Patient safety: what to check before you decide

The explanation should connect the assessment findings with the concern you brought to the appointment. Ask what the proposed option could change, what it would leave unchanged and why it is being suggested over the alternatives. If you are concerned about more than one thing, clarify which concern the recommendation actually addresses.

Before deciding, you should also understand what the procedure involves, the likely recovery and the limits of any expected result. If the explanation is unclear, ask the practitioner to go through it again in plain language. Read about how suitability is assessed.

Ask which effects are common, which complications are less common but serious, and how likely each is with the proposed procedure. Depending on the procedure, risks can include bruising, swelling, pain, infection, asymmetry or an unwanted change in appearance. Some cosmetic procedures can also cause serious complications such as tissue damage or changes to vision. These examples are discussed in Queensland Health’s patient information; they are not a complete risk list for every procedure.

Your own risk needs a separate discussion. Share your health history, allergies, medicines and supplements, and details of previous cosmetic care. Mention recent illness or procedures, pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your treating clinician advises you to.

Ask how a complication would be recognised, who would assess it and where you would be referred if care beyond the clinic were needed. An assessment helps inform the decision; it cannot make treatment risk-free.

You can consider another approach, wait, seek a second opinion or have no cosmetic treatment. Ask how the benefits, risks, recovery and costs compare. Sometimes the next step is a medical or dental assessment rather than cosmetic care.

You do not have to decide during the consultation. If you feel rushed, do not understand the explanation or feel pressure from someone else, say so and take time before agreeing. Healthdirect’s informed-consent guidance explains that consent must be voluntary and based on information you understand. Our informed-consent guide covers questions about consent forms, photographs and changing your mind.

Before leaving, make sure you have written aftercare instructions that explain what to expect, any activity restrictions, symptoms that need attention and who to contact. Check the arrangements for concerns outside clinic hours or when your treating practitioner is unavailable. Do not assume that an online message will be seen immediately.

At Core Aesthetics, a review is offered two weeks after treatment and is free to attend. Fees apply only if additional treatment is required, with costs discussed and agreed before proceeding. A review does not automatically mean more treatment.

Do not wait for the two-week review if a problem develops. Read how to use your aftercare instructions, and keep your individual contact details somewhere easy to find.

Ask for the total cost of the proposed care and a clear explanation of what it includes. Clarify any possible charges for additional treatment or future care, rather than assuming these are included. If ongoing appointments may be needed, ask what that could mean for future costs.

The initial consultation at Core Aesthetics is at no charge and without obligation. Our costs and payment information explains the quote process, review fees and payment arrangements. You can consider the cost before deciding whether to proceed.

Consultations at Core Aesthetics are with Corey Anderson, Registered Nurse, Ahpra registration NMW0001047575. Check the independent Ahpra register for registration status and any published conditions, or use our verification guide.

Registration alone does not establish competence in every procedure. Ask who would perform the proposed care, about their relevant training and experience, and whether another practitioner needs to be involved. Ahpra’s non-surgical cosmetic procedure guidelines set out professional requirements for assessment, consent and aftercare. They do not endorse this clinic or any particular option.

Call Core Aesthetics on 0491 706 705 for questions about your care, or use the contact arrangements in your aftercare information. If you are dissatisfied, you can raise that with the clinic or seek independent help through the complaints pathways explained by Ahpra.

If you are considering care and would like to discuss these four questions, you can book an initial consultation at 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166. Allow around 30 minutes. See contact details and directions for help planning your visit.

Call 000 for an emergency, including difficulty breathing, collapse or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Sudden changes to vision or severe or worsening symptoms after treatment need urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine clinic reply or review appointment.

For further guidance, read what to do if you are worried after treatment. This page is general information, not individual medical advice or an emergency service.