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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 pain
  • Vision changes
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Skin blanching (turning white) or unusual discolouration
  • Signs 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 664 996
If you are unable to reach us and believe your symptoms require urgent medical attention, please attend your nearest emergency department or call 000 immediately.