Your Auckland Cosmetic Treatment Consultation: How to Choose Between Anti-Wrinkle, Dermal Filler, BBL and Moxi
Choosing a cosmetic treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to start. There are a lot of options, and a lot of information online that does not always make things clearer.
This guide is here to help. It walks through the treatments we offer at Skin Poet, what each one does, who it tends to suit, and what to expect when you come in for a consultation.
The most important thing to know is this: we never start with a treatment. We start with you.
Written and reviewed by Amber Sagar, Registered Nurse and owner of Skin Poet, Browns Bay, Auckland. Meet the team here >https://www.skinpoet.co.nz/about-meet-the-team-north-shore-auckland
Start With Your goal, Not the Treatment
Most people arrive with a treatment in mind. That is completely fine. But the most useful consultations begin with a question: what would you like to change, or improve, or feel more confident about?
From there, we work out which treatment, or combination of treatments, is the right fit for you. No two faces are the same, and what works well for someone else may not be the best option for your skin, your anatomy, or your lifestyle.
What are you hoping to address?
Expression lines and fine lines Anti-wrinkle injections, Moxi
Volume loss or facial contour Dermal fillers, Profhilo, Sunekos
Sun damage, pigmentation, redness BBL Hero, Moxi
Skin texture, pores, dullness Moxi, SkinPen, HydraFacial
Overall skin health and prevention Skin membership, combination planning
Preparing for a specific event Timing-led treatment planning
If your concerns overlap a few of these areas, that is very common. A consultation helps us understand the full picture and put together a plan that makes sense for you.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections relax specific facial muscles to soften the appearance of expression lines. At Skin Poet we use XEOMIN, a purified botulinum toxin type A, at $17 per unit.
What they can help with
Forehead lines
Frown lines between the brows
Crow's feet around the eyes
Bunny lines, lip lines, and chin dimpling
Brow shaping and subtle lift
Jaw slimming (masseter treatment)
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
What to expect at your consultation
We will look at how your face moves, the strength of the muscles involved, and what result you are hoping for. We talk through realistic outcomes, any risks, and aftercare before anything is agreed upon.
Recovery
Most clients go straight back to their day. Some minor redness or small bumps at injection sites are normal and settle within a few hours. Bruising is possible. Results usually appear within 3 to 14 days and last around 3 to 4 months, though this varies from person to person.
Is this the right treatment for you?
Anti-wrinkle injections work best for lines caused by muscle movement. If you are noticing volume loss, deeper lines at rest, or changes in skin quality, we may suggest fillers, biostimulators, or a skin treatment alongside or instead.
A good question to ask us: How many units would you recommend for my goals, and what result can I realistically expect?
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore or add volume to specific areas of the face. Most are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the skin. At Skin Poet, fillers start from $495 for 0.6ml. Click here if you want to find out the difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle > https://www.skinpoet.co.nz/blog/dermal-filler-vs-anti-wrinkle-injections
What they can help with
Cheek volume and contour
Lines from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
Lip volume and definition
Jawline and chin balance
Under-eye hollowing (tear trough)
Hand rejuvenation
What to expect at your consultation
We assess your facial symmetry, bone structure, skin laxity, and existing volume. The aim is always to enhance what is naturally there, not to change how you look. We will talk through which product, how much, and where, along with any risks and what to expect.
Recovery
Swelling and bruising are common in the first day or two, and can be more noticeable in areas like the lips. Most clients see their full result within one to two weeks. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed.
Is this the right treatment for you?
If expression lines are your main concern rather than volume loss, anti-wrinkle injections may be more appropriate. For skin hydration and collagen support, biostimulators like Profhilo or Sunekos are worth discussing.
A good question to ask us: What volume and product would you recommend, and how long should I expect results to last?
