CORE AESTHETICS · OAKLEIGH
Regret cosmetic treatment? What to do next.
Check for urgent symptoms first. If your concern is stable, contact the treating clinic and ask for a review. Explain what has changed and what you are unhappy about. You do not have to agree to more treatment, and waiting or another procedure cannot be assumed to resolve the concern.
Read the practical answers
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGRET AFTER TREATMENT
I do not like how I look. Should I wait or ask for a review?
Ask for a review now; you do not need to wait until you know what caused the concern. Tell the treating clinic when the treatment happened, what looks or feels different and whether it is changing.
Swelling or bruising may affect appearance, but expected recovery depends on what was done and your circumstances. Ask which changes are expected, when they should be checked and what needs earlier attention. There is no single two-week or four-week waiting rule for every procedure. Unexpected or worsening symptoms must not be dismissed as settling.
Will everything return to how it was if I wait?
Not necessarily. Some changes improve with time, while others may persist. What happens depends on the original procedure and what is causing the change. You cannot assume that waiting will restore your previous appearance.
A review can help explain whether observation is reasonable, what to watch for and when to reassess. Ask for that plan rather than relying on a general promise that everything fades.
Can treatment always be corrected or reversed?
No. Some concerns cannot be corrected in the way you hope, and further procedures have their own risks. The first step is to assess what was done, the current findings and what you want to change.
Ask what an option could realistically achieve, what it cannot change and what happens if you choose no further treatment. A particular correction or return to your previous appearance should not be promised before assessment.
Should I go back to the clinic that treated me?
Contact the original clinic about its aftercare and review arrangements. It may have details that help explain what was done and what was expected. You can describe the concern, ask who will assess it and request your available records.
If you do not feel comfortable returning or want another opinion, seek an appropriately qualified clinician. You do not have to accept more treatment to have your concern heard.
What should I bring to a review?
Bring what you have; missing records should not stop you seeking advice. Useful information includes:
- The treatment date, clinic, practitioner and available treatment details.
- Consent documents, aftercare instructions and receipts.
- Photographs from before and after, with dates where possible.
- A short timeline of symptoms or changes and any advice already received.
You can ask the original clinic for copies of your records. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for them, and do not guess missing details.
SPEAKING WITH COREY
Can Corey review treatment I had elsewhere?
Yes. For a stable concern, Corey Anderson RN can review the available information, assess the area and explain what may need further investigation or another clinician’s advice. Bring your records and describe what you are unhappy about in your own words.
Your initial consultation is at no charge and generally takes 30 minutes. It can be entirely for information. A review does not promise correction; returning to the original practitioner, monitoring, referral or no further cosmetic treatment may be appropriate. Urgent symptoms need urgent medical care.
What if others think it looks fine but I wish I had not done it?
You can still ask for a review. Other people’s opinions do not decide whether you are comfortable with the change or whether there is a physical concern. Explain whether you dislike the appearance, regret the decision, felt pressured or are worried about the cost.
You do not have to prove that something went wrong to ask questions. Equally, regret alone does not show that another procedure is the right answer. Assessment and support can address different parts of the concern.
What if I regret several years of treatment?
Ask for a review of the full treatment history, including care from different clinics. A timeline and older photographs can help explain which changes you notice now and when they appeared.
You can pause further elective treatment while the situation is assessed. Do not assume that stopping or having another procedure will recreate an earlier appearance. The review should explain what is known, what is uncertain and whether another professional’s assessment is needed.
Do I have to agree to more treatment at the review?
No. You can ask questions, take the information home and decide later. Before any further procedure, ask what problem it would address, what the risks and alternatives are, what it costs and who will review you afterwards.
Suitable treatment can usually be arranged after a consultation, but reviewing previous care may require missing records, further assessment or another clinician first. Required clinical arrangements, explained risks, informed consent and agreed itemised costs must be in place. If another day is needed, Corey explains why and what happens next.
What if regret is affecting my sleep or everyday life?
Speak with your GP or another trusted health professional if distress is intense, persistent or affecting daily life. You can seek support while a physical concern is being assessed; one does not rule out the other.
Further cosmetic treatment is not a treatment for distress.
What should I know before I leave the review?
You should understand what was found, what remains uncertain and the next step. Ask:
- Do I need another assessment or more information?
- Who is responsible for following up, and when?
- What changes should make me seek help sooner?
- What are my options if I choose no further cosmetic treatment?
If an explanation is unclear, ask for it in plain language. You do not need to make another treatment decision before your questions have been answered.
FOR A STABLE CONCERN
Ask about a review of previous care
You can bring your questions and available records without committing to further treatment. Do not use routine booking for urgent symptoms.
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