Adverse Reactions, Side Effects & Risks
Cosmetic medical procedures involving prescription-only medications, such as anti-
wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, carry inherent risks. At Base Aesthetics, patient
safety is paramount, and we are committed to full transparency about the potential
outcomes of treatment. These are not beauty treatments - they are medical
interventions that require comprehensive clinical assessment and informed
consent.
Clinical Risk Disclosure
All injectable procedures at Base Aesthetics are performed under clinical protocols
by registered nurses and prescribing clinicians. Treatment may only proceed
following a practitioner-led consultation. Based on clinical judgment, the
prescribing practitioner will determine if treatment is appropriate. There is no
guarantee of prescription or treatment following your consultation.
Potential Side Effects
Adverse effects vary depending on individual medical history, medication
interactions, and physiological response. Patients must be aware that reactions can
range from mild and self-limiting to moderate or severe, requiring clinical
intervention or time off work.
Common Reactions (Mild–Moderate)
- Localised redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site
- Bruising, which may vary in severity and visibility
- Headache or local discomfort post-anti-wrinkle treatment
- Itching or a transient rash
- Asymmetry or temporary muscle imbalance
- Mild injection-site swelling that may last up to 5 days
While these reactions are generally mild, clients should anticipate visible downtime
of 24–72 hours and may wish to avoid social or professional commitments during
this period.
Moderate to Severe Reactions
- Significant swelling or prolonged bruising requiring time off work
- Biofilm formation: A chronic inflammatory reaction caused by bacteria
introduced during treatment, which may present weeks to months later and
require antibiotic therapy or surgical intervention
- Inflammatory nodules: Firm lumps caused by immune response or product
reaction, sometimes requiring steroids, hyaluronidase, or referral
- Infection at injection sites
- Persistent asymmetry or irregularity in appearance
- Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to dermal filler products
Rare but Serious Risks
- Vascular occlusion: Accidental injection into a blood vessel, which can lead
to skin necrosis if not treated immediately
- Vision compromise or blindness (extremely rare): Associated with filler
migration into vascular supply near the eyes
- Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction requiring urgent emergency response
- Nerve injury: Resulting in temporary or, in rare cases, permanent sensory
changes
Disclosure Requirements
All patients are required to complete a thorough medical history prior to consultation.
Failure to disclose accurate and complete medical information may result in
refusal of treatment. This includes:
- Use of blood-thinning medications or supplements
- History of autoimmune conditions, recent viral infections, or systemic illness
- Previous cosmetic procedures and their outcomes
- Allergies, including known reactions to local anaesthetics or lidocaine
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to conceive
Clinical Governance & Patient Safety
At Base Aesthetics, we operate strictly under Australian healthcare law and the
standards set by:
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Relevant state-based Nursing and Midwifery Boards
All cosmetic procedures are performed or overseen by qualified practitioners,
including:
Nurse Ebony Steffensen - Registered Nurse (Division 1), AHPRA No.
NMW0002588465
Nurse Bridget Savage - Registered Nurse (Division 1), AHPRA No.
NMW0001538519
Nurse Angie Hunt - Registered Nurse (Division 1), AHPRA No.
NMW0001575918
Product Integrity
At Base Aesthetics, we use only TGA-approved medical products. This ensures
product integrity, batch traceability, and adherence to national safety standards.
Clinical Consultations
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation. This includes:
- Full clinical history taking
- Discussion of expected outcomes
- Informed consent with acknowledgment of risks
- Time for questions and clarification
- Explanation of post-treatment care, adverse event identification, and when to
seek medical review
A prescription-only medication will only be supplied if the prescriber determines
the treatment to be medically appropriate following assessment.
In the Event of a Reaction
If you experience any concerning symptoms or unexpected reactions following
treatment, you must contact our clinical team immediately. You can reach Base Aesthetics at:
0401 458 006
hello@baseaesthetics.com.au
17 Charles Street, South Perth WA 6151
In the case of an emergency (e.g., suspected vascular occlusion/ anaphylaxis), you
must seek urgent medical attention via emergency services.
Ongoing Care
We encourage open, ongoing communication. If you're unsure whether what you're
experiencing is normal or would like further support, please don’t hesitate to reach
out. Your clinical safety, outcomes, and understanding of your treatment are our
responsibility and priority.