For Louise Highet, good skin treatment should be undetectable but effective. At her clinic, Louise Highet Aesthetics, she prides herself on natural results for her clients.

Describe your approach to cosmetic medicine? Natural is key. My main goal is to ensure my clients look and feel rejuvenated and refreshed, but the treatment should be undetectable. I take a holistic approach to cosmetic medicine, looking at the total face and addressing all elements of the ageing process. I take my time and pride myself on attention to detail. Skin health is also incredibly important to me when working with clients to achieve skin confidence.

Why are the treatments important? Feeling good about yourself is incredibly important. Feeling confident and the best version of you is something everyone deserves to prioritise. Cosmetic treatments can work to enhance what you have already been gifted, or soften the signs of ageing and wind back the clock if treatments are done well.

Your focus is on natural, harmonious results – how do you achieve that? I believe harmonious results take a multi-modal approach. Botox, fillers, medical-grade skincare and skin rejuvenation treatments work synergistically on all facets of the skin, and combining these anti-ageing modalities is the way to natural results. I also think taking a conservative approach is key, and working with clients over time to build on their results. It should be a journey, not just a quick stop-off.

You offer an initial consultation – that must be helpful for those unsure what they might be getting themselves into? I encourage all new clients to attend an initial consultation. This is a great way to build a trusting relationship, discuss the client’s concerns and goals and to establish a plan of care. I like to ensure my clients are fully informed. An initial consultation is always a safe place to discuss anti-ageing options specific to you, as we are all unique!

What advice do you have for someone who’s never been to a cosmetic medicine practitioner? Do your research – word of mouth or referrals are always a safe option. Don’t feel ashamed to schedule initial consultations with a few practitioners until you find someone you feel comfortable with. Ensure the practitioner is either a qualified registered nurse or doctor who is using approved products, has ample experience in the industry and has safety policies and procedures in place. Always ask questions and ensure you feel you have been fully informed of all possible risks of treatment. Most importantly, find someone that listens to you and with whom you have similar aesthetic goals.

What’s the most common misconception you encounter about cosmetic medicine? The most common misconception is that cosmetic treatments make you look fake or overdone. What we are presented with in the media unfortunately provides a very extreme or exaggerated view of what cosmetic treatments really are, which is such a shame. This understandably gives people fear that they will look frozen or full or just not like themselves. This is sadly a large barrier for a lot of people who could experience such positive outcomes from these non-invasive treatments.

What’s your most popular service? My most popular service would be injectables – anti-wrinkle injections to the forehead and frown lines, the wrinkles around the eyes and also in the lower face to soften neck lines, relax muscles around the mouth and tighten the jaw. Dermal fillers are hyaluronan (semi-permanent sugar gels found naturally in the skin) that are used to lift the jowls, pick up the downturned mouth corners, soften tired eyes and lift cheeks, all to re-establish a fresher, well-rested look.

Are you noticing a growing interest in cosmetic medicine among men? There has absolutely been an increase in the demand for cosmetic treatments for men. As we start to take a more preventative and positive approach to ageing, men are seeking treatments to maintain their appearance and to enhance masculinity.

What do you think will be the direction or trend in treatments for 2020? I am hoping that the direction of cosmetic medicine will continue to grow towards positive ageing and preventative treatments, and that women will prioritise feeling the best version of themselves. In today’s busy society of work and family, self-care or doing things for yourself can be viewed by some as superficial or they can fall to the bottom of the priority list. I hope that more women will start to prioritise skin health and enhancing their natural beauty, because the joy these women feel when they look in the mirror and still look themselves, just less tired, less sad, or less angry, is priceless. More women should experience this empowerment.

What’s your specialty or favourite treatment? Injectables – as it is such a blend of art and science. Every face is different, requiring different treatment techniques to build each unique result. The positive impact these subtle treatments have on my clients is why I love what I do.

How and when did you get into the beauty business?  I completed my Bachelor of Nursing in 2009, finishing my post-graduate studies at Burwood Hospital. Following this I worked in primary healthcare. I always had an interest in skin but never set out to follow this path in the early days of my nursing career. I started my career in dermatology and cosmetic medicine in 2012 and have worked between Christchurch and Auckland as a cosmetic nurse. I opened my own cosmetic clinic in early 2018 with a goal to offer my clients a boutique, personalised and honest experience, where we work in partnership to achieve mutual skin goals.

What training have you done to get to this point? I have completed extensive training in injectables, skin rejuvenation and medical-grade skincare, light-based devices, laser and facial assessment. I attend annual national and international conferences and am a member of the Cosmetic Appearance Nurses Network. It is important to keep up to date with education and training as the industry is growing and changing at pace.

Do you have one tip for great skin? Invest in a medical-grade skincare routine through a practitioner with your best interests at heart. SPF is non-negotiable! Prevention is key, and healthy skin is beautiful skin.

What’s your favourite simple self-love treatment? Taking a walk by the ocean.

louisehighet.co.nz