BBL Hero
BBL Hero (BroadBand Light) is a light-based treatment that targets pigmentation, redness, and the visible signs of sun damage. We use the Sciton BBL Hero at Skin Poet, which is one of the most advanced platforms available for this type of treatment. Read our blog on which one to choose here > https://www.skinpoet.co.nz/blog/bbl-vs-moxi
What it can help with
Sun spots and age spots
Redness and rosacea
Broken capillaries
Uneven skin tone
Early signs of sun damage and photoageing
Overall skin clarity and brightness
What to expect at your consultation
We look at your skin type, tone, and the nature of your pigmentation or redness. Not all pigmentation responds to BBL in the same way, so a thorough skin assessment matters. We will also ask about your sun exposure history, any medications, and your skin sensitivity.
BBL is not suitable for all skin tones. Your consultation is the right place to find out whether it is appropriate for you.
Recovery
BBL has minimal downtime for most clients. Pigmented spots may darken and flake away over 7 to 14 days, which is a normal and expected part of how the treatment works. Some redness and warmth immediately after is common and usually settles within a day.
Is this the right treatment for you?
If texture and skin renewal are your main concern rather than pigmentation or redness, Moxi may be a better fit. BBL and Moxi are also frequently used together, which we cover below.
A good question to ask us: Is my skin type suitable for BBL, and how many sessions would you recommend?
Moxi
Moxi is a gentle fractional laser that improves skin texture, tone, and radiance. It works by creating microscopic zones of renewal in the skin, stimulating the body's natural healing response. It suits a wider range of skin types than stronger laser options. You can go directly to our website to see more indepth information here > https://www.skinpoet.co.nz/moxi-laser-treatment-north-shore-auckland
What it can help with
Uneven skin texture and rough skin
Dullness and lack of glow
Early fine lines
Mild pigmentation
Enlarged pores
General skin quality
What to expect at your consultation
We assess your skin type and condition, and talk through what you are hoping to achieve. Moxi is often recommended as a maintenance treatment or as part of a combined approach with BBL. The number of sessions we suggest will depend on where your skin is starting from.
Recovery
Moxi is a gentler option with less downtime than more intensive laser treatments. Most clients experience redness and warmth for 24 to 48 hours. A slightly rough or sandpaper-like texture on the skin in the days after is normal and part of the renewal process. Sun protection is essential.
BBL and Moxi together
These two treatments complement each other well. BBL targets pigmentation and redness. Moxi works on texture and overall skin quality. Combined in one session, they offer a more comprehensive result with a single recovery period. We often recommend this pairing for clients wanting to address multiple concerns at once.
Is this the right treatment for you?
If significant pigmentation or vascular redness is your main concern, BBL alone may be more targeted. If volume loss or expression lines are the priority, injectable treatments would be more relevant.
A good question to ask us: Would Moxi alone, or a combined BBL and Moxi treatment, be the better option for my skin?
Combining Treatments
Many of our clients benefit from more than one treatment. This is not about doing more for the sake of it. It is about addressing different concerns in a way that works together, rather than in isolation.
Common combinations we recommend
Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers: These two treatments work on different things. Injections soften dynamic expression lines. Fillers restore volume and contour. Together, they can create a more balanced, refreshed result than either one alone.
BBL and Moxi: A popular pairing that addresses both pigmentation and skin texture in a single session, with one recovery period.
Injectables and skin treatments: Addressing both skin quality and facial structure in the same plan is increasingly common, and often gives the most natural-looking overall result.
Why the order of treatments matters
Some treatments work better before others. Laser treatments, for example, are generally done before injectable treatments in the same area, because heat and swelling can affect filler placement. We will guide you on the right sequence for your plan.
The goal is never to do everything at once. We prioritise what matters most to you, build from there, and make sure nothing is over-treated.
A good question to ask us: If I want to address more than one concern, where should we start, and in what order?
12 Questions Worth Asking at Your consultation
A consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. These are the questions we think every client should feel comfortable asking, wherever they choose to go.
About your practitioner:
What are your qualifications, and are you registered with a relevant professional body in New Zealand?
