Injectable Treatments
I am originally from Texas, but have called New Zealand home for over 8 years. I received my Bachelors in Nursing in the United States over 20 years ago. I continued my nursing education with a Masters in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree nearly 15 years ago.
Over the last two decades, nursing has provided invaluable experience in areas such as A&E, dermatology, remote nursing in Australia, hospice and palliative care, skin cancer and aesthetics.
I initially received my aesthetic injectables training almost 15 years ago, with ongoing training ever since. I find joy in boosting confidence and forming a trusting patient-provider relationship. My practice is patient-centered and safety first is paramount.
My goal with aesthetics is to provide a refreshed and well-rested appearance so others notice a difference, but may not be able to pinpoint what the actual change is.
I am also a certified dermoscopist for skin cancer screenings and spot checks, experienced in lesion treatment/removal and advanced laser treatments.
Outside of nursing, I enjoy cooking, running a small food business, travel and volunteering within our community.
Looking forward to treating you in clinic.
Our Nurse Dermoscopist
Kari Highstead
What services does Kari offer?
Kari uses XEOMIN® for anti-wrinkle and medical aesthetic treatments.
XEOMIN® Unit price $16
Currently treating Forehead, Frown lines, Crows feet, Hyperhidrosis and other areas may be treated and will be discussed during consultation.
Sunekos Skin Boosters, EPTQ Dermal Fillers, Advanced Anti-Wrinkle treatments and Dermoscopy Skin & Mole Checks also available.
More information about our services
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Pure. Precise. Perfectly natural.
If you've been thinking about anti-wrinkle injections but want results that look like you, just more rested, more refreshed Xeomin could be exactly what you're looking for.
At Golden Hour, Xeomin treatments are performed by Kari, our experienced nurse injector, who believes that the best injectable result is one nobody can quite put their finger on.
What is Xeomin?
Xeomin is an injectable neurotoxin treatment that uses botulinum toxin type A the same active ingredient as Botox to smooth dynamic wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance.
What sets it apart? Xeomin is frequently referred to as "naked Botox" because it contains no extra accessory proteins attached to the botulinum toxin, whereas Botox does. This means you're getting the purest form of the active ingredient available nothing extra, nothing unnecessary.
This purified formula reduces the risk of developing intolerance over time, making it an excellent long-term option for those who want to maintain their results without the worry of building a resistance.
What to expect
Most Xeomin treatments take only 10–20 minutes, making it an easy lunchtime appointment with no downtime you can head straight back to work or your regular activities.
Xeomin can show visible improvements in as little as 5 days, with full results settling in over 2–4 weeks. Results can last up to 5 months slightly longer than some other neurotoxins meaning fewer touch-ups to maintain your look.
Why choose Kari?
Kari is a qualified nurse injector with a precise, considered approach to facial aesthetics. She takes the time to understand your face, your concerns, and most importantly the result you actually want. Whether you're completely new to injectables or looking for a practitioner you can trust long-term, Kari offers a consultation-first approach so you always feel informed and comfortable before anything goes ahead.
Her philosophy? Less is more, and natural is everything.
Is Xeomin right for me?
Xeomin is suitable for most healthy adults looking to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles those caused by repeated facial expressions like smiling, squinting or frowning. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
A consultation with Kari will help determine whether Xeomin is the right treatment for your goals, or whether a combination approach might serve you better.
Ready to look like yourself , just fresher?
BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH KARI →
XEOMIN® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. XEOMIN® has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if XEOMIN® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of XEOMIN® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/ eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions.
XEOMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. Medical information: Ph: 0800 822 310. Copyright© 2023. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL) 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. All rights reserved. XEOMIN® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GMbH & Co. KGaA. NZ_XEO_WEBSITE_V2:APR23. Date of preparation: April 2023. TAPS MR9264.
For information about how Merz handle personal data, please see Merz General Data Protection Information Notice at www.merz.com/fin
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Sculpted. Lifted. Refreshed.
The best filler result is one that makes people wonder what you've changed not what you've had done. At Golden Hour, that's exactly the standard we hold ourselves to.
