TREATMENT RISKS & SAFETY INFORMATION

Aesthetic Medicine

What is it?

Our aesthetic medicine treatments uses products to temporarily relax muscles that cause lines.

Common Side Effects (occur in more than 10% of patients):

Temporary bruising at injection sites

Mild swelling or redness

Headache (usually resolves within 24-48 hours)

Temporary discomfort at injection site

Uncommon Side Effects (occur in 1-10% of patients):

Temporary eyelid or eyebrow drooping (ptosis) - typically resolves within 2-4 weeks

Asymmetry requiring adjustment

Dry eyes or excessive tearing

Flu-like symptoms

Temporary facial weakness

Numbness or altered sensation

Rare but Serious Risks (occur in less than 1% of patients):

Allergic reactions (ranging from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis)

Difficulty swallowing or breathing (if toxin spreads beyond treatment area)

Vision changes or double vision

Severe headache or migraine

Muscle weakness in areas distant from injection site

Specific Treatment Area Risks:

Forehead: Brow heaviness, eyelid drooping

Crow's feet: Dry eyes, difficulty closing eyes

Frown lines: Eyelid drooping, eyebrow asymmetry

Bunny lines: Difficulty wrinkling nose

Gummy smile: Difficulty smiling or lip weakness

Jawline/masseter: Difficulty chewing, facial asymmetry

Neck bands: Difficulty swallowing, neck weakness

Contraindications - Do NOT have this treatment if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Have a neuromuscular disorder (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS)

Have an active infection at the treatment site

Are allergic to any ingredients

Have had a recent facial surgery in the treatment area

Are taking certain medications (aminoglycoside antibiotics, muscle relaxants)

What to do if you experience complications:

Minor bruising/swelling: Apply cold compress, avoid blood thinners

Headache: Take paracetamol (avoid aspirin/ibuprofen for 24 hours)

Eyelid drooping: Contact the clinic - prescription eye drops may help

Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or vision changes: Seek immediate medical attention (call 000)

Duration of effects: 3-4 months on average. Results are temporary and fully reversible.
Follow-up: 2-week review appointment offered to assess results and address any concerns.

Aesthetic Volume

What is it?

Our aesthetic volume treatments use gel to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours.

Common Side Effects (occur in more than 10% of patients):

Temporary swelling (especially lips - can last 1-2 weeks)
Bruising at injection sites
Redness and tenderness
Lumps or bumps (usually resolve within 2 weeks)
Mild pain or discomfort during and after treatment

Uncommon Side Effects (occur in 1-10% of patients):

Persistent lumps requiring massage or hyaluronidase dissolution
Asymmetry requiring adjustment
Visible or palpable filler under thin skin
Prolonged swelling (lasting weeks to months)
Skin discoloration (Tyndall effect - blue/grey tint)
Acne-like breakouts
Cold sore reactivation (if history of cold sores)

Rare but Serious Risks (occur in less than 1% of patients):

Vascular occlusion - filler blocks blood vessel, causing tissue death (medical emergency)
Signs: Severe pain, skin blanching (turning white), dusky discoloration, vision changes.
Requires immediate treatment with hyaluronidase
Blindness or stroke - extremely rare but possible if filler enters blood vessel
Infection or abscess formation
Granulomas (inflammatory lumps that may be permanent)
Allergic reactions
Scarring
Skin necrosis (tissue death)
Nerve damage causing numbness or weakness
Filler migration to unintended areas
Biofilm formation (delayed inflammatory reaction)

High-Risk Treatment Areas:

Nose: Highest risk for vascular occlusion and blindness
Glabella (frown lines): Risk of vascular occlusion and vision loss
Forehead: Vascular risks
Tear troughs (under eyes): Swelling, visible filler, Tyndall effect, vascular risks
Nasolabial folds: Vascular occlusion risk
Lips: Significant swelling, asymmetry, vascular risks

Contraindications - Do NOT have this treatment if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have active infection, inflammation, or skin disease at treatment site
Are allergic to lidocaine
Have history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis
Have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners (discuss with doctor)
Have active cold sores (if treating lip area)
Have autoimmune conditions affecting skin healing

What to do if you experience complications:

Severe pain, skin blanching, vision changes: CALL CLINIC IMMEDIATELY 24/7
During work hours please call the clinic immediately on 0421 253 025
for after hours emergency please call the doctor on call phone on 0413 445 543.

