Aesthetic treatment Complications: What to Do

Understanding aesthetic treatment complications, how to recognise them and what to do if they occur is an important part of making an informed decision about treatment. At Core Aesthetics, Corey Anderson, AHPRA registered nurse, provides full pre treatment information about expected side effects and potential complications, and is available to all clients following treatment.

Expected Side Effects Versus Complications

Not all post treatment concerns are complications. Bruising, mild swelling, redness and tenderness at injection sites are normal and expected responses to any injectable treatment. They are not complications and they typically resolve within a few days to two weeks depending on the area and the individual.

A complication is something beyond the expected response that requires clinical attention. Understanding the difference helps you respond appropriately rather than either dismissing a genuine concern or becoming unnecessarily anxious about normal side effects.

Recognising a Potential Serious Complication

The most serious potential complication associated with facial volume treatment is a vascular event, where volume treatment affects blood supply to the surrounding tissue. Signs of this include skin that appears pale, white, blue or mottled in or around the treated area, severe or worsening pain that is different in character from normal post treatment tenderness, and changes to vision if the treatment was near the eye area.

If you notice any of these signs after volume treatment, contact your treating practitioner immediately. If you cannot reach them and you have symptoms suggesting a vascular event, attend an emergency department immediately. Time is a critical factor in the management of vascular complications and you should not wait.

What to Do If You Have a Concern

The right first step for any post treatment concern is to contact your treating practitioner directly. At Core Aesthetics, Corey Anderson is contactable for all clients following treatment. Any concern, whether it seems minor or significant, should be raised rather than managed alone.

Do not seek additional treatment from another provider before discussing your concern with your treating practitioner. Adding further product to an area where a complication may be developing can worsen the situation.

Prevention Starts With Choosing Your Practitioner

The risk of serious complications is significantly influenced by the practitioner’s anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and injection technique. Choosing an AHPRA registered practitioner who understands vascular anatomy, uses appropriate products and has a documented complication management plan substantially reduces risk.

Before any treatment, you are entitled to ask your practitioner about their complication management protocols, whether they have access to hyaluronidase, and what to do if you have a concern after your appointment. Any reputable practitioner should be able to answer these questions clearly.

Read more about patient safety in aesthetic treatments and how to choose a cosmetic clinic in Melbourne.

For more on the clinical approach at the clinic, visit Core Aesthetics in Oakleigh.

General Information Only. This article is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. Treatment outcomes, suitability and risks vary by individual. Any medical or prescription treatment options can only be discussed and provided where clinically appropriate following an individual assessment.

