At Central CosMedic, our doctor-led skin rejuvenation clinic in Havelock North helps patients from Hastings, Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay improve the health and quality of their skin. Treatment options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid and microneedling to refresh tired, dull or ageing skin.
These treatments work with your skin’s own repair processes, so results look natural and build gradually. This page explains the different options, what they can help with and what to expect.
Skin rejuvenation describes treatments that improve the texture, tone, hydration and firmness of the skin. Over time, sun exposure, ageing and lifestyle can leave skin thinner, drier and less even, with fine lines and enlarged pores.
At Central CosMedic, facial rejuvenation treatments use PRP, which is prepared from your own blood, and uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid, a light and hydrating form of a substance your skin already makes. These are delivered into the skin with microneedling, fine injections or both.
A small sample of your blood is taken and spun to separate the platelet-rich plasma, which is then applied during microneedling or placed with fine injections. PRP contains growth factors that support the skin’s natural repair.
Combines PRP with hyaluronic acid for added hydration, alongside the longer-term collagen benefits of microneedling.
For patients who prefer not to use PRP, uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid is applied during microneedling to hydrate the skin and support collagen production.
This image shows the appearance before and immediately after Skin & Facial Rejuvenation treatment. Individual results and recovery vary.
Every skin rejuvenation treatment starts with a consultation, so the right option can be matched to your skin.
Dr Waxman talks with you about your skin concerns, your skincare routine, your medical history and any previous treatments.
She examines your skin and explains which option, or combination, is most likely to help. This may include microneedling, a skin booster or skincare.
You will hear the potential benefits, risks and side effects in plain terms, along with the costs, before you decide anything.
If you go ahead, you agree a plan together, including the number of sessions, the time between them and your aftercare.
If PRP is included, a small blood sample is taken at the start of your appointment and prepared while your skin is numbed. Treatment takes around an hour in total. Numbing cream is used to keep you comfortable.
Your skin may look red, similar to mild sunburn, and this usually fades within a day. Some people have mild swelling or dryness for a few days. You can usually wear makeup from the next day. Results often start to show within a week and continue to improve as new collagen forms. A course of three to six treatments around four weeks apart is usually recommended, followed by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months.
Common side effects include redness, mild swelling, dryness, flaking and tenderness. Where blood is taken or injections are used, there may also be some bruising. These usually settle within a few days. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a good moisturiser is important afterwards.
Less commonly, treatment can cause infection, a flare of cold sores or changes in skin colour. Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction to it is very low, but it is not suitable for people with certain blood disorders or who take some blood-thinning medicines. Dr Waxman will review your health history and talk through the risks so you can make an informed decision.
