Core Aesthetics · Oakleigh
Facial volume procedures: risks and suitability
Facial volume procedures are not suitable for everyone and are not risk free. The safety discussion must identify the procedure, the area, your health and previous treatment, the possible harms and the limits of the expected change. “Non surgical” does not mean a minor decision or a predictable result.
What kinds of risk need explaining?
Depending on the procedure, risks can include pain, swelling, bruising, infection, lumps, asymmetry or an appearance you do not like. Some procedures carry uncommon but serious risks, including reduced blood supply, tissue injury and vision loss. These are not risks that every facial-volume option shares equally.
The TGA’s consumer safety information describes serious harms that can occur. Ask the responsible practitioner which risks apply to the exact proposal, how likely they are where evidence allows, and how a complication would be managed.
What information changes the assessment?
| Information | Why it belongs in the discussion |
|---|---|
| Previous procedures | What was done, where, when and whether any problem followed. Ask the previous clinic for records if needed. |
| Health, medicines and allergies | Conditions, prescriptions, supplements and previous reactions can affect planning. Do not stop medicines without advice. |
| The feature and area | Hollowing, skin laxity, swelling and a change in bone or dental support are not interchangeable concerns. |
| Timing and expectations | Recovery, an upcoming event and what you would find unacceptable may change whether to proceed. |
These details do not let a webpage decide suitability. They help your practitioner explain a recommendation or why another assessment is needed.
What might a volume approach leave unchanged?
A concern described as “lost volume” may also involve skin texture, movement, laxity or dental and skeletal relationships. Changing one feature cannot be assumed to correct the others. Ask which part of your concern the proposal addresses and what is likely to remain. Natural variation does not need treatment.
When is waiting a reasonable choice?
Wait if you do not understand the proposal, the risks or the cost, or if records, clinical assessment or required arrangements are incomplete. Tell the practitioner about illness, a new symptom or a reaction to previous care before proceeding. A second opinion or no treatment can be a considered decision, not a failed consultation.
What should the aftercare plan include?
Know the responsible practitioner, written instructions, contact details and what to do if that person is unavailable. Ahpra’s practitioner guidance describes expectations for post-procedure care. At Core Aesthetics, reviews are usually offered at two weeks and are free to attend; additional treatment has a fee.
How can I make an informed decision?
Ask: why this option, what could go wrong, what else could I choose, and what happens afterwards? You should know the full cost before agreeing and have time to consider it. Use the four-question decision guide or arrange an individual consultation.
What if I have symptoms after a procedure?
Call 000 for sudden vision change, difficulty breathing, collapse or stroke symptoms. Severe or worsening pain, marked colour change or rapidly worsening swelling needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine review. See the complication action guide.
Questions you may still have
Is a small procedure automatically low risk?
No. The area, procedure and your circumstances matter; a small visible change does not prove a small medical risk.
Does a consultation guarantee I am suitable?
No. It may identify reasons to wait, obtain another opinion, seek a different type of care or choose no cosmetic treatment.
Can I return to work immediately?
Ask about recovery and activity advice for the specific proposal and your work. This page cannot promise no downtime or a universal return-to-work date.
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.