Book a consultation at Core Aesthetics, Oakleigh.
Book Online

Understanding Complication Risk Complications from aesthetic treatments are rare when administered by qualified practitioners using proper sterile technique. Industry data suggests:, **wrinkle complications:** Less than 1%
– **Treatment complications:** Less than 2%
– **Serious complications:** Much less than 1% Most complications are minor (temporary bruising, asymmetry, mild swelling). Serious complications are exceptionally rare. Complication Types and Frequency | Complication | Frequency | Severity | Timeline | Resolution |
|—|—|—|—|—|
| Bruising | 10-15% | Minor | 7-14 days | Natural fading |
| Swelling | 20-30% | Minor | 24-48 hours peak | Ice and time |
| Asymmetry | 5-10% | Minor moderate | Hours to days | Usually corrects |
| Tenderness | 30% | Minor | 2-7 days | Resolves naturally |
| Infection | <0.1% | Serious | Days after | Antibiotics | | Vascular injury | <0.01% | Serious | Immediate | Emergency care | | Allergic reaction | <0.1% | Variable | Hours to days | Medical intervention | | Treatment migration | 1-2% | Minor moderate | Weeks after | Dissolution or waiting | | Granulomas | <0.1% | Moderate | Weeks to months | Steroid injection or dissolution | | Lip herpes reactivation | 5-10% (if prone) | Minor | 5-7 days | Antiviral cream | Red Flag Symptoms: When to Call Immediately **Contact your clinic immediately or seek emergency care if you experience:** High-Priority (Call Within Hours) - ❌ Severe pain or pain disproportionate to swelling - ❌ Blanching (whitening) of skin in a pattern suggesting blocked blood vessel - ❌ Skin turning dark purple/blue in localized area - ❌ Sudden vision changes if treatment near eyes - ❌ Difficulty swallowing or breathing (rare but serious) Urgent (Call Same Day) - ❌ Increasing redness beyond 24 hours - ❌ Warmth at injection site - ❌ Pus or discharge - ❌ Fever - ❌ Swelling that's worsening after 48 hours - ❌ Signs of infection (red streaking, warmth, pus) - ❌ Severe asymmetry suggesting volume treatment in wrong location Monitor (Call if Persistent) - ✓ Normal: Mild tenderness, minor bruising, moderate swelling - ✓ Watch: Swelling still present after 5 days (usually resolves by day 7) - ✓ Contact if: Symptoms not improving by day 7-10 Emergency Complication Management Vascular Injury (Rare but Urgent) **Signs:** Immediate severe pain, blanching of skin, unusual swelling pattern, or darkening of skin area. **Immediate action:** Contact emergency services or seek immediate medical care. **Treatment:** Specific medications (hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anticoagulants) administered quickly can prevent tissue damage. Speed is critical, within hours. **Prevention:** This is why technique matters enormously. Qualified practitioners trained in vascular anatomy and safe injection depths prevent this. Infection (Rare) **Signs:** Increasing redness beyond 24 hours, warmth, pus, fever, worsening swelling after day 2-3. **Immediate action:** Contact your clinic or seek medical attention. **Treatment:** Antibiotics prescribed immediately. Early treatment prevents progression. **Prevention:** Sterile technique during injection; proper aftercare (no touching, clean environment). Allergic Reaction (Extremely Rare) **Signs:** Hives, itching, throat tightness, difficulty breathing (severe). **Immediate action:** Seek emergency medical care if severe; call clinic for mild reactions. **Treatment:** Antihistamines for mild reactions; emergency epinephrine for severe. **Prevention:** Allergy history discussed at consultation; patch testing available if concerned. Recovery and Aftercare to Prevent Complications First 24 Hours (Critical) - **No touching** the injection sites - **No makeup** at injection sites - **No heat** (saunas, hot yoga, hot showers) - **No alcohol** (increases bruising and swelling) - **No strenuous exercise** (increases swelling from increased blood flow) - **Ice is helpful** (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) Days 2-7 - Gentle movement is fine - Resume normal activity by day 3-5 for most people - Avoid heavy workouts for 5-7 days - No facials, laser, or aggressive treatments for 2 weeks - Avoid excessive heat still (saunas, tanning) Weeks 2-4 - Full normal activity usually resumed - Avoid aggressive treatments for 4 weeks - Results continue improving as swelling resolves When to Return for Adjustments vs. Wait **Most asymmetry corrects naturally:** 7-10 days is the timeline; don't judge results before this. **If true asymmetry persists after 10 days:** Contact your practitioner. Minor adjustments can be made at 2-week mark. **Don't panic initially:** Swelling is often asymmetrical. True asymmetry from product placement is rare with experienced practitioners. Prevention Strategies Before Treatment - Discuss any history of: cold sores, keloids, excessive bruising, allergies - List all medications and supplements (some increase bleeding/bruising) - Discuss realistic expectations and goals - Confirm practitioner experience with your specific goals During Treatment - Confirm sterile technique is used (new needle, sterile field) - Discuss numbing preferences - Ask about injection depth and technique - Request knowledge of anatomical danger zones After Treatment - Follow all aftercare instructions precisely - Document what you're experiencing (photos are helpful) - Contact clinic with any concerns, seek prompt assessment - Report unexpected reactions immediately Recovery Timeline: What's Normal vs. Concerning **Immediately after (0-2 hours):** Mild redness, slight swelling, minor tenderness = normal. **Day 1:** Swelling peaks. Bruising may appear. Asymmetry common. = normal. **Days 2-3:** Swelling decreasing. Bruising becoming more visible. Asymmetry often improving. = normal. **Days 4-7:** Swelling mostly gone. Bruising fading. Results stabilising. = normal. **Days 7-10:** Minor bruising may remain. Results mostly visible. True asymmetry (if present) now apparent. = normal. **Day 14+:** Full results visible. If asymmetry persists, contact for assessment. = discuss with practitioner. **Red flag:** Anything getting worse after day 2-3 (instead