OR go to emergency department - this is a medical emergency requiring immediate hyaluronidase treatment

Minor bruising/swelling: Ice packs, sleep elevated, avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours
Lumps: Gentle massage as instructed; contact clinic if persistent
Asymmetry: Contact clinic for review - adjustment may be needed
Signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, warmth, pus): Contact clinic immediately
Duration of effects: 6-18 months depending on product and area treated. Filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.

Follow-up: 2-week review appointment offered. Contact clinic immediately if any concerns.

Emergency contact: 0413 445 543.

Chemical Peels

What is it?

Chemical peels use acid solutions to exfoliate skin, improving texture, tone, and pigmentation.

Common Side Effects

Redness (lasting hours to days depending on peel depth)
Flaking and peeling skin (expected outcome)
Temporary dryness and tightness
Mild stinging or burning during treatment
Temporary increased sensitivity

Uncommon Side Effects:

Prolonged redness (lasting weeks)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin)
Temporary hypopigmentation (lightening of skin)
Breakouts or milia (small white bumps)
Cold sore reactivation

Rare Risks:

Infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
Scarring
Permanent pigmentation changes
Allergic reaction to peel solution
Line of demarcation between treated and untreated skin

Contraindications:

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Active skin infection or inflammation
Recent isotretinoin use (within 6-12 months)
History of abnormal scarring
Active cold sores
Sunburn or recent excessive sun exposure

Aftercare requirements: Strict sun protection, gentle skincare, avoid picking peeling skin.

LED Light Therapy

What is it?

Non-invasive treatment using specific wavelengths of light to improve skin condition.

Common Side Effects

Minimal to none
Possible temporary mild redness (resolves within minutes)
Eye strain if protective eyewear not worn

Contraindications:

Photosensitivity disorders
Certain medications that increase light sensitivity
Epilepsy (flashing lights may trigger seizures)
Eye conditions requiring protection

Safety note: Very low risk treatment. Protective eyewear provided during treatment.

Microneedling

What is it?

Treatment using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries, stimulating collagen production.

Common Side Effects

Redness (1-3 days)
Mild swelling
Skin tightness
Minor bleeding during treatment
Temporary increased sensitivity

Uncommon Side Effects:

Bruising
Prolonged redness (lasting weeks)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Breakouts or milia
Cold sore reactivation

Rare Risks:

Infection
Scarring
Allergic reaction to topical products used during treatment

Contraindications:

Active acne or skin infection
Keloid scarring tendency
Blood clotting disorders
Immunosuppression
Recent isotretinoin use
Pregnancy

Aftercare requirements: Gentle skincare, sun protection, avoid makeup for 24 hours, avoid swimming/gym for 48 hours.

Ultherapy (Focused Ultrasound Skin Tightening)

What is it?

Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy to heat deep layers of skin, stimulating collagen production for gradual lifting and tightening of facial skin and neck

Common Side Effects

Temporary redness immediately after treatment (resolves within hours)
Mild swelling (resolves within days to weeks)
Tenderness or pain during treatment (numbing strategies available)
Tingling or numbness (usually temporary)
Slight bruising

Uncommon Side Effects (occur in 1-10% of patients):

Welts or bumps on skin (resolve within hours to weeks)
Prolonged swelling (lasting several weeks)
Temporary numbness or altered sensation (can last weeks to months)
Muscle weakness (temporary, resolves within weeks)
Discomfort with facial movements
Headache after treatment

Rare but Serious Risks (occur in less than 1% of patients):

Nerve injury causing:

