Facial Aesthetics Christchurch: A New Era of Medical Confidence at 1 Health
For years, the team at 1 Health Wigram has looked after the medical and dental needs of the Christchurch community. We have treated your families, managed your health, and built trust through clinical excellence.
Now, we are applying that same level of medical precision to a new field.
Starting December 1st, 1 Health is proud to launch our dedicated Facial Aesthetics clinic. We are bringing a doctor-led, safety-first approach to cosmetic medicine in Wigram. This isn't about "freezing" faces or following fleeting Instagram trends. It is about restoration, skin quality, and helping you look like the freshest version of yourself.
In this deep-dive guide, we will explore the philosophy behind our new clinic, explain the science of our launching treatments (Anti-Wrinkle Injectables and Skin Boosters), and discuss why choosing a medical professional for your aesthetics journey matters.
The 1 Health Philosophy: "Medical Confidence, Subtle Beauty"
The world of cosmetic medicine can be confusing. There is often a disconnect between the "beauty spa" environment and the "medical clinic" environment. We are bridging that gap.
Our philosophy is simple: Less is more.
We believe that the best aesthetic work goes unnoticed. When you walk out of our clinic, we don't want people to ask, "What work did you have done?" We want them to ask, "Have you been on holiday? You look rested."
To achieve this, we focus on two core pillars launching this December:
Muscle Relaxation: Softening the dynamic lines that make us look stressed or angry (Anti-Wrinkle Injectables).
Skin Bio-Remodelling: Improving the actual quality, hydration, and texture of the skin canvas (Skin Boosters & Micro-fillers).
By combining these approaches, we treat the cause of aging—not just the symptoms.
Pillar 1: Anti-Wrinkle Injectables (The Foundation)
Launching December 1st
Anti-wrinkle injections are the most widely performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the world, and for good reason. They are clinically proven, have a decades-long safety profile, and deliver predictable results.
How they work
Over time, our facial muscles contract thousands of times a day—when we squint at the sun, frown in concentration, or raise our eyebrows in surprise. Eventually, these repetitive movements etch lines into the skin.
We use a prescription medicine (Botulinum toxin type A) to temporarily interrupt the signal between the nerve and the muscle. This allows the muscle to relax, causing the overlying skin to smooth out.
The "Frozen" Myth
A common fear among new patients in Christchurch is looking "frozen" or expressionless. This only happens when the product is over-used or placed incorrectly.
At 1 Health, our clinicians (GPs and Dentists) have a deep understanding of facial anatomy. We calculate the dose to soften the muscle contraction, not paralyze it completely. You will still be able to smile, frown, and express yourself—the lines will simply be softer and less dominant.
Common Areas We Treat
1. The Glabella (Frown Lines) These are the vertical "11" lines between your eyebrows. They are often the first to appear and can make you look angry or stressed even when you are happy. Relaxing this area opens up the face and creates a calmer appearance.
2. Frontalis (Forehead Lines) These are the horizontal "worry lines" that span across your forehead. Treating this area is a balancing act—we smooth the lines while ensuring we maintain enough brow movement to keep your expression natural.
3. Orbicularis Oculi (Crow’s Feet) These are the fan-shaped lines at the corners of the eyes. While we love a happy smile, deep crow's feet can sometimes make the eyes look tired. A small amount of product here opens the eyes and refreshes the upper face.
4. Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Beyond aesthetics, we also use this medication to treat a medical condition called axillary hyperhidrosis. By blocking the nerve signals to the sweat glands in the underarms, we can reduce excessive sweating by up to 80% for 6–9 months. This is a life-changing treatment for those who struggle with sweat patches and clothing choices.
Pillar 2: Skin Boosters & Micro-fillers (The Revolution)
Launching December 1st
If anti-wrinkle injections work on the muscles beneath the skin, Skin Boosters work on the skin itself.
This is the fastest-growing category in aesthetic medicine. In the past, if you had a wrinkle, the answer was to "fill it" with thick dermal filler. Today, we prefer to regenerate the skin. We inject bioactive compounds that wake up your cells (fibroblasts) and tell them to start producing their own collagen and elastin again.
At 1 Health, we have curated a menu of the world’s most advanced regenerative treatments.
Rejuran® (The Healer)
The Science: Rejuran is not a filler; it is a "Polynucleotide." Derived from wild salmon DNA (which is incredibly similar to human DNA), these fragments work at a cellular level to repair damaged skin. The Benefit: It is anti-inflammatory and reparative. It thickens the skin barrier, making it our top choice for:
- Acne scarring.
- Thin, crepey skin.
- Rosacea or sensitive skin types.
- The delicate under-eye area.
Sunekos® (The Dark Circle Specialist)
The Science: Sunekos uses a patented formula of Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration) combined with a specific cluster of Amino Acids (the building blocks of protein). The Benefit: This specific mix triggers "ECM regeneration" (Extra-Cellular Matrix). In simple terms, it rebuilds the scaffolding of your skin. It is exceptionally effective for treating dark circles and hollows under the eyes without creating the "puffy pillow face" look that traditional fillers can sometimes cause.