of improving) warrants clinic contact. Understanding Complication Risk Complications from aesthetic treatments are rare when administered by qualified practitioners using proper sterile technique. Industry data suggests:, **wrinkle complications:** Less than 1% - **Treatment complications:** Less than 2% - **Serious complications:** Much less than 1% Most complications are minor (temporary bruising, asymmetry, mild swelling). Serious complications are exceptionally rare. Complication Types and Frequency | Complication | Frequency | Severity | Timeline | Resolution | |---|---|---|---|---| | Bruising | 10-15% | Minor | 7-14 days | Natural fading | | Swelling | 20-30% | Minor | 24-48 hours peak | Ice and time | | Asymmetry | 5-10% | Minor moderate | Hours to days | Usually corrects | | Tenderness | 30% | Minor | 2-7 days | Resolves naturally | | Infection | <0.1% | Serious | Days after | Antibiotics | | Vascular injury | <0.01% | Serious | Immediate | Emergency care | | Allergic reaction | <0.1% | Variable | Hours to days | Medical intervention | | Treatment migration | 1-2% | Minor moderate | Weeks after | Dissolution or waiting | | Granulomas | <0.1% | Moderate | Weeks to months | Steroid injection or dissolution | | Lip herpes reactivation | 5-10% (if prone) | Minor | 5-7 days | Antiviral cream | Red Flag Symptoms: When to Call Immediately **Contact your clinic immediately or seek emergency care if you experience:** High-Priority (Call Within Hours) - ❌ Severe pain or pain disproportionate to swelling - ❌ Blanching (whitening) of skin in a pattern suggesting blocked blood vessel - ❌ Skin turning dark purple/blue in localized area - ❌ Sudden vision changes if treatment near eyes - ❌ Difficulty swallowing or breathing (rare but serious) Urgent (Call Same Day) - ❌ Increasing redness beyond 24 hours - ❌ Warmth at injection site - ❌ Pus or discharge - ❌ Fever - ❌ Swelling that's worsening after 48 hours - ❌ Signs of infection (red streaking, warmth, pus) - ❌ Severe asymmetry suggesting volume treatment in wrong location Monitor (Call if Persistent) - ✓ Normal: Mild tenderness, minor bruising, moderate swelling - ✓ Watch: Swelling still present after 5 days (usually resolves by day 7) - ✓ Contact if: Symptoms not improving by day 7-10 Emergency Complication Management Vascular Injury (Rare but Urgent) **Signs:** Immediate severe pain, blanching of skin, unusual swelling pattern, or darkening of skin area. **Immediate action:** Contact emergency services or seek immediate medical care. **Treatment:** Specific medications (hyaluronidase, vasodilators, anticoagulants) administered quickly can prevent tissue damage. Speed is critical, within hours. **Prevention:** This is why technique matters enormously. Qualified practitioners trained in vascular anatomy and safe injection depths prevent this. Infection (Rare) **Signs:** Increasing redness beyond 24 hours, warmth, pus, fever, worsening swelling after day 2-3. **Immediate action:** Contact your clinic or seek medical attention. **Treatment:** Antibiotics prescribed immediately. Early treatment prevents progression. **Prevention:** Sterile technique during injection; proper aftercare (no touching, clean environment). Allergic Reaction (Extremely Rare) **Signs:** Hives, itching, throat tightness, difficulty breathing (severe). **Immediate action:** Seek emergency medical care if severe; call clinic for mild reactions. **Treatment:** Antihistamines for mild reactions; emergency epinephrine for severe. **Prevention:** Allergy history discussed at consultation; patch testing available if concerned. Recovery and Aftercare to Prevent Complications First 24 Hours (Critical) - **No touching** the injection sites - **No makeup** at injection sites - **No heat** (saunas, hot yoga, hot showers) - **No alcohol** (increases bruising and swelling) - **No strenuous exercise** (increases swelling from increased blood flow) - **Ice is helpful** (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) Days 2-7 - Gentle movement is fine - Resume normal activity by day 3-5 for most people - Avoid heavy workouts for 5-7 days - No facials, laser, or aggressive treatments for 2 weeks - Avoid excessive heat still (saunas, tanning) Weeks 2-4 - Full normal activity usually resumed - Avoid aggressive treatments for 4 weeks - Results continue improving as swelling resolves When to Return for Adjustments vs. Wait **Most asymmetry corrects naturally:** 7-10 days is the timeline; don't judge results before this. **If true asymmetry persists after 10 days:** Contact your practitioner. Minor adjustments can be made at 2-week mark. **Don't panic initially:** Swelling is often asymmetrical. True asymmetry from product placement is rare with experienced practitioners. Prevention Strategies Before Treatment - Discuss any history of: cold sores, keloids, excessive bruising, allergies - List all medications and supplements (some increase bleeding/bruising) - Discuss realistic expectations and goals - Confirm practitioner experience with your specific goals During Treatment - Confirm sterile technique is used (new needle, sterile field) - Discuss numbing preferences - Ask about injection depth and technique - Request knowledge of anatomical danger zones After Treatment - Follow all aftercare instructions precisely - Document what you're experiencing (photos are helpful) - Contact clinic with any concerns, seek prompt assessment - Report unexpected reactions immediately Recovery Timeline: What's Normal vs. Concerning **Immediately after (0-2 hours):** Mild redness, slight swelling, minor tenderness = normal. **Day 1:** Swelling peaks. Bruising may appear. Asymmetry common. = normal. **Days 2-3:** Swelling decreasing. Bruising becoming more visible. Asymmetry often improving. = normal. **Days 4-7:** Swelling mostly gone. Bruising fading. Results stabilising. = normal. **Days 7-10:** Minor bruising may remain. Results mostly visible. True asymmetry (if present) now apparent. = normal. **Day 14+:** Full results visible. If asymmetry persists, contact for assessment. = discuss with practitioner. **Red flag:** Anything getting worse after day 2-3 (instead of improving) warrants clinic contact.

