Your Safety First: Understanding the Risks of Non-Surgical Cosmetic treatments
For Educational Purposes Only.
Injectable treatments, including dermal fillers, lip fillers, skin boosters, biostimulators and anti-wrinkle treatments are among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic aesthetic procedures. When performed by a qualified health practitioner, they can be a potential treatment for several indications. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s important to understand the risks of injectable treatments and the possible side effects before deciding what’s right for you.
Your safety is the priority and you are entitled to transparent, honest, evidence-based care. This guide outlines the common side effects of fillers, less common reactions, and rare complications you should be aware of.
Why Understanding the Risks Matters
Even though injectables are minimally invasive, they are still medical procedures that require anatomical expertise. Being informed empowers you to choose a safe provider and know when to seek help if something doesn’t feel right, Choosing a reputable, experienced practitioner is essential.
Common Side Effects of Injectable Treatments
These short-term side effects are normal and usually settle within days.
1. Redness and Swelling
Mild swelling or redness at the injection site is expected after dermal filler or anti-wrinkle injections. These usually resolve quickly.
2. Bruising
One of the most common lip filler side effects and occurs due to tiny capillaries under the skin.
3. Tenderness or Discomfort
It’s normal to feel slight tenderness, especially after cheek filler or jawline filler treatments.
4. Small Lumps or Bumps
These are usually temporary and settle as the filler integrates.
Less Common Side Effects
These can happen but are usually mild and manageable.
1. Asymmetry
Temporary unevenness may appear due to swelling or product placement and can often be corrected easily.
2. Headache
More commonly associated with anti-wrinkle treatments.
3. Flu-Like Symptoms
A short-lived immune response occasionally follows injectable treatments.
4. Localised Infection
Rare when treated in a medical setting with proper sterile technique.
Rare but Serious Risks
These complications are uncommon but require immediate attention.
1. Allergic Reactions
Although hyaluronic acid fillers are well tolerated, allergies or hypersensitivity are possible.
2. Prolonged Swelling or Soreness
Can indicate an inflammatory reaction or delayed sensitivity to filler injections.
Misplacement or spreading of filler outside the intended area. This is more commonly seen in lip filler migration.
4. Vascular Occlusion
A rare but serious complication where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel. Symptoms may include:
Severe pain
Skin discolouration
Coolness or mottling of the skin
Immediate medical intervention is essential. This is why injectables must only be performed by trained medical professionals with the skills to manage complications.
How Professional, Ethical Practitioners Minimise Risks
We follow strict safety protocols to ensure the highest level of care:
✔ Comprehensive Consultations
They assess your medical history, goals, and suitability for injectable treatments.
✔ Advanced Anatomical Skill
Medical expertise reduces the risk of complications and ensures good outcomes.
✔ High-Quality, Licensed Products
They only use reputable TGA approved product brands.
✔ Medical-Grade Hygiene
Aseptic technique minimises infection risks.
✔ Clear, Compassionate Aftercare
They provide detailed aftercare instructions and direct support if any concerns arise.
When to Seek Help
You should contact your injector immediately if you experience:
Increasing or severe pain
Blanching or patchy skin discolouration
Swelling that worsens rather than settles
Any worrying symptoms after injectables
Early review can prevent complications from progressing.
Final Thoughts
Injectable treatments, when performed safely by qualified practitioners, can deliver results but do carry risks and side effects. Understanding the risks and side effects of injectables ensures you feel informed, confident, and empowered throughout your treatment journey.
Rewa Aesthetics 2025
Disclaimer: Blog posts are for educational purposes only.
All aesthetic treatments come with risks and potential side effects, and not all treatments are suitable for everyone. A thorough consultation is essential to determine what is safe and appropriate for each individual.