Introduction
At Muse Skin Clinic, your safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. All cosmetic and aesthetic treatments carry potential risks and side effects. We believe in providing clear, transparent information so you can make informed decisions about your treatment and care.
This page outlines important safety information and potential risks associated with the treatments we offer. Please read this information carefully before proceeding with treatment. During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss these risks in detail and answer any questions you may have.
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What is it?
Anti-wrinkle treatments use prescription products to temporarily relax targeted facial muscles responsible for dynamic lines and wrinkles.
Common Side Effects (more than 10% of patients)
Temporary bruising at injection sites
Mild swelling or redness
Headache (typically resolving within 24–48 hours)
Temporary tenderness or discomfort at injection sites
Uncommon Side Effects (1–10% of patients)
Temporary eyelid or eyebrow drooping (ptosis), usually resolving within 2–4 weeks
Facial asymmetry requiring review or adjustment
Dry eyes or excessive tearing
Flu-like symptoms
Temporary facial weakness
Numbness or altered sensation
Rare but Serious Risks (less than 1% of patients)
Allergic reactions (ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis)
Difficulty swallowing or breathing if product spreads beyond the treatment area
Vision disturbances or double vision
Severe headache or migraine
Muscle weakness in areas away from treatment site
Treatment Area-Specific Risks
Forehead: Brow heaviness, eyelid drooping
Crow’s feet: Dry eyes, difficulty closing eyes
Frown lines: Eyelid drooping, eyebrow asymmetry
Bunny lines: Reduced ability to wrinkle the nose
Gummy smile: Difficulty smiling or temporary lip weakness
Jawline/Masseter: Difficulty chewing, facial asymmetry
Neck bands: Neck weakness or difficulty swallowing
Contraindications – This treatment is not suitable if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a neuromuscular disorder (e.g. myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS)
Have an active infection at the treatment site
Have known allergies to any ingredients
Have recently undergone facial surgery in the treatment area
Are taking certain medications including aminoglycoside antibiotics or muscle relaxants
If You Experience Complications
Minor bruising/swelling: Apply a cold compress and avoid blood-thinning medications where appropriate
Headache: Paracetamol may be taken (avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours unless medically advised)
Eyelid drooping: Contact the clinic for assessment
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or vision changes: Seek urgent medical attention immediately (call 000)
Duration of effects: Approximately 3–4 months. Results are temporary and reversible.
Follow-up: A 2-week review appointment may be offered to assess results and address any concerns. -
What is it?
Dermal filler treatments use gel-based products to restore volume, soften lines, and enhance facial contours.
Common Side Effects (more than 10% of patients)
Temporary swelling (particularly in the lips)
Bruising at injection sites
Redness and tenderness
Temporary lumps or unevenness
Mild discomfort during and after treatment
Uncommon Side Effects (1–10% of patients)
Persistent lumps requiring massage or dissolving treatment
Asymmetry requiring adjustment
Visible or palpable filler under thin skin
Prolonged swelling
Skin discolouration (Tyndall effect)
Acne-like breakouts
Cold sore reactivation in susceptible individuals
Rare but Serious Risks (less than 1% of patients)
Vascular occlusion (blockage of a blood vessel), which is a medical emergency
Tissue damage or skin necrosis
Vision impairment, blindness, or stroke (extremely rare)
Infection or abscess formation
Granulomas or inflammatory nodules
Allergic reactions
Scarring
Nerve damage
Filler migration
Delayed inflammatory reactions or biofilm formation
Warning Signs of Vascular Occlusion
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Severe or worsening pain
Skin blanching (white appearance) or dusky discolouration
Mottled skin appearance
Vision changes
Higher-Risk Treatment Areas
Nose
Forehead
Glabella (frown area)
Tear troughs
Nasolabial folds
Lips
Contraindications – This treatment is not suitable if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have active infection or inflammation at the treatment site
Have allergies to lidocaine or product ingredients
Have a history of severe allergic reactions
Have bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications
Have active cold sores in the treatment area
Have autoimmune conditions affecting healing
If You Experience Complications
Severe pain, blanching, or vision changes: Contact the clinic immediately or present to the nearest emergency department
Minor swelling or bruising: Apply ice packs, sleep elevated, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Persistent lumps or asymmetry: Contact the clinic for review
Signs of infection (increasing redness, heat, swelling, or pus): Contact the clinic immediately
Duration of effects: Typically 6–18 months depending on the product and treatment area.
Follow-up: A review appointment may be offered approximately 2 weeks after treatment. -
What is it?
Chemical peels use professional exfoliating solutions to improve skin texture, tone, pigmentation, and overall skin quality.
