Dr. Heather Iverson, ND

11/17/2025

GUMMY SMILE? | This small tweak makes such a big difference. Just a few units of botox helps relax the upper lip to reduce the appearance of excessive gums also known as gummy smile. Add in a little bit of filler for subtle structure and hydration and suddenly, this patient goes from being self conscious about her smile to just....smiling. If you're concerned about a gummy smile, let's talk: .langley .wellness.collective
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/15/2025

PREMENOPAUSAL? BANK YOUR COLLAGEN | Recently I attended a round‑table talk on biostimulators and wanted to share some of my key takeaways:
1️⃣ The years before menopause are prime time to invest in your skin’s future.
2️⃣ Two leading biostimulators—poly‑L‑lactic acid (Sculptra®) and calcium hydroxylapatite—both encourage new collagen, but recent research shows Sculptra® does more. In a randomized gene‑expression study, skin treated with Sculptra® showed greater activation of tissue‑repair and healthy fat‑cell pathways and a shift from early inflammation to regeneration. Clinically, that can translate into smoother skin, healthier volume and longer‑lasting results.
3️⃣ Sculptra®’s microparticles dissolve over months, yet the collagen they prompt can persist for two years or more. Starting treatments while estrogen levels are still high helps you “bank” collagen before the sharp post‑menopausal drop.

Curious to see the data? Comment “BANK” and I’ll send you the links. For more on perimenopause, longevity and lifestyle, connect via .heatheriverson.nd.
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/12/2025

GRADUAL IS GORGEOUS | Beautiful balanced lips aren't built in a day. This patient came back for another half syringe of Revanesse® Kiss, adding just enough to enhance shape and hydration while keeping everything soft and natural. With patience, these are the results we can achieve when we build filler gradually. We can refine symmetry, limit the risk of filler migration, and let your lips settle between sessions. We're calling this her final touch for the year...what a confidence-boosting finish!
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/09/2025

WHAT I LEARN AS I AGE | Wait, am I getting older and WISER? Over the last 12 months, I've been shifting my priorities to better prepare my body for perimenopause. Along with staying consistent with my cosmetic injections, longevity supplements, and advanced skin treatments like microneedling with I am making lifestyle changes to support my changing hormones. Here's what I'm focused on:
• Strength training for muscle and bone health
• Creatine supplementation for cognitive, energy, and muscle support
• Prioritizing sleep for recovery and hormone regulation (and to handle motherhood)
• Whole foods diet for stabilizing blood sugar and gut health
• Laying the foundation for menopausal hormone therapy (follow me on .heatheriverson.nd to learn more)
• Setting boundaries for mental health and stress hormones

I know that making time to take care of yourself can be difficult, but what I'm learning is that it truly does make it easier to show up better for all the people and things in your life. If you want to learn more about how I can support your aging from the inside out, follow me on .heatheriverson.nd and ask about my Naturopathic Medicine patient waitlist.
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/06/2025

IF YOUR INJECTOR SKIPS THIS | A safe, ethical injector will never rush you straight into treatment. Every appointment should start with a proper consultation: a conversation about your goals, medical history, and what’s truly right for you (not what they’re trying to upsell). From there, cleansing and disinfecting before injecting isn’t optional. It helps prevent bacteria from entering the skin and lowers the risk of irritation or infection. Look out to make sure your injector also never skips:• Hyaluronidase on hand (to safely dissolve filler if ever needed)• Removal of any makeup or skincare residue before starting• Sterile tools and gloves• Treatment areas marked after cleansing, not before.•⁠www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/05/2025

HOW LONG DOES LIP FILLER REALLY LAST? | While I wish I could give you a black-and-white number, the truth is, it depends. In general, lip fillers last between 4 and 9 months, but the exact timeline depends on the individual’s natural breakdown processes. Everything from an individual's metabolism to how much they speak (movement of the treatment area) can impact how long results last. There are some recent studies that suggest dermal fillers may last even longer. For this patient, we've only treated her lips with one syringe (1.2 ml) of Revanesse® Kiss over two years, using just a half syringe at a time. In her case, she still had some of her filler from over two years ago, so less is absolutely more, as her filler tends to break down more slowly. If you are curious about what the cadence of your lip filler treatments should be, do not hesitate to book your consult at one of my four locations: .langley .wellness.collective
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