Facial weakness or paralysis (temporary or permanent)
Difficulty smiling or closing eye

Drooping eyelid or eyebrow
Numbness or altered sensation lasting months
Burns or blistering of skin
Fat loss in treated area (atrophy)
Scarring or skin texture changes
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (skin darkening or lightening)
Paradoxical worsening (loosening rather than tightening of skin)
Nodules or lumps under skin

Specific Treatment Area Risks:

Face/Neck: Nerve injury affecting facial expression, difficulty swallowing
Brow: Eyelid drooping, eyebrow asymmetry
Jawline: Marginal mandibular nerve injury affecting lower lip movement
Neck: Platysmal bands becoming more prominent, difficulty swallowing

Contraindications - Do NOT have this treatment if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have open wounds, lesions, or severe acne in treatment area
Have metallic implants in treatment area
Have electrical implants (pacemaker, defibrillator) in treatment area
Have severe or cystic acne
Have keloid scarring tendency
Have recently used isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
Have had recent facial surgery or cosmetic procedures (discuss timing with practitioner

What to do if you experience complications:

Minor swelling/redness: Cold compress, anti-inflammatory medication if approved
Discomfort: Paracetamol or prescribed pain relief
Numbness/tingling: Usually resolves spontaneously within weeks; contact clinic if persistent or worsening
Facial weakness, difficulty closing eye, difficulty swallowing, severe pain, or blistering: Contact clinic immediately

Duration of effects:

Results develop gradually over 2-3 months as collagen rebuilds
Peak results at 3-6 months
Effects can last 1-2 years
Results are not immediate
Not all patients respond equally - results vary

Important notes:

Treatment can be uncomfortable - pain management options discussed during consultation
Multiple treatments may be needed for desired results
Results are gradual, not immediate
Not a replacement for surgical facelift
Best results in patients with mild to moderate skin laxity

Follow-up: Review appointment at 3 months to assess results and determine if additional treatment needed.

Ultrasound-Guided Treatments

What is it?

Use of ultrasound imaging to guide placement of treatments for enhanced safety and precision.

Additional benefits:

Real-time visualization of blood vessels
Reduced risk of vascular complications
More precise product placement

Risks:

Same as standard injectable treatments (see above)
Ultrasound gel may cause temporary skin reaction in sensitive individuals

NanoFrac Risks & Safety Information

What is it?

NanoFrac (NanoFractional Radiofrequency) uses the Venus Viva™ platform to deliver radiofrequency energy through an array of ultra-fine pins (160 pins per tip), creating microscopic channels in the skin.

These micro-channels stimulate the skin’s natural wound-healing response, promoting new collagen and elastin production while allowing surrounding intact tissue to support rapid healing. Treatment settings can be adjusted to target both surface resurfacing and deeper skin tightening depending on your skin type and concern.

Common Side Effects (occur in more than 10% of patients):

Redness and warmth (similar to sunburn, lasting 24–72 hours, up to 5–7 days with stronger treatments)
Swelling (peaks at 24–48 hours, resolves within 3–5 days)
Pin-point bleeding and micro-crusting (heals over 3–7 days)
Skin sensitivity and tightness
Temporary dryness

Uncommon Side Effects (occur in 1–10% of patients):

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (temporary darkening, higher risk in darker skin types)
Prolonged redness (lasting beyond expected timeframe)
Cold sore (HSV-1) reactivation in susceptible patients
Breakouts or acneiform eruption
Increased skin sensitivity lasting longer than expected

Rare but Serious Risks (occur in less than 1% of patients):

Infection (bacterial or viral)
Scarring (higher risk in patients with keloid tendency)
Burns or blistering from thermal injury
Permanent hypopigmentation (lightening of skin)
Persistent pigmentation changes
Delayed healing

Treatment Indications:

NanoFrac may be used for:

Acne scarring
Surgical or traumatic scarring
Stretch marks (striae)
Enlarged pores
Skin texture irregularity
Rosacea
Pigmentation and dyschromia
Mild to moderate skin laxity