Common Side Effects
Temporary redness
Flaking or peeling skin
Dryness and tightness
Mild stinging during treatment
Increased skin sensitivity
Uncommon Side Effects
Prolonged redness
Temporary pigmentation changes
Breakouts or milia
Cold sore reactivation
Rare Risks
Infection
Scarring
Permanent pigmentation changes
Allergic reactions
Visible treatment lines between treated and untreated areas
Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Active skin infections or inflammation
Recent isotretinoin use
History of abnormal scarring
Active cold sores
Recent sunburn or excessive sun exposure
Important Aftercare
Strict sun protection is essential following treatment. Avoid picking or peeling the skin and follow all aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner.
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What is it?
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment using specific wavelengths of light to support skin rejuvenation and healing.
Common Side Effects
Minimal to none
Temporary mild redness
Eye strain if protective eyewear is not used
Contraindications
Photosensitivity disorders
Certain medications causing light sensitivity
Epilepsy or seizure disorders triggered by flashing lights
Certain eye conditions requiring additional precautions
Safety Note: LED therapy is considered a very low-risk treatment. Protective eyewear is always provided during treatment.
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What is it?
Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and skin renewal.
Common Side Effects
Redness for 1–3 days
Mild swelling
Skin tightness
Minor pinpoint bleeding
Temporary sensitivity
Uncommon Side Effects
Bruising
Prolonged redness
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Breakouts or milia
Cold sore reactivation
Rare Risks
Infection
Scarring
Allergic reactions to topical products used during treatment
Contraindications
Active acne or skin infections
Keloid scarring tendency
Blood clotting disorders
Immunosuppression
Recent isotretinoin use
Pregnancy
Important Aftercare
Use gentle skincare, avoid makeup for 24 hours, avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for 48 hours, and wear daily sun protection.
General Risks Applicable to All Aesthetic Treatments
All aesthetic treatments carry some level of risk, including the possibility of infection, bruising, swelling, allergic reactions, and temporary discomfort. At Muse Skin Clinic, your safety is our priority, and we aim to provide clear information so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
Infection Risk
Although uncommon, all cosmetic procedures carry a small risk of infection. Signs may include increasing pain, redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms following treatment, please contact the clinic promptly for advice and assessment.
Bruising & Swelling
Temporary bruising and swelling are common after many aesthetic treatments and usually resolve within several days. You may be more prone to bruising if you take blood-thinning medications, fish oil, vitamin E, or certain supplements. Where medically appropriate, some products may need to be stopped 5–7 days before treatment, however you should always discuss this with your doctor before changing prescribed medications. Arnica products may help minimise bruising in some individuals.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can occur with injectable products, topical products, or skincare used during treatment. Reactions may range from mild irritation, redness, itching, or swelling through to severe allergic reactions in rare cases. Please inform your practitioner if you have a history of allergies, previous reactions to cosmetic treatments, or a history of anaphylaxis. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or severe allergic symptoms.
Pain & Discomfort
Mild discomfort during and after treatment is normal and expected with many aesthetic procedures. Numbing cream, ice, or cooling techniques may be used to improve comfort during treatment. Some tenderness, tightness, or sensitivity may continue for a short period afterward. However, severe, worsening, or persistent pain may indicate a complication and should be assessed by the clinic as soon as possible.
Our Commitment
At Muse Skin Clinic, patient safety is at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care through advanced protocols, ongoing education, and evidence-based treatment practices.
Our safety measures include:
Treatments performed by qualified and experienced medical professionals
Thorough consultations and detailed informed consent processes
Use of premium, TGA-approved pharmaceutical-grade products only
Advanced techniques and protocols designed to minimise risk
Emergency preparedness, including access to emergency dissolving agents where required
Ongoing professional training and education in aesthetic safety and complication management
Comprehensive aftercare instructions and follow-up support
Access to emergency contact support for urgent concerns after treatment
Important Information
Before Your Treatment
Please read all treatment information carefully prior to your appointment. During your consultation, it is important that you disclose all medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous cosmetic treatments so we can assess your suitability safely.
We encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns with your practitioner. Every individual responds differently to treatment, and results can vary depending on factors such as anatomy, skin quality, and lifestyle. While we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes, no cosmetic treatment can guarantee a specific result.
Informed Consent
Prior to treatment, you will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you understand the potential risks, side effects, benefits, and limitations of the procedure. You have the right to decline or postpone treatment at any time, and we encourage all patients to take the time they need to make informed decisions without pressure.
Emergency Contact Information
Please contact the clinic immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after treatment, particularly:Severe or worsening painVision changesDifficulty breathing or swallowingSkin blanching (turning white) or unusual discolourationSigns of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, heat, or discharge
During clinic hours: Please contact the clinic directly on 0493 969 315
After-hours emergency support: Please contact the on-call nurse on 0401 664 996If you are unable to reach us and believe your symptoms require urgent medical attention, please attend your nearest emergency department or call 000 immediately.