About This Information

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for clinical advice and does not constitute a recommendation that you proceed with any particular treatment. Aesthetic treatments are prescription medical procedures. They carry risks that vary between individuals and that must be assessed and discussed in a clinical context before any treatment decision is made.

At Core Aesthetics, Corey Anderson assesses every patient individually. The consultation is the point at which your specific anatomy, medical history, and goals are evaluated together. No treatment is offered at a first appointment, and no treatment is appropriate for everyone. This page is a starting point, a way to understand what is involved before you decide whether a consultation is the right next step for you.

If you have questions about anything on this page or about whether treatment might be appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to call the clinic or book a consultation at no obligation.

This page provides clinical information about Aesthetic treatment Complications: What to Do. It is intended for adults aged 18 and over who are considering aesthetic treatment and want to understand the clinical process, suitability factors, and what to expect from a consultation based practice. All treatment decisions at Core Aesthetics follow individual assessment, no treatment is offered at a first appointment without a separate consultation. Results vary between individuals and are reviewed at follow up.

The Role of Anatomical Assessment in Treatment Planning

Effective aesthetic treatment begins with understanding individual facial anatomy. The same concern, loss of cheek volume, for example, may have different underlying structural drivers in different people. In one patient it reflects fat pad atrophy; in another it involves bony remodelling; in a third, skin laxity changes the way existing volume appears. These distinctions affect both whether treatment is appropriate and, if so, how it should be approached.

At Core Aesthetics, the consultation begins with a systematic assessment of facial structure, including symmetry analysis, skin quality assessment, treatment history review, and discussion of the patient’s specific goals. This anatomical baseline informs every treatment decision and helps ensure that proposed treatments address the actual underlying driver of a concern rather than a surface level presentation.

This is one of the reasons Core Aesthetics operates as a one practitioner clinic with a consultation based model. A consistent clinical relationship between patient and practitioner supports the kind of longitudinal assessment that is difficult to achieve in high volume, multi practitioner settings.