11/01/2025

NO TIME LIKE NOVEMBER | Let's get your appointment in the calendar before the holiday chaos hits. Here's where you'll find me this month: langley Langley, BC
Monday November 3
Monday November 24
Tuesday November 25
wellness.collective Parksville, BC
Wednesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 12
Tuesday, November 18
Wednesday, November 19
Wednesday, November 26
Tuesday, December 2
Wednesday, December 3

Nanaimo, BC
Thursday, November 6
Thursday, November 13
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, November 27
Thursday, December 4

Courtenay, BC
Monday, November 17
Monday, December 15
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

10/30/2025

UNDEREYE FILLER FEARS? | The undereye is one of the most delicate and intricate areas of the face—.subbio explains it beautifully with his illustration (swipe). This region is a challenge for even the most advanced injectors, which is why not everyone offers filler here. That’s exactly why I love it.

But sometimes, I’ll say NO. What looks like an undereye hollow or groove that extends down the cheek may actually be a loss of volume in the midface—meaning cheek filler alone can restore the support and brightness you’re missing. Understanding the underlying anatomy is key to choosing the right treatment, not just the obvious one.

And sometimes, I’ll say YES. When the anatomy, product, and technique align, under-eye filler can create a refreshed, rested appearance that’s truly transformative. I use Redensity 2, the only hyaluronic acid filler designed specifically for under-eye rejuvenation. Its balance of hydration, elasticity, and integration allows me to soften shadows without creating puffiness—something generic fillers can’t promise in this fragile space.

But let’s be clear: undereye filler is not a treatment I take lightly. There are risks, and precise anatomical knowledge is everything. For me, that challenge is what makes this one of my favourite areas to treat—the results are intense, natural and often life-changing for my patients. With the right injector and the right product, the outcome is anything but frightening.
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

10/30/2025

Why are so many doctors still afraid of HRT?

Because of one study “the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative” that changed everything.
Back then, about 1 in 4 women used hormone therapy. After the study? That number dropped to just around 5% today.

But here’s the truth: modern, bioidentical HRT (started at the right time) can support brain, bone, heart, and overall quality of life.

Let’s stay educated, not stay stuck in 2002.

✨ Save this post for your next appointment.
💬 Tag a friend who’s been told she’s “too young for HRT.”

10/30/2025

PREMENOPAUSAL? BANK YOUR COLLAGEN | Premenopausal or in your early 40s? Now is the time to build collagen stores. Biostimulators like poly‑L‑lactic acid (Sculptra®) and calcium hydroxylapatite both stimulate collagen, but Sculptra® goes beyond. A gene‑expression study showed it up‑regulates tissue‑repair and adipocyte‑related genes and produces a regenerative, not harmful, inflammatory response. Clinically, this may translate to a healthier fat pad, better skin glow and longer‑lasting results. Sculptra®’s microparticles gradually dissolve, but the collagen they trigger remains. Starting before menopause means you’re “banking” collagen ahead of the sharp decline that comes with estrogen loss. Want the hard evidence? Comment BANK and I'll send you the links! And for more on perimenopause, longevity and lifestyle migrate here: .heatheriverson.nd
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

10/24/2025

FIRST-TIME LIP LOVE | This first-time patient left so happy with her results. Her soft-enhancement will soften beautifully as everything settles, and we’ll touch base to plan if a follow-up session is needed. With lips, it’s important to remember that what you see right after treatment isn’t the final outcome. Swelling is normal (often a little more the next morning). Results usually settle about 30–40% less once swelling goes down. New to lip filler? I will walk you through what to expect during your appointment so there are no surprises. Looking to learn ahead of the time? I've got dozens of articles on my website to help answer your burning questions
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www.drheatheriverson.com |

10/22/2025

FILLER FEARS | Okay, I've noticed a trend. Five years ago, everyone was getting fillers (perhaps too much filler in some cases) and now we're seeing a hard left. Filler is starting to get a bad rep and people are starting to get scared by filler horror stories. It's time to clear ALL that up. In my most recent article, we talk filler migration, “pillow face,” bruising, pain and in general, the fears you may have surrounding filler. But for now, if you’re cautious about filler, that caution is valid. Not every injector approaches dermal filler the same way and it's so important you have all the information you need to make informed decisions that will lear to the results you deserve. No need to be frightened by dermal filler—save that for spooky season!
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https://drheatheriverson.com/filler-fears-bc/

Worried about dermal fillers? Dr. Heather Iverson, Naturopathic Doctor & injector in Nanaimo, Parksville, Langley & Comox Valley, explains fears, facts & natural results.