Core Aesthetics · Oakleigh
Cosmetic treatment myths: seven claims to question
Non-surgical does not mean risk-free, an expensive cream cannot produce a surgical lift, and a photograph cannot promise your result. A practitioner’s registration, procedure-specific training and aftercare arrangements are different checks. You can also decline advertising photographs, question additional costs and attend a consultation without agreeing to treatment. These are practical distinctions, not reasons you must have a procedure.
1. ‘Non-surgical means there is no serious risk’
False. ‘Non-surgical’ describes a broad category, not a safety rating. The TGA’s consumer checklist warns that some cosmetic procedures can cause serious harm. A short appointment or a small-looking change does not remove that risk.
Ask about the exact procedure being proposed: which effects are expected, which complications can be serious and what you would do if they occurred. ‘No downtime’ also needs explanation. Does it mean returning to desk work, or does it mean no visible effects and no activity restrictions? Those are different promises. Get written instructions that fit the procedure rather than borrowing another person’s timetable.
2. ‘A firming cream can lift loose skin like a procedure’
No cream can deliver a facelift-like lift. Moisturiser can make some fine lines look less noticeable by improving hydration, but that is different from lifting sagging tissue. The American Academy of Dermatology explains this distinction.
Judge a product by the problem you want it to help: dryness, comfort or the appearance of fine surface lines are not the same as a changed facial outline. A higher price is not evidence that a cream can reposition deeper tissue. You can keep a simple routine and seek advice about a persistent skin concern without buying a long list of products.
3. ‘Ahpra registration means someone is trained in every cosmetic procedure’
No. Registration identifies a health profession and registration status; it is not blanket approval for every procedure. Ahpra’s practitioner guidelines require appropriate education, competence and experience for the specific care being provided, including managing complications.
Ask for the practitioner’s full name and profession, then ask what training and experience they have in the procedure you are discussing. A social-media title such as ‘expert’ does not answer those questions. Our verification page identifies Corey Anderson as a Registered Nurse, not a doctor or nurse practitioner.
4. ‘If I like someone’s photograph, I can expect the same result’
No. You are seeing one person, a selected view and a particular point in time. Even a genuine, unedited image is not an individual prediction. Different lighting, expression or positioning can also make comparisons misleading. The Medical Board’s explanation of cosmetic advertising safeguards addresses misleading editing and the need to explain that results vary.
You can bring an image to explain a preference, but also say what you want left unchanged. Ask the clinician to explain the important differences between the example and your own concern. A useful answer may be that the example is not achievable or that no procedure is appropriate.
5. ‘Agreeing to clinical photographs means agreeing to social media’
No. A photograph for a health record and a photograph used in advertising have different purposes. Under Ahpra’s image-consent requirements, advertising consent must be separate from procedure consent, and you cannot be required to agree to advertising use.
Before photographs are taken, ask what they are for, where they will be stored and who can access them. If you want record-only use, say so. You should be able to see proposed advertising images before agreeing. You can withdraw image-use consent, although removing copies from material already published may not always be possible.
6. ‘A free review means extra treatment is included’
Not necessarily. A review is an assessment appointment; it is not an automatic additional procedure. At Core Aesthetics, a review is usually around two weeks and attendance is free. Any additional treatment is charged and must be discussed before proceeding.
When comparing costs, ask for the price of the proposed care, what follow-up includes and which possible extra costs are outside that quote. If a recommended product or extra service was not in your budget, you can ask for its price and decide separately. See our consultation and review fees.
Questions you may still have
Does ‘natural-looking’ mean a cosmetic procedure is low risk?
No. ‘Natural-looking’ describes an intended appearance, not the medical risk of achieving it. Ask which risks apply to the actual procedure, your health and the area involved. An understated goal does not guarantee an uncomplicated course or a particular result.
Can I refuse to have my photographs used in advertising?
Yes. Advertising-image consent is separate from consent to the procedure. Ask whether photographs are for your clinical record, advertising or another purpose, and explain what you agree to. Ahpra’s guidelines say you cannot be required to consent to advertising use.
Does a consultation commit me to treatment that day?
No. You can use the appointment to ask questions and decide later. At Core Aesthetics, the initial consultation is free and usually takes 30 minutes. Whether any treatment is appropriate is a separate decision; booking alone is not consent.
Is a review the same as a free top-up?
No. A review checks progress and whether any further care is needed. Core Aesthetics review attendance is free and is usually around two weeks. Additional treatment, if appropriate and agreed, is charged. Ask what a quote includes before proceeding.
Discuss your concern in Oakleigh
Core Aesthetics, 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, within BeautyTHEQUE. Initial consultations are free and usually take 30 minutes. Check live appointment availability or call 0491 706 705.