In recent months, there has been growing media attention — including coverage in the NZ Herald — warning consumers about the hidden risks of cheap botulinum toxin treatments.
While the increasing availability of cosmetic treatments has made them more accessible, it has also created a concerning trend: price-led cosmetic medicine, where cost is prioritised over training, safety and clinical standards.
At Skinfresh, we believe it’s important that patients understand what they’re choosing — and why expertise matters.
Botulinum toxin is not a beauty product.
It is a prescription medicine that requires:
Advanced knowledge of facial anatomy
Understanding of muscle function and balance
Accurate dosing and placement
Clinical judgement
The ability to recognise and manage complications
At Skinfresh, every patient is seen and treated by a medical professional — either Dr Frances Pitsilis herself or one of our highly trained medical nurses.
We do not delegate injectable treatments to beauty therapists or non-medical staff. This medical oversight is essential for both safety and natural-looking results.
Low-cost clinics are often able to advertise very cheap prices because they cut corners behind the scenes — not always in ways patients can see.
Potential risks include:
Drooping eyelids or brows
Asymmetry or uneven results
A frozen, unnatural appearance
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Spread of toxin into unintended muscles
Over-treating that can actually make the face look older
Poor hygiene practices increasing infection risk
In some cases, products may be:
Over-diluted
Improperly stored
Of uncertain quality
Administered without adequate sterility
Unfortunately, many patients only discover these issues after something has gone wrong.
Reputable medical clinics invest heavily in:
Ongoing medical training
Evidence-based protocols
High-quality, prescription-grade products
Strict hygiene and sterility standards
At Skinfresh, injectable treatments are delivered exclusively by registered medical professionals, with doctor oversight at every step. Together the doctor and nurses' experience at Skinfresh adds up to 49 years!
Accurate assessment before treatment
Conservative, anatomy-led technique
Early identification of risks
Proper management should a complication arise
It’s also important to say this clearly: safe, doctor-led cosmetic treatment does not have to be overpriced.
At Skinfresh, our pricing is highly competitive, while ensuring:
- All injectables are administered by medical professionals
- Treatments are overseen by a doctor
- Clinical standards are never compromised
Expert care should be accessible — but never at the cost of safety.
- Expertise
- Precision
- Integrity
- Medical-grade care
At Skinfresh, we are specialists in using medical knowledge and cosmetic mastery to help women stay strong, visible and confident — safely, naturally and responsibly.
If you ever have questions about injectables, risks or options, our team is always happy to talk.
Trust the experience. Trust the science. Trust Skinfresh
Schedule your consultation today!