Holistic Aesthetics: Why Treating Your Whole Health Matters

You walk into a clinic wanting to address crow's feet. The aesthetic nurse takes a photo, injects Botox, and sends you on your way—no questions about your overall health, no assessment beyond "how deep are the lines?"

At many aesthetic clinics, this is standard. But at 1 Health, we believe this approach misses critical opportunities to truly enhance your health and appearance together.

Holistic aesthetics means treating your appearance in the context of your complete health picture. It's the difference between cosmetic procedures and transformative healthcare.

The Problem With Isolated Aesthetic Treatment

Case Study 1: The Undiagnosed Thyroid

Sarah, 45, books treatment for tired-looking under-eyes and fine lines. She mentions feeling fatigued and slightly depressed, but assumes it's just aging.

• At a typical aesthetic clinic: The injector treats the eyes and sends her home happy (initially).
• At 1 Health: Dr. Teo notices signs during skin assessment that suggest thyroid dysfunction and orders bloodwork. Sarah's diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Once treated, her energy, mood, and skin quality all improve—and her aesthetics results are even better because her underlying health is optimized.

Outcome: Sarah avoids years of thinking her fatigue and poor skin were just "part of aging."

Case Study 2: The Missed Skin Condition

Marcus, 38, wants anti-wrinkle treatment for his forehead. He's never been to a dermatologist.

• At a typical aesthetic clinic: Forehead Botox is injected. He's happy initially, but a few weeks later he develops rosacea flushing that makes the results less noticeable.
• At 1 Health: Dr. Teo's dermatology assessment identifies signs of rosacea during consultation. Before injecting, we recommend prescription topicals and lifestyle modifications. His rosacea is managed, and his Botox results look more natural because his skin barrier is healthier. He also prevents years of untreated rosacea progression.

Outcome: Marcus gets better results AND prevents a skin condition from worsening.

Case Study 3: The Medication Interaction

Jennifer, 52, is on warfarin (blood thinner) after a heart valve replacement. She wants dermal filler for nasolabial folds.

• At a typical aesthetic clinic: Without medication review, filler is injected. She develops severe bruising and hematoma because her bleeding risk wasn't managed.
• At 1 Health: Jordan checks her medications, sees warfarin, consults her cardiologist, checks INR timing, and either reschedules or uses specific techniques to minimize bleeding risk. If any bruising occurs, it's manageable and anticipated.

Outcome: Jennifer gets her fillers safely with minimal complications—and learns her medication list is important for all medical decisions.

What Holistic Aesthetics Looks Like at 1 Health

Before Your Treatment

Comprehensive health review:

• Your complete medical history (not just aesthetic concerns)
• Current medications, supplements, and drug interactions
• Previous adverse reactions or medical events
• Mental health and realistic motivation for treatment
• Overall health status and any conditions affecting skin

Dermatological assessment (by Dr. Teo if indicated):

• Underlying skin conditions (rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, acne, melasma)
• Sun damage and skin cancer risk
• Skin type and sensitivity
• Contraindications or special considerations

Lifestyle factors:

• Sleep, stress, and recovery habits (affect results and healing)
• Skincare routine and sun protection
• Smoking, alcohol, and nutrition (all impact skin aging)
• Exercise and hydration status

Realistic goal-setting:

• What results are actually achievable for your specific face/skin
• Timeline expectations (some results take weeks to develop)
• Maintenance requirements and long-term commitment
• Alternative options and non-treatment approaches

During Your Treatment

Medical context:

• Jordan knows your blood pressure, bleeding risk, and medical conditions
• Dr. Teo or a GP is on-site if any complications arise
• Emergency equipment and medications are immediately available
• Aftercare recommendations are personalized to your health status

Technique optimization:

• Injections are tailored to your individual anatomy, not a standard "template"
• Dosing considers your muscle mass, metabolism, and previous response
• Injection sites avoid high-risk vascular areas (informed by Dr. Teo's anatomical expertise)
• Natural results are prioritized over dramatic transformations

After Your Treatment

Integrated recovery support:

• Personalized aftercare instructions based on your health and medications
• Easy access to GPs if complications develop
• Skin health guidance (sunscreen, hydration, topicals)
• Coordination with dermatology or other specialists if needed

Monitoring and adjustment:

• Follow-up consultation to assess results and any concerns
• Adjustment protocols if results aren't meeting expectations
• Long-term planning aligned with your health and aging goals

Specific Scenarios Where Holistic Care Makes a Difference

Scenario 1: Patient With Autoimmune Condition

Condition: Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Why it matters for aesthetics:

• Increased bruising and prolonged healing
• Photosensitivity may complicate post-treatment sun exposure
• Some autoimmune conditions increase infection risk
• Immunosuppressant medications affect healing

1 Health approach:

• Consult with patient's rheumatologist
• Adjust timing around disease activity and medication schedules
• Use specific aftercare protocols (enhanced sun protection, delayed secondary procedures)
• Monitor closely for complications
• Document everything for continuity of care

