TREATMENT RISKS & SAFETY INFORMATION

This information was updated 19th March 2026


Introduction

At Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic, your safety is our highest priority. All cosmetic treatments carry potential risks, and we believe in providing you with complete, transparent information so you can make informed decisions about your care.

This page provides detailed information about the risks associated with the treatments we offer. Please read this information carefully before booking any treatment. During your consultation, we will discuss these risks in detail and answer any questions you may have.

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:
  1. Facial weakness or paralysis (temporary or permanent)
  2. 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:

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

Important Information

Before Your Treatment:

  • Before Your Treatment:
  • Read this information carefully
  • Discuss any concerns during your consultation
  • Disclose all medical conditions and medications
  • Ask questions - we want you fully informed
  • Understand that results vary between individuals
  • Be realistic about expected outcomes


Informed Consent:

  • You will be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging you understand the risks
  • You have the right to decline treatment at any time
  • Take time to consider - there is no pressure to proceed

Emergency Contact:

If you experience any concerning symptoms after treatment, especially:
  • Severe pain
  • Vision changes
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Skin blanching (turning white) or dusky discoloration
  • Signs of infection

Contact the clinic immediately: 
During work hours please call the clinic immediately on 0421 253 025
for after hours emergency please call the doctor on call phone on 0421 253 025 

If you cannot reach us, go to your nearest emergency department or call 000.

Questions?

We encourage you to ask questions during your consultation.
No question is too small when it comes to your safety and wellbeing.
Contact Us

Last updated: 19/03/2026

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0421 253 025

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