The AHPRA Framework for Managing Adverse Events

AHPRA’s September 2025 guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform nonsurgical cosmetic procedures include specific provisions relating to the management of adverse events. Registered practitioners are required to have a documented adverse event management protocol, to be competent to manage complications arising from the treatments they perform, and to have appropriate arrangements in place for escalation when complications exceed their management capacity.

At Core Aesthetics, Corey Anderson maintains current training in adverse event recognition and management, including vascular occlusion management and hyaluronidase administration. The clinic maintains appropriate emergency medications and equipment on site.

The regulatory framework matters to patients because it establishes a meaningful floor of accountability for registered practitioners that does not exist for unregistered providers. A registered nurse or doctor who fails to meet AHPRA’s expectations for adverse event management faces potential disciplinary consequences including conditions on practice or deregistration. An unregistered provider operating in an unregulated setting faces no equivalent accountability structure.

When evaluating a aesthetic treatment provider, patients should ask directly what the practitioner’s adverse event protocol is, what they would do if a complication occurred, and how quickly they could access medical escalation if needed. A practitioner who cannot answer these questions clearly has a gap in their practice that matters clinically, not just administratively.

The Importance of Aftercare in Complication Prevention

Many mild complications following aesthetic treatment can be minimised through appropriate aftercare. Understanding what is expected helps patients distinguish between normal post treatment changes and early signs requiring clinical review.

Normal post treatment findings include swelling peaking at 24-48 hours before resolving; bruising appearing 12-24 hours after treatment and resolving within 7-10 days; mild tenderness at injection sites; and with lip treatment, significant initial swelling that settles over two weeks.

Signs that warrant prompt contact with the practitioner: skin that appears white or pale at the injection site; mottled, grey, or dusky skin discolouration in the hours after treatment; pain that escalates rather than settles; any visual changes; and fever or worsening swelling days after treatment.

At Core Aesthetics, written aftercare instructions are provided at the conclusion of every treatment. These include clear guidance on what to watch for and explicit instructions to contact the clinic or seek emergency care if concerning symptoms develop. This documentation forms part of every patient clinical record.

Documentation and Informed Consent as Protective Factors

Comprehensive pretreatment documentation and informed consent processes serve both the patient and the practitioner in the event of a complication. For the patient, documented consent confirms that the risks were explained, understood, and accepted before treatment began, which forms the basis of a clinically sound treatment relationship. For the practitioner, documentation provides a contemporaneous record of the clinical reasoning, the information provided, and the patient’s expressed agreement to proceed.

At Core Aesthetics, the informed consent process is a genuine clinical conversation rather than a form signing exercise. Corey Anderson discusses the specific risks relevant to the planned treatment, including area specific complications such as vascular risk in periorbital volume treatment and bruising rates in lip treatment. Patients are given the opportunity to ask questions and to take time before confirming their decision to proceed. Consent is not treated as a one time event but as an ongoing process, any change in treatment plan during a procedure requires re consent.

AHPRA’s September 2025 guidelines for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures establish specific requirements for informed consent, including a mandatory cooling off period for certain higher risk treatments. This framework exists because the evidence base for aesthetic treatment complications indicates that inadequate consent processes are a significant contributing factor to patient dissatisfaction and adverse outcomes.

Seeking Help After a Complication: Practical Guidance

If a patient experiences symptoms they believe may indicate a complication following aesthetic treatment, the first step is to contact their treating practitioner directly. Most reputable clinics have clear after hours contact protocols for this reason. At Core Aesthetics, Corey Anderson is contactable following treatment and has explicit protocols for urgent review.

If symptoms suggest a vascular complication, blanching, mottling, escalating pain, or visual changes, urgent contact should be made immediately, including calling 000 if symptoms are severe or escalating rapidly. Vascular complications have a narrow treatment window; delay in seeking help significantly worsens outcomes.

If the treating practitioner is not accessible, patients can present to an emergency department. While emergency clinicians may not be familiar with the specifics of treatment complication management, they can assess severity and arrange appropriate escalation. Patients should bring any documentation from their treatment, including the name of the product used and the volume placed, as this information is relevant to management decisions.