Kari, our skilled nurse injector, uses EPTQ dermal filler a premium Korean hyaluronic acid filler chosen for its exceptional purity, natural feel and low side effect profile. Because the product matters just as much as the person holding the syringe.
What is EPTQ?
EPTQ is a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler created by South Korean medical aesthetics brand Jetema, known for its high-quality and long-lasting results. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body already produces naturally EPTQ simply replenishes and enhances what time has gradually depleted.
One of the standout features of EPTQ is its ability to reduce swelling and minimise side effects, thanks to its exceptionally pure formulation and pH-balanced composition designed for maximum compatibility with the body.
The advanced HIVE structure technology used in EPTQ creates a flexible, stable gel that optimises the filler's viscoelastic properties meaning it moves naturally with your face, feels soft to the touch, and integrates seamlessly with your tissue rather than sitting rigidly beneath the skin.
What can EPTQ treat?
EPTQ comes in three formulations, each designed for a different purpose allowing Kari to precisely match the product to your specific concern and anatomy:
EPTQ S100 - fine and featherlight For delicate areas requiring a soft touch: fine lines around the eyes and mouth, crow's feet, tear troughs and subtle lip hydration.
EPTQ S300 - the versatile all-rounder For lip contouring and volume, cheek enhancement, chin definition, nose reshaping and moderate facial lines.
EPTQ S500- structure and volume For deeper volume restoration, significant facial contouring, jawline definition and areas with more pronounced volume loss.
What to expect
Your appointment with Kari begins with a thorough consultation — assessing your facial anatomy, discussing your goals and mapping out a treatment plan that works with your natural features, not against them.
The treatment itself is comfortable, with EPTQ containing lidocaine to minimise any discomfort during the procedure. Practitioners consistently note less swelling and bruising with EPTQ compared to other fillers, with longer-lasting results — making your recovery easier and your results more enduring.
Results are visible immediately and continue to settle beautifully over the following two weeks, typically lasting 9–18 months depending on the area treated and your individual metabolism.
Why EPTQ? Why Kari?
There are a lot of fillers on the market. Kari chose EPTQ because she believes the product you put in someone's face matters and EPTQ's commitment to purity, safety and natural results aligns with how she practices.
With a consultation-first approach and a trained eye for facial proportion and harmony, Kari's work is defined by restraint, precision and results that respect who you already are.
Natural-looking results start with the right hands and the right product.
e.p.t.q.® is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of facial volume loss and wrinkles. It contains cross-linked hyaluronic acid. e.p.t.q.® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if this treatment is right for you. If you experience side effects, seek medical advice. You will need to pay for this medicine. For more information, read the Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz
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That mole you keep meaning to get checked? Now's the time.
We all have that one spot we've been quietly keeping an eye on. Maybe it's changed colour. Maybe it's a new one you're not sure about. Maybe you just want peace of mind.
At Golden Hour, our Nurse Dermoscopist Kari offers a dedicated spot check service for 1–2 concerning moles or lesions so you don't have to wait months for a GP or dermatologist appointment or wonder if you're overreacting. Because when it comes to your skin, getting it checked is never overreacting.
What is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows clinicians to examine structures beneath the surface of the skin using a handheld device with magnification and a bright light. It is painless, quick and does not involve radiation.
Think of it like a high-powered lens for your skin. Where the naked eye can only see the surface of a mole or spot, dermoscopy helps reveal patterns and details that support a more informed assessment of a lesion and can help guide decisions about whether further evaluation is needed.
The main purpose of this technique is to detect melanomas and other serious skin conditions as early as possible. Early detection is everything when it comes to skin cancer outcomes.
What does the appointment involve?
Your spot check with Kari is straightforward and comfortable. During your appointment, Kari will:
Listen to your concerns about the mole or spot in question
Use a clinical dermatoscope to examine the lesion in detail beneath the skin's surface
Assess the colour, shape, border and structure of the lesion
Discuss her findings with you
Refer you to our partnered dermatologist or back to your GP if further investigation is recommended
This service is designed to assess 1–2 specific spots of concern — not a full body mole map. It's fast, focused and gives you a clear next step.
