Welcome to The Restore Blog- Dr. Cherie’s musings and education on all things cosmetic medicine.

If your here and already reading, you likely already know who I am. For the rare few who have somehow stumbled their way here, welcome!

I’m Dr. Cherie, a New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine accredited Doctor of Cosmetic Medicine. I’m also a GP, a Mum, a business owner, a lifestyle block dweller and a lover of the power of cosmetic medicine.

The cosmetic industry is a fascinating one, and one quite different to other fields of medicine and other beauty fields. The number of treatments and outcomes we have to offer and the power of these is somewhat incredible. However, it is also an industry that requires a lot of caution to navigate- as it is a relatively poorly regulated industry and there is vast potential for patients to be mislead and have their insecurities taken advantage of.

I am a strong believer that trusted knowledge and education is the most powerful tool you can equip yourself with to ensure you able to 1) choose an ethical, safe injector whose advice you can trust or 2) be a ethical and safe injector who can give trusted advice.

Here I plan to dive into it all, Botox (and its friends Xeomin and Dysport), Dermal fillers, Skin treatments, Skincare- and the industry in general with tips and pointers for patients and providers alike.

The real question is, where to start?

Botox® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round 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.

Dysport® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s fee round the eyes. Dysport has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor is Dysport is right for you. If you have side effects see your doctor. You will need to pay for Dysport, 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 Dysport lasts about 4-6 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. Contains 500 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin. Galderma (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

Xeomin® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50, 100 units of incobotulinum Type A, purified Botulinum toxin type A complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines on the forehead, lateral periorbital lines and horizontal forehead lines in adults. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Xeomin treatment lasts about four months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Cautions: people receiving blood thinning medicines, care at the proposed injection sites, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects: headache, pain, swelling or infection at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Treatment last for up to 4 months. You will need to pay for this medicine. Discuss with your specialist if Xeomin is right for you. For more information or for a copy of CMI please contact the NZ distributor: Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland