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Risks & Potential Complications of Cosmetic Treatments

At our clinic, patient safety, informed consent and ethical practice are central to all treatments.

All cosmetic procedures are medical or health-related interventions and carry risks, complications and limitations.

In line with AHPRA advertising guidelines, we provide transparent information to support informed decision-making. Individual results vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Important Information

· All procedures are elective
· A consultation is required to assess suitability
· Not all patients are suitable candidates
· Risks vary depending on individual factors
· A cooling-off period may apply for certain treatments (e.g. injectables)

1. Injectable Treatments

(Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, biostimulators, skin boosters)

Note: Due to TGA regulations, specific prescription products are not advertised by name.

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Mild discomfort
  • Temporary asymmetry

 

These effects are typically short-lived and resolve within days.

  • Infection
  • Prolonged swelling or bruising
  • Lumps or nodules
  • Delayed inflammatory reactions
  • Allergic reactions

Vascular Occlusion
Unintentional injection into or compression of a blood vessel.
Potential consequences include:

  • Skin blanching or discolouration
  • Severe pain
  • Tissue necrosis (skin damage)
  • Scarring

 

Vision Impairment or Blindness (Extremely Rare)

  • May occur if product enters blood vessels supplying the eye
  • Requires urgent medical intervention

 

Nerve Injury

  • Temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in sensation or movement
  • Eyelid or brow ptosis (drooping)
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness
  • Asymmetry

2. Laser & Light-Based Treatments

(Laser, IPL, pigmentation, vascular treatments, hair removal)

  • Redness (erythema)
  • Swelling
  • Sensitivity
  • Mild discomfort
  • Burns or blistering
  • Hyperpigmentation (darkening)
  • Hypopigmentation (lightening)
  • Infection
  • Reactivation of herpes simplex virus
  • Scarring (rare)
  • Recent sun exposure or tanning
  • Darker skin types (higher pigmentation risk)
  • Use of certain medications or skincare (e.g. retinoids)

3. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tingling
  • Tenderness
  • Nerve irritation (temporary numbness or weakness)
  • Uneven results
  • Discomfort during or after treatment
  • Burns
  • Subcutaneous fat loss (volume reduction)

4. Radiofrequency & Energy-Based Devices

(RF, RF microneedling, LED and similar technologies)

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Warm sensation
  • Burns
  • Infection
  • Pigment changes
  • Scarring (rare)

5. Skin Treatments

(Chemical peels, microneedling, facials, medical-grade skincare)

  • Redness
  • Peeling or flaking
  • Dryness
  • Temporary breakouts
  • Chemical burns
  • Infection
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Scarring (rare)

Infection Risk

All procedures that disrupt the skin barrier carry a risk of infection.

  • Increasing redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Heat
  • Discharge

Allergic & Delayed Reactions

  • Immediate hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
  • Delayed inflammatory responses (may occur weeks to months later)
  • Product-related sensitivities

Factors That May Increase Risk

  • Smoking
  • Certain medications (e.g. anticoagulants)
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • History of poor wound healing or keloid scarring
  • Sun exposure

Practitioner Qualifications & Safety

In Australia, cosmetic procedures should be performed by appropriately qualified and trained health practitioners operating within their scope of practice.

Proper clinical assessment, technique and complication management are essential to minimise risks.

Aftercare Responsibilities

Following aftercare instructions is essential for safety and results.

This may include:

· Avoiding sun exposure
· Avoiding heat (e.g. saunas, exercise) for a period
· Not touching treated areas
· Using recommended skincare

Failure to follow aftercare may increase the risk of complications.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your practitioner or seek immediate care if you experience:

· Severe or worsening pain
· Skin colour changes (white, dusky, purple or black)
· Visual disturbances
· Signs of infection
· Unusual or increasing swelling

Disclaimer

All cosmetic procedures involve risks and potential complications. Individual suitability must be assessed during a consultation with a qualified health practitioner.

Results vary between individuals. No outcome can be guaranteed.

This information is general in nature and does not replace a personalised medical consultation.