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

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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5/12 Highfields Circuit, Port Macquarie

0421 253 025

Text Us on 0482 093 538

[email protected]

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Opening Hours:
Monday: 9am – 5:00pm

Tuesday: 9am – 8:00pm

Wednesday: 9am – 5:00pm

Thursday: 9am – 5:00pm

Friday: 9am – 5:00pm

Saturday: 9am – 1:30pm

Sunday Closed

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