Who should book a spot check?
This service is for you if you have a mole or spot that:
Has recently changed in size, shape or colour
Is new and looks different from your other moles
Is itchy, bleeding or crusting without explanation
Just doesn't look or feel right to you
You know your skin. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Why see a Nurse Dermoscopist?
Kari is a trained nurse with specialist dermoscopy qualifications meaning she brings both clinical expertise and a warm, reassuring approach to what can feel like a nerve-wracking appointment. She has access to a proper referral pathway, meaning if anything requires further investigation, she can refer you directly to a dermatologist and back to your GP with her findings, no starting from scratch.
Important to know
Dermoscopy is a highly valuable clinical assessment tool, but it does not replace a biopsy or formal diagnosis. If Kari has any concerns following your assessment, she will always refer you through the appropriate clinical pathway promptly.
Book your spot check today. Peace of mind is worth it.
BOOK WITH KARI →
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Your skin, regenerated from within.
Not a filler. Not a toxin. Sunekos is something altogether different, a next-generation injectable skin booster that works with your skin's own biology to restore what time has quietly taken away.
What is Sunekos?
Sunekos is a collagen-boosting injectable treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and amino acids to promote the bio-regeneration of the skin's extracellular matrix stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, the skin's natural scaffolding for plump, firm, youthful skin.
Unlike traditional dermal fillers that focus on adding volume, Sunekos works by restoring the skin's natural function and improving skin quality from deep within. The result is subtle, natural-looking radiance not a "done" look.
What can Sunekos treat?
Sunekos is ideal for anyone experiencing:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Dull, dehydrated or tired-looking skin
Skin laxity or crepiness
Dark under-eye circles and hollowing
Loss of firmness in the face, neck or décolletage
Ageing hands
It is suitable for younger skin looking to slow down the ageing process, and for more mature skin seeking to visibly reduce the signs of ageing.
Which areas can be treated?
Face (eyes, forehead, nasolabial folds, around the mouth)
Neck and décolletage
Hands
What to expect
A course of 3 sessions spaced 14 days apart is typically recommended for optimal results, with many clients noticing improvements after their very first appointment. Results can last up to 6 months before a repeat course is recommended.
Treatments are performed by our experienced nurse injectors and doctor at Golden Hour, Palmerston North, ensuring the highest standard of care and safety.
Why Golden Hour?
At Golden Hour, Sunekos is administered by our qualified medical team in a clinic environment, never a beauty salon. We take a personalised approach to every treatment, assessing your skin and tailoring the protocol to your specific concerns and goals.
BOOK A CONSULTATION →
Sunekos 1200 is an implantable medical device that modifies the structure of mature
skin, restoring volume, filling wrinkles and folds in the skin and in scar sites. It is
suitable for creating a temporary increase in the volume of skin tissue. Sunekos 1200
is a medical device that is sterile, injectable, non-pyrogenic, biocompatible, re-
absorbable, made with hyaluronic acid and amino acids.
Sunekos Performa is a medical device recommended for the treatment of blemishes
and depressions in the skin caused by wrinkles and scars. Sunekos Performa is a
sterile resorbable injectable solution which acts as a filler, supporting the restoration
of physiological elasticity and temporarily replacing volume by expanding the soft
tissues.
Sunekos should not be used on patients: with known hypersensitivity to any of its
components; presenting with a general infection, inflammatory or infectious
cutaneous problems; with history of severe multiple allergies or anaphylactic shock;
prone to hypertrophic scars/keloids or streptococcal diseases; in patients presenting
with porphyria; under 18 years of age; in pregnancy or lactation; others. See full
Instructions for use before prescribing for full safety information, available from
Copyright© 2024. Xytide Biotech Pty Ltd. Always read the label and follow the
instructions. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional.
New Zealand Sponsor: AA-Med Pty Ltd
Distributed by: Xytide Biotech NZ Pty Ltd (NZBN 9429049668612) C/O Alliott Ltd, Level
2, 142 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 NZ. For more information please phone
+61 1800 570 036