Teoxane Redensity I® (The Beauty Booster)
The Science: Think of this as an injectable moisturiser. It combines non-cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid with a cocktail of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The Benefit: It reflects light. If your skin looks dull, dehydrated, or "grey," Redensity I restores that famous "glass skin" glow. It is the perfect pre-event treatment for weddings or special occasions.
SkinPen® Microneedling (Collagen Induction)
The Science: We use the medically-approved SkinPen device to create thousands of microscopic channels in the dermis. We use a medical-grade glide (NCTF® 135 HA) during the process.
The Benefit: This controlled "micro-injury" forces the body to produce fresh, new collagen to heal the area. It smooths rough texture, shrinks large pores, and tightens fine lines over a course of 3 treatments.
Why Choose a Medical Clinic?
In New Zealand, the cosmetic industry is largely unregulated. You can find injectables offered in hair salons, malls, and home clinics.
However, these are medical procedures involving prescription medicines and class III medical devices. At 1 Health, we believe they should be delivered in a medical environment.
1. Anatomical Expertise Our team consists of qualified healthcare professionals. We have spent years studying the complex anatomy of the head and neck—the nerves, the blood vessels, and the muscle structures. We know exactly where to place the product for safety and results.
2. Infection Control We operate with the same strict sterility and hygiene protocols used in our dental and surgical suites. Your safety is our primary concern.
3. Holistic Health View Because we are a medical practice, we look at the whole picture. We check your medical history, your medications, and your contraindications. We treat you, not just your wrinkles.
What to Expect: Your Journey with Us
If you have never had an aesthetic treatment before, it is normal to feel a little nervous. Here is exactly what happens when you book at our Wigram clinic.
Step 1: The Consultation Every journey starts with a chat. You will sit down with your clinician to discuss your concerns. Do you look tired? Angry? Is your skin dry? We will assess your face and give you an honest recommendation. If we don't think a treatment is right for you, we will tell you.
Step 2: The Plan & Pricing We believe in total transparency. We will design a treatment plan and explain the costs upfront—whether it’s a single session or a course of three skin boosters. There are no hidden fees.
Step 3: The Treatment Treatments are generally quick (15–30 minutes). We use extremely fine needles and, for skin treatments, we apply a strong topical numbing cream to ensure you are comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as a tiny pinch or scratch.
Step 4: Aftercare We don't just wave goodbye. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, and because we are a local clinic open 7 days a week, we are always here if you have any questions or concerns post-treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt? We manage pain very effectively. For anti-wrinkle injections, the needle is so fine (like an eyelash) that many people barely feel it. For skin boosters, we use numbing cream. You might feel a little pressure, but it is not painful.
Is there downtime? Anti-Wrinkle: Zero downtime. You can go back to work immediately. You just need to avoid rubbing your face or exercising for 4 hours. Skin Boosters: You will likely have small bumps (papules) on the skin for 12–24 hours, similar to mosquito bites. This is just the product absorbing into the skin. You can cover this with makeup the next day.
How long do results last?
- Anti-Wrinkle: Typically 3–4 months.
- Skin Boosters: After your initial course of 3, results can last 6–12 months with a single maintenance treatment.
Are these treatments reversible? The treatments launching on December 1st (Anti-wrinkle and Skin Boosters) naturally metabolize and fade over time. They are not permanent, which gives you complete control over your appearance.
Ready to Refresh Your Look?
The launch of 1 Health Aesthetics on December 1st marks a new chapter for our clinic and for the Wigram community. We are excited to offer high-quality, doctor-led aesthetic care that prioritizes safety and natural results.
Whether you are looking to smooth out a frown line or completely rejuvenate your skin quality with Rejuran, we are here to guide you.
Appointments are available to book now.
Mandatory Consumer Information
In accordance with the Medicines Act 1981 and NZ Advertising Guidelines:
Botulinum toxin type A (Anti-Wrinkle Injections)
- Prescription Medicine: Consult your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you.
- Benefits: Reduces the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles; treats excessive sweating.
- Risks: Risks can include drooping of the eyelid, redness, bruising, infection, or headache at the injection site.
Class III Medical Devices (Rejuran, Sunekos, SkinPen)
- Indication: For the improvement of skin texture, hydration, and depression (scarring).
- Risks: Possible side effects include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or itching at the injection site. Rare complications can occur.
Note: Individual results may vary. Treatment should be administered by a trained medical professional.
1 Health Medical Centre, 1 Henry Wigram Drive, Christchurch.
Have questions about your health?
Our clinicians at 1 Health are here to help — whether it’s GP care, dental, travel vaccines, or facial aesthetics. Book a consultation anytime.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every person’s health situation is different. For personalised guidance or diagnosis, please consult a qualified clinician.
