Risks of cosmetic treatments

Non-surgical does not mean risk-free. Injectables, laser, peels and skin treatments all carry potential complications, and the risks differ by treatment and by the person having it.

This page covers non-surgical treatments. For surgery, see risks and complications of cosmetic surgery.

General risks

Allergic reactions - from injectables to peels to topical products. These range from redness, swelling and itching to, rarely, a serious systemic reaction.
Infection - any time skin is broken there is a risk, increased if the procedure is not performed in a sterile environment or aftercare is not followed.
Scarring - less likely than with surgery, but laser, peels and needling can all scar if performed at inappropriate settings or on unsuitable skin.
Changes in pigmentation - darker or lighter patches, which can persist. Notably more likely in darker skin types.
Nerve effects - numbness or altered sensation with some procedures.
Unsatisfactory results - the outcome may not meet your expectations, or may need more sessions than anticipated.
Emotional distress - a change in appearance, or a result that disappoints, can affect mood and can exacerbate existing mental health difficulties.
Anaesthetic risk - where sedation or general anaesthetic is used, its own risks apply.
Long-term effects that are not fully known - some treatments and devices are newer than the evidence about them. Research into possible links between breast implants and certain cancers and autoimmune conditions is ongoing; the same principle of honest uncertainty applies to any recently introduced treatment.

Risks by treatment type

Volume-enhancing treatments (dermal fillers)

Common: redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site.

Less common: infection, allergic reaction, lumps or uneven texture under the skin, asymmetry, product migration.

Rare but serious: vascular occlusion. If filler enters a blood vessel it can block the blood supply, causing tissue death and - where vessels around the eye are involved - blindness. This is the reason injectables belong with an experienced practitioner who recognises the signs and can act immediately. Sudden severe pain, blanching of the skin, or any visual change during or after an injectable treatment is an emergency.

Wrinkle-reduction injectables

Common: bruising and pain at the injection site.

Less common: flu-like symptoms, headache, upset stomach, temporary drooping of an eyelid or brow, asymmetry.

Rare: effects spreading beyond the treated area, causing muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or loss of bladder control. Seek medical attention immediately if these occur.

These are prescription-only medicines, requiring a doctor's consultation and assessment.

Laser and light treatments

Common: redness, swelling and discomfort at the treated area.

Also: burns, blistering, crusting, scarring, and pigmentation changes in both directions - darkening and permanent lightening. Infection, including reactivation of cold sores after facial resurfacing. Eye injury without proper protective eyewear. Melasma can be worsened by over-aggressive settings.

Chemical peels

Common: redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and peeling.

Less common: scarring, infection, changes in skin colour, and chemical burn. Peels can trigger a flare of the herpes simplex virus (cold sores) in people already infected.

Skin needling

Redness, pinpoint bleeding, bruising, dryness and flaking; post-inflammatory pigmentation; infection; and scarring with over-aggressive treatment or in keloid-prone skin.

Vein treatments

Bruising, brown staining along the treated vein that can persist, matting, ulceration at an injection site, allergic reaction to the sclerosant, and - uncommonly but seriously - deep vein thrombosis.

Tell your practitioner

Before any treatment, disclose:

All medical conditions, including autoimmune and bleeding disorders
All medications and supplements - several cause photosensitivity or affect bleeding
Pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy
Previous cosmetic treatments, including anything done elsewhere
Any history of cold sores, keloid scarring or allergic reactions
Recent oral acne medication
Recent sun exposure or fake tan

This is not box-ticking. It changes what is safe for you.

Warning signs after treatment

Contact your practitioner promptly if you have:

Severe or worsening pain
Excessive or increasing swelling
Burning sensations that do not settle
Bruising not starting to fade after a couple of weeks
Spreading redness, heat, pus or fever
Blistering or skin breakdown
Skin turning white, dusky or blue-grey
Any change in vision
Numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking or swallowing

Visual changes, severe pain or blanching after an injectable, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, are emergencies. Call 000.

Otherwise contact us on 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511. Tell us early rather than late.

Reducing your risk

Choose a registered practitioner and verify the registration at ahpra.gov.au
Have a proper consultation, not a same-day upsell
Disclose your full history
Follow pre-treatment instructions, including stopping actives when told
Follow aftercare - medication, cold compresses, elevation, activity limits, sun protection
Do not stack treatments faster than advised

Required statement

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Before and after images

The Medical Board of Australia's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service govern the use of before and after photographs. The visible change in our photographs is the result of the procedure or treatment undertaken. Images are of genuine patients and are not retouched to enhance or alter a result; any editing is limited to protecting patient privacy. Each set represents one person's experience, and results may vary between individuals.

Website disclaimer

The content of this website has been prepared carefully, but Me Clinic disclaims all warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information in it. The information here is general and indicative only and is not a substitute for proper medical advice from a practitioner who has examined you.

Me Clinic makes no warranty that this website will be uninterrupted or error free, and shall not be liable for any losses or damages (including without limitation consequential loss or damage) arising from the use of, or reliance on, information on this website or from use of the internet generally.

Contact

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.