Contraindications – Do NOT have this treatment if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have active infection, acne, or cold sores in the treatment area
Have implanted electronic devices (pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator)
Have metal implants in the treatment area
Have active autoimmune skin conditions
Have used isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within the past 12 months
Have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
Have recent sunburn or excessive sun exposure
Have uncontrolled diabetes
Have active cancer or skin cancer in the treatment area

Downtime & Recovery Expectations:

Day 0–1: Redness, warmth, swelling
Day 1–3: Micro-crusting begins, skin feels tight and sensitive
Day 3–5: Crusting sheds naturally (do not pick)
Day 5–10: Skin improves, redness fades
Weeks 2–12+: Collagen remodelling continues

Most patients can return to normal activities within 3–5 days depending on treatment intensity.

Aftercare Requirements:

Avoid makeup for 24–48 hours
Avoid active skincare (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C) until advised
Avoid sun exposure and wear SPF 50+ daily
Do not pick or exfoliate treated skin
Avoid gym, swimming, and saunas for 48 hours
Follow all aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner

What to do if you experience complications:

Mild redness/swelling: Use cool compress and gentle skincare
Breakouts or irritation: Contact clinic if persistent
Signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, warmth, pus, fever): Contact clinic immediately
Severe pain, blistering, or unusual healing: Seek urgent medical review

Contact PMAC:

0421 253 025 (business hours)
0413 445 543 (after hours)
Emergency: call 000

Duration of Results:

Results develop gradually over 4–12 weeks as collagen rebuilds
Optimal results usually require a course of 3–4 treatments
Results are not permanent and maintenance treatments may be recommended

Important Notes:

Results vary between individuals
Multiple treatments are usually required
Not a substitute for surgical procedures for significant skin laxity

General Risks Applicable to All Aesthetic Treatments

Infection Risk:

All aesthetic treatments carry a small risk of infection
Signs: Increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever
Action: Contact clinic immediately if suspected

Bruising and Swelling:

More likely if you take blood thinners, fish oil, vitamin E, or certain supplements
Consider stopping these 5-7 days before treatment (discuss with doctor first)
Arnica may help reduce bruising

Allergic Reactions:

Range from mild (rash, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis)
If you have a history of severe allergies, inform your practitioner

Pain and Discomfort:

Temporary pain during and after treatment is normal
Numbing cream and ice can help
Severe or worsening pain may indicate a complication

Your Safety: Our Protocols

At PMAC, we minimise risks through:

✓ Doctor-led treatments: All treatments performed by specialist-registered GPs (FRACGP)

✓ Ultrasound guidance: Available for high-risk areas to visualize blood vessels

✓ Emergency preparedness: Hyaluronidase on-site for immediate filler dissolution if needed

✓ 24/7 on-call service: Emergency contact available for all patients

✓ Complication management: Acknowledged regional complication management centre

✓ Thorough consultations: Comprehensive assessment and informed consent process

✓ Quality products: Only TGA-approved, premium pharmaceutical-grade products used

✓ Ongoing training: Regular training and updates on safety protocols

✓ Detailed aftercare: Written instructions and follow-up care

Alma CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

Risks and important information

CO₂ laser resurfacing deliberately creates a controlled injury to the skin. It therefore involves downtime and carries potential risks and complications. The likelihood and severity of side effects vary with treatment depth and density, treatment area, skin type, medical history, medications, sun exposure, previous scarring and adherence to pre- and post-treatment instructions.

This document provides general patient information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, informed consent discussion or the specific advice provided by your treating clinician.

Expected treatment effects

Redness and warmth.
Burning, stinging or tenderness.
Swelling, particularly around the eyes.
Tightness and dryness.
Bronzing or darkening of the treated surface.
Pinpoint crusting.
Flaking and peeling.
Mild itching.
Temporary sensitivity.
Temporary worsening or darkening of pigmentation before it improves.
Temporary acne-like eruptions or milia.