How long have you been performing this treatment?
Can I see examples of your work?
About the treatment:
Is this treatment appropriate for my skin type, concerns, and medical history?
What results can I realistically expect, and how long will they last?
Are there other treatments that might suit my goals better?
What are the possible side effects and risks?
About recovery and aftercare:
What is the expected downtime, and what should I avoid afterwards?
How should I prepare in the days before my appointment?
What aftercare and sun protection will I need?
About costs and planning:
What is the full cost, including any follow-up appointments?
If I am planning around an event, how far in advance should I book?
At Skin Poet, we welcome every one of these questions. If you ever feel rushed or pressured to decide on the day, that is worth paying attention to.
Choosing a clinic in Auckland
Cosmetic treatments in New Zealand are not uniformly regulated. The experience, qualifications, and clinical standards of practitioners vary, so it is worth knowing what to look for.
What matters when choosing a provider
A registered health professional: Injectable treatments should be performed by or under the supervision of a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or doctor with cosmetic medicine training.
Transparent pricing: Reputable clinics are clear about costs upfront. If pricing only comes up once you are already in the room, that is a red flag.
A consultation before treatment: Any clinic that is willing to treat you without an assessment first is not putting your safety first.
Their own work to show: Ask to see before and after examples that reflect the kind of result you are hoping for.
No pressure to commit: A good consultation ends with you feeling informed and in control, not obligated.
Timing your treatment around an event
If you are planning ahead for a wedding, birthday, or another occasion, build in more time than you think you need.
Anti-wrinkle injections: Allow at least 2 to 3 weeks for results to appear and any bruising to settle.
Dermal fillers: Allow at least 2 to 4 weeks for swelling to fully resolve, particularly around the lips.
BBL or Moxi: Allow 2 to 4 weeks minimum, as the skin goes through a visible renewal process before the final result appears.
For anything more involved, we recommend booking a consultation several months in advance so we can plan a treatment sequence without rushing.
Skin Poet is based in Browns Bay on Auckland's North Shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a cosmetic treatment consultation?
We talk through your concerns and what you are hoping to achieve, assess your skin and facial anatomy, review your medical history, and recommend treatments that may be appropriate for you. Costs, risks, expected outcomes, and aftercare are all discussed before anything is agreed upon.
Do I need a consultation before treatment?
Yes. At Skin Poet, all new clients have a consultation before any treatment. The right treatment for your face can only be determined after a proper assessment. We would not have it any other way.
Can I have anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler in the same appointment?
In many cases, yes. These two treatments address different concerns and can often be done in the same session. We will let you know at your consultation whether that makes sense for your goals and the areas involved.
What is the difference between BBL and Moxi?
BBL (BroadBand Light) is a light-based treatment that primarily targets pigmentation, sun damage, and redness. Moxi is a fractional laser focused on skin texture, tone, and overall renewal. They are often used together in a single session to address both.
How far in advance should I book before an event?
For most treatments, at least 4 to 6 weeks gives enough time for results to settle and any side effects to resolve. For a more involved plan with multiple sessions, 3 to 6 months ahead is a sensible starting point.
What should I tell my practitioner at a consultation?
Share any medications you are taking (including supplements and blood thinners), any known allergies, previous cosmetic treatments, relevant skin conditions or medical history, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This helps us make safe and appropriate recommendations.
Is the consultation at Skin Poet free?
We currently charge $50 non-refundable booking fee. This cost is then yours to use on treatment or for product. We recommend getting in touch with us directly to confirm current consultation arrangements before booking.
Every face is different. Every consultation at Skin Poet starts there.
If you are thinking about anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, BBL, Moxi, or just want to understand your options, we would love to talk it through with you.
Book a consultation at Skin Poet in Browns Bay, Auckland.
Written and reviewed by Amber Sagar, Registered Nurse and owner of Skin Poet. This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability and results vary. Please consult a qualified health professional before proceeding with any cosmetic treatment.