Alternative approach: "Sure, come in for Botox" → complications → confusion about causation

Scenario 2: Patient Concerned About Aging But With Depression

Condition: Patient presents wanting aesthetic treatments but mentions depression/low self-worth

Why it matters:

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) makes patients perpetually unsatisfied with results
• Depression may indicate deeper issues that aesthetics alone won't solve
• Over-treating patients with BDD can worsen their condition
• Mental health should be addressed alongside physical appearance

1 Health approach:

• Honest discussion about whether aesthetics are the right intervention
• Gentle recommendation to address mental health first
• Referral to psychologist if appropriate
• Decision to proceed only if patient's goals are realistic and healthy
• Regular check-ins for patient wellbeing

Alternative approach: "Let's do Botox, filler, laser, and microneedling!" → patient remains unsatisfied → more procedures → escalating spiral

Scenario 3: Patient With Diabetes (Type 2)

Condition: Uncontrolled or newly diagnosed diabetes

Why it matters:

• Poor wound healing
• Increased infection risk
• Bruising and swelling may be more pronounced
• Blood sugar affects skin quality
• Medications may interact

1 Health approach:

• Screen for diabetes and glycemic control
• Coordinate with patient's GP/endocrinologist
• Optimize blood sugar if possible before treatment
• Use specific techniques to minimize trauma
• Enhanced aftercare and infection protocols
• Follow-up to ensure proper healing

Alternative approach: "You want fillers? Sure!" → delayed healing → infection risk → patient frustrated

The Aesthetic + Preventive Care Advantage

Beyond managing existing conditions, holistic aesthetics includes preventive care:

Skin Cancer Screening

During your aesthetic consultation, Dr. Teo can identify suspicious lesions and refer for biopsy if needed. Early melanoma detection saves lives—and this might happen during your routine cosmetic visit.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Certain aesthetic concerns (sudden facial aging, edema, asymmetry) can signal cardiovascular issues. These findings may prompt screening that catches problems early.

Hormone Assessment

Skin changes, facial hair, or aging patterns can suggest hormonal imbalances (thyroid, menopause, PCOS). Addressing hormones often improves aesthetic results more than injections alone.

Mental Health Screening

Excessive concern about appearance, body dysmorphia, or disordered eating patterns can be identified early, allowing referral to mental health professionals.

Integrated Skin Health: Beyond Injectables

At 1 Health, we also offer:

Medical-grade skincare:

• Recommendation of evidence-based topical products (retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid)
• Prescription creams for specific conditions (hydroquinone for melasma, tretinoin for sun damage)
• Sunscreen guidance and UV protection education

Complementary treatments:

• Referrals to medical-grade facials, microneedling, or laser therapies
• Coordination with dermatology for conditions requiring more intensive treatment
• Nutritional guidance affecting skin health

Lifestyle coaching:

• Sleep, stress management, and recovery protocols
• Hydration and nutrition for skin health
• Exercise and circulation benefits for aging skin

The Holistic Aesthetics Difference: Results That Last

Patients who address their whole health—not just surface appearance—typically experience:

✓ Better, more natural-looking results (because underlying health is optimized)
✓ Longer-lasting outcomes (healthy skin maintains results better)
✓ Fewer complications (medical history informs safer treatment planning)
✓ Greater satisfaction (expectations are realistic and comprehensive)
✓ Improved overall health (conditions are identified and managed)
✓ Preventive care benefits (early detection of serious conditions)
✓ Confidence in decision-making (full understanding of risks and benefits)

Booking Your Holistic Aesthetic Consultation

When you call 1 Health to book your aesthetic treatment, you're not just booking an injection—you're booking a comprehensive health and skin assessment with medical oversight.

Expect:

• 30-45 minute initial consultation (not rushed)
• Full health history review
• Dermatological assessment (if indicated)
• Honest discussion of realistic goals
• Clear explanation of risks, benefits, and alternatives
• Permission to ask questions and take time to decide

Bring:

• List of current medications and supplements
• Medical history (or let us access your 1 Health records)
• Any photos of areas you're concerned about
• Questions or concerns about your health or appearance

Contact 1 Health Today

Ready to experience holistic aesthetics that treats your whole health?

📞 Phone: 03 662 9309
✉️ Email: reception@1health.nz
🌐 Website: www.1health.nz
📍 Address: 1 Henry Wigram Drive, Wigram, Christchurch 8042

Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
• Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
• Sunday: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All aesthetic treatments carry risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual results vary. Before undergoing any aesthetic treatment, consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner who can assess your individual circumstances. Contact 1 Health to arrange a professional consultation.

Written by the team at 1 Health Medical Centre, Christchurch
Medical Director: Dr. Bernard Teo (MBChB, FRNZCGP, Dip Derm, Dip Skin Cancer Surgery, Dip Occ Med)
Aesthetic Nurse: Jordan Zheng, RN
Last updated: November 2025