These effects may last from several days to longer depending on treatment intensity. Redness can persist after the initial healing phase, particularly after deeper resurfacing.

Pigment changes

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - temporary or occasionally persistent darkening.
Hypopigmentation - lightening or loss of normal skin pigment.
Uneven pigmentation or a visible difference between treated and untreated skin.
Persistent or recurrent pigmentary change.

Pigmentary complications may be more likely after sun exposure and in some darker skin types. Strict sun protection and adherence to pre- and post-treatment instructions are important.

Burns and delayed healing

Burns or excessive thermal injury.
Blistering.
Erosion or ulceration.
Prolonged crusting.
Delayed wound healing.
Prolonged redness.

These complications may require additional treatment and can increase the risk of pigment alteration or scarring.

Infection

Disruption of the skin barrier can allow infection to occur. Possible infections include:

Bacterial infection.
Viral infection, including reactivation of herpes simplex/cold sores.
Fungal infection.
Patients with a history of cold sores should tell their clinician before treatment. Antiviral medication may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Scarring and textural change
Persistent textural change.
Atrophic or depressed scarring.
Hypertrophic or raised scarring.
Keloid scarring in susceptible individuals.

Risk may increase with infection, excessive treatment response, delayed healing, picking or scratching the treated skin, inappropriate products during recovery or failure to follow aftercare instructions.

Persistent redness

Redness may last longer than anticipated. Following more intensive treatment, persistent erythema can continue for weeks and, uncommonly, longer.

Acne, milia and skin reactions

Temporary acne flares or milia may develop during recovery. Skincare preparations, dressings, ointments or topical medications used during recovery may also cause irritation or allergic/contact dermatitis.

Eye injury

CO₂ laser energy can damage the eyes. Appropriate laser eye protection is mandatory for the patient and everyone present during treatment. Treatment close to the eyes may require additional protective measures.

Hair changes

Treatment in hair-bearing areas may occasionally alter hair growth or result in temporary or persistent reduction in hair in the treated area.

Treatment around the eyes

Swelling may be significant following periocular treatment. Rare complications of aggressive treatment around the eyelids can include scarring or alteration of the normal eyelid position.

Unsatisfactory or incomplete cosmetic outcome

Less improvement than anticipated.
Uneven improvement.
Persistence of the original concern.
Recurrence of pigmentation or sun-related change.
Need for additional treatments.
Need for treatment using another modality.

Factors that may affect suitability

Pregnancy when treatment is elective and cosmetic.
Active infection or cold sores in the treatment area.
Open wounds or active inflammatory skin disease.
Recent significant sun exposure or tanning.
Certain medications.
A history of abnormal or keloid scarring.
Conditions associated with impaired healing.
Poorly controlled medical conditions.
Inability to follow aftercare or sun-avoidance recommendations.
This list is not exhaustive. Your clinician will determine your individual suitability.

When to contact PMAC

Please contact the clinic promptly if you develop:

Increasing rather than improving pain.
Marked or worsening swelling.
Spreading redness.
Pus or unusual discharge.
Fever or feeling systemically unwell.
Blisters or clusters of small painful lesions.
Areas that appear increasingly raw or are not healing as expected.
Significant or concerning pigment change.
Eye pain or visual disturbance.
Any reaction that concerns you.

Important

Choosing to undergo CO₂ laser resurfacing should be based on an informed discussion about expected benefits, limitations, downtime, alternative treatment options and potential complications. Your individual treatment plan and risk profile will be discussed before proceeding. Individual results vary and no specific cosmetic outcome can be guaranteed.

Alma Harmony

Risks and important information

Alma Harmony includes several different laser technologies. Risks, downtime and expected skin responses differ depending on the modality used. This document provides general information and does not replace an individual consultation, treatment-specific consent discussion or advice from your treating clinician.

