the volume on compliments. Sometimes naming our inner critic can further help disconnect from its influence. When we shift our thinking in this way, we become more positive and allow ourselves to internalise positive feedback. We then start to really respect and love ourselves. We get to know ourselves. We become our own best friend. It then becomes okay to put ourselves first just as we are always told in flights to put our oxygen mask on first. This also allows us to build stronger boundaries and we become happier with more capacity for acts of kindness, as we are no longer stomped on by negativity. Whether it be cosmetic treatments, going out for that lunch with a friend or eating that piece of cake, being kind to ourselves by silencing our inner critic and welcoming in positivity can be a life changing experience. The warm hug of grace we give ourselves can be just what the Doctor ordered. Quick Answers: Why do I feel guilty about wanting cosmetic treatments? Guilt often comes from low self-worth and the habit of always putting others first, which can make it feel undeserved to prioritise yourself. Is feeling guilty about self-care a sign of low self-worth? It can be. Low self-worth is a deep-seated belief that you are not worthy, and it often shows up as guilt when you do something for yourself. What is the difference between low self-worth and low self-esteem? Low self-esteem fluctuates with circumstances, while low self-worth is a more fixed core belief about your value as a person. Where does low self-worth usually come from? It often develops in childhood and can be reinforced by critical or emotionally unhealthy relationships later in life. How can I stop my inner critic from controlling my decisions? Actively interrupt it. Saying “delete” when critical thoughts arise can help reduce their power and make room for more positive thinking. Is it okay to put myself first sometimes? Yes. Looking after yourself builds stronger boundaries, improves wellbeing, and allows you to show up more positively for others. 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 Botox®? Anon, Whenuapai. A great question. Many assume they know as it's well splashed over the media, however I imagine many don't know more than "it freezes your face, Susan". Botox® is actually a brand name for Botulinum toxin (other brand names include Dysport® and Xeomin®). All of these contain variable concentrations of toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Originally used by the United States Army as a bioweapon in World War II, this chemical has a powerful effect on paralyzing muscles. In large quantities Botulinum toxin can be dangerous, causing muscles needed for breathing to stop working. When used in much smaller concentrations, such as those used in Cosmetic Medicine, it is an effective tweaker of facial musculature, acting as a relaxant for muscles that cause pesky wrinkles. In skilled hands the result is a lovely, refreshed face, without looking frozen (think post-holiday-in-the-tropics glow). In not-so-skilled hands it can lead to something that resembles a stroke. Botox® also acts on other parts of tissue such as sweat glands, providing an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). It has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars. The effect of this chemical is transient, lasting 3-4 months on average (up to 6-9 months in some). Muscle fibre and sweat gland function completely returns once it wears off, so top-ups are required to maintain results. Despite function recovering, repeated treatments on muscles leads to wasting, as one slowly diminishes their desire to do certain expressions targeted by treatment injections, such as frowning. This alters the connectome in the brain, the complex wiring of brain cells connecting muscles of facial expression with emotion. Gradual weakening of muscles leads to altered emotions, hence less frowning triggers us to feel happier. Our animal instincts cause us to mimic each other, so if we look happier, so too do our peers. Like so many historical discoveries, Botox® began as a beast and morphed into a thing of beauty. In the right hands, you too can benefit from its clever brilliance. Quick Answers: What is Botox® and how does it work? Botox® is a brand name for botulinum toxin, which relaxes targeted muscles in small, controlled doses to soften wrinkles and refresh facial expression. Is Botox® the same as botulinum toxin? Yes. Botox® is one brand of botulinum toxin, along with others such as Dysport® and Xeomin®. Is Botox® safe when used for cosmetic treatments? Yes, when used in very small doses by a trained practitioner. The doses used in cosmetic medicine are carefully controlled and safe. How long do Botox® results last? Results typically last around 3–4 months, although some people may see effects for up to 6–9 months. Can Botox® be used for anything other than wrinkles? Yes. Botox® can also be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and has been shown to help reduce the appearance of some scars. Can repeated Botox® treatments change facial expression or mood? Over time, repeated treatments can weaken targeted muscles, which may reduce habitual frowning and can influence how emotions are expressed and perceived. If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz. 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.

I always feel very anxious over Christmas time, any recommendations on how to get through it all without being a nervous wreck? Anon, Whenuapai. Anxiety is very common. Add in pressure to attend multiple events, cook, host, buy presents, all whilst coping with the ever-increasing cost of living? Relentless. It's a stressful time. All wrapped up with feelings of guilt for not enjoying it as we are supposed to, it can leave many loathing the holidays. For those with children, the seemingly endless school holidays add another layer of pressure. Firstly, it is important to realise you are not alone. As humans we are built to feel anxious as a natural response to threatening situations. The adrenaline rush dilates our pupils, increases our heart rate, and puts our digestion on pause so we are ready to fight or flight. Sometimes less threatening situations trigger this response and we feel just as intensely when we aren't actually going to be physically harmed in the same way (although it feels a lot like it we are when dealing with tantruming children!). Social media, news and endless information at our fingertips triggers us to think more about issues we never used to. We are constantly bombarded so sometimes don't obtain the respite we need to switch off, so this must be done intentionally. This means forcing ourselves to stop. Really stop. Mindfulness and meditation are one of the ways we can achieve this. Thinking about our breath and body in real time helps ground our thinking and reminds us to be in the present. Taking even 1 or 2 minutes a day to do this can be so powerful. You can even do it whilst going for a walk. A great alternative is guided mediation or Hatha yoga, where yoga is combined with meditation (Google these and you will discover a raft of excellent free resources). These practices settle the mind, helping the clouds to clear and reminds us that just as aeroplanes escape clouds as they ascend, so can we. Even when it is raining, the blue sky is always there. Another great technique is writing down what triggers your anxiety. Be specific and really think about where it comes from, then write what would actually happen if the worst-case scenario played out. Then write how it makes you feel. Finally, write an affirmation of a positive way you can respond to the trigger. Something along the lines of "I am strong" or “I can…” to re-programme the mind to switch automatic negative thoughts into automatic positive ones. Doing this and re-reading your affirmations can really help you believe in your strength and power. Because we all have these qualities, we just need to realise them. Anxiety is best faced head on. That may feel scary, but just as a shadow monster grows in the eery darkness, it disappears once the light is switched on. You too, can switch the light on. If that still feels overwhelming, talking to you GP will help as there are pharmacological and professional services available if you need them. And finally, be kind to yourself. This is a busy time; however it can be wonderful if we pace ourselves and keep our boundaries. Say no to things that don't serve you, if it's not a "heck yes!", it's a no. A polite one of course. Quick Answers: Is it normal to feel more anxious over Christmas? Yes. Extra social pressure, costs, and family demands can make anxiety feel more intense at this time of year. What’s one simple thing I can do daily to calm anxiety? Try mindfulness or meditation. Even 1–2 minutes a day focusing on your breath and body can help ground you. How can I work out what’s actually triggering my anxiety? Write it down. List your triggers, imagine the worst-case scenario, note how it makes you feel, then write a positive affirmation for how you can respond. Should I talk to my GP if my anxiety feels overwhelming? Yes. If anxiety feels too hard to manage alone, your GP can help and can talk through professional supports and medication options if needed. How do I reduce holiday stress without feeling guilty? Set boundaries and pace yourself. Say no to things that do not serve you, and be kind to yourself. 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