General risks of laser and light-based treatment

Redness, warmth, stinging, tenderness or temporary skin sensitivity.
Swelling, including more noticeable swelling around the eyes when treating the face.
Dryness, flaking, crusting or temporary textural change.
Temporary darkening of treated pigment or increased visibility of treated vessels.
Bruising or purpura with some vascular treatments.
Burns, blistering, erosion or delayed healing if the skin has an excessive or unexpected response to treatment.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or uneven pigmentation. Pigment change may occasionally be prolonged or persistent.
Infection, including bacterial infection or reactivation of herpes simplex/cold sores in susceptible patients.
Scarring or persistent textural change. This is uncommon but possible.
Incomplete, uneven or temporary improvement, recurrence of the treated concern, or the need for additional or alternative treatment.
Eye injury if appropriate laser eye protection is not used. Wavelength-specific protective eyewear is mandatory during treatment.
Unexpected interaction with tattoos, permanent makeup or pigment within the treatment area.
Temporary or persistent alteration in hair growth when treating hair-bearing skin.

ClearSkin Pro - additional consideration

Temporary acne flare or increased inflammation.
Redness, warmth, swelling, dryness or sensitivity.
Pigment alteration, particularly after sun exposure or in susceptible skin types.
Rare blistering, burns, delayed healing or scarring.
Limited or incomplete improvement of acne, pores, texture or scarring.
Acne can recur and may require medical, topical or other treatment in addition to laser.

ClearLift Pro - additional considerations

Temporary redness, swelling, warmth or sensitivity.
Darkening of pigmented areas before fading.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Crusting, blistering or burns in uncommon cases.
Rare scarring or persistent textural change.
Pigmentation may respond incompletely or recur.
Some pigmentary disorders, including melasma, can respond unpredictably and may worsen after heat or laser exposure

VascuPen - additional considerations

Redness and swelling.
Bruising or purpura.
Temporary darkening or increased prominence of the treated vessel.
Crusting or small superficial wounds.
Blistering, burns, pigment change or scarring in uncommon cases.
Incomplete vessel clearance.
Recurrence of treated vessels or development of new visible vessels over time.

Harmony BioBoost - additional considerations

Because BioBoost combines Harmony modalities, its risk profile includes the relevant risks of each modality used in your treatment.

Redness, warmth, swelling, dryness or sensitivity.
Temporary acne flare.
Pigment change.
Burns or blistering in uncommon cases.
Rare scarring.
Limited or no visible improvement despite completing a recommended treatment course.

Laser tattoo removal - additional considerations

Pain, swelling, redness and tenderness.
Blistering, pinpoint bleeding, crusting or temporary wounds.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Permanent pigment change or scarring in uncommon cases.
Incomplete removal, uneven clearance or a residual 'ghost' image.
Some ink colours may respond poorly or not respond to the available wavelength.
Cosmetic tattoo pigments can darken rather than lighten after laser exposure.
Pre-existing scarring from the tattoo may become more visible as ink fades.
Rare local or systemic allergic reactions to disrupted tattoo pigment.
Multiple treatments are generally required and complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

Factors that may affect suitability

Recent significant sun exposure, tanning or fake tan.
Active infection, cold sores, open wounds or active inflammatory skin disease in the treatment area.
Pregnancy when treatment is elective and cosmetic.
Certain medications, including some medications that increase photosensitivity or affect healing.
A history of abnormal or keloid scarring.
Medical conditions associated with impaired healing.
Recent procedures or treatments to the same area.
Inability to follow aftercare, wound care or sun-protection recommendations.

When to contact PMAC

Please contact the clinic promptly if you experience:

Increasing or severe pain.
Marked or worsening swelling.
Extensive blistering or skin breakdown.
Spreading redness, pus or unusual discharge.
Fever or feeling systemically unwell.
A cold-sore outbreak.
Skin that is not healing as expected.
Marked or concerning pigment change.
Eye pain or any change in vision.
Any reaction that concerns you.

Important

Your clinician will discuss the specific Harmony modality recommended for you, likely recovery, alternatives and your individual risk factors before treatment. This document is general information only and is not a substitute for informed consent. Individual results vary and no particular cosmetic outcome can be guaranteed.