Considering a cosmetic treatment can bring up lots of questions. Especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re exploring non-surgical options (like injectables, skin treatments or lasers) or something more involved, the best starting point is clear information and a thorough consultation. Below are common questions patients ask us, as the leading female plastic surgeon in Bondi Junction:
1) What counts as a “cosmetic treatment”?
Cosmetic treatments include non-surgical procedures (for example: anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, collagen-stimulating injectables, skin needling, chemical peels, laser and light-based treatments) and surgical procedures (such as blepharoplasty/eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast surgery and body contouring). The right category depends on your goals, your anatomy, and what level of change you’re looking for.
2) How do I know if I’m a suitable candidate?
Suitability is individual. A consultation usually covers your medical history, medications and supplements, past procedures, allergies, and what you’re hoping to change. Just as important is whether your expectations match what a treatment can realistically do. Sometimes the safest recommendation is to delay treatment, choose a different approach, or decide not to proceed—and that can be a positive outcome of a good consult.
3) What results can I realistically expect?
Most cosmetic treatments are designed to enhance rather than completely transform. Results vary due to skin quality, facial structure, lifestyle factors, and how your body responds. Your practitioner should explain what change is likely for your specific features, what is less likely, and whether the result will be subtle or more noticeable. If you’re shown example images, remember that lighting, angles and timing can influence how results appear.
4) How long do results last?
Duration depends on the treatment and the individual. Some treatments are temporary and fade gradually, while others can be longer-lasting or permanent (particularly surgical options). Even for the same procedure, longevity can differ based on metabolism, muscle activity, sun exposure, skincare, smoking, and general health. Ask what maintenance typically looks like—if you want ongoing results, what does that involve?
5) Does it hurt?
Comfort levels vary. Some treatments feel like a quick sting or pressure; others can be more uncomfortable. Many clinics use options like topical numbing cream, cooling, local anaesthetic, or other pain-relief strategies depending on the procedure. It’s also normal to have tenderness afterwards for a short time. If you’re anxious about discomfort, mention it early—there are usually ways to make the experience easier.
6) What are the common side effects and risks?
It’s normal to have temporary effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, dryness, or mild irritation—especially with injectables and energy-based treatments. More significant complications are less common but can occur, and the type of risk depends on the procedure. Good questions to ask include:
- What side effects are most common for this treatment?
- What are the less common but more serious risks?
- What warning signs should I watch for?
- Who do I contact if I’m worried, including after hours?
Clear aftercare instructions and appropriate follow-up are an important part of treatment planning.
7) What’s recovery and downtime like?
Some treatments have minimal downtime, but “no downtime” isn’t guaranteed. You may need to plan around events, work, exercise, makeup, sun exposure, flying, or skincare actives. For surgical procedures, recovery is typically longer and may involve time off work, dressings, activity restrictions, and staged healing over weeks to months. Ask what you’ll look and feel like the next day, the next week, and the next month—not just the final outcome.
8) How do I choose the right treatment for my goals?
Start with the “why” and the priority. Are you looking to soften lines, restore volume, improve skin texture, address pigmentation, or refine a specific feature? Often there’s more than one approach. For example, skin quality concerns might respond better to skin therapies or lasers than to adding volume. A thorough assessment should outline options, expected outcomes, risks, and whether combining treatments makes sense (and in what order).
9) What should I tell my practitioner before treatment?
Be open about:
- your medical history and current medications (including blood thinners)
- supplements (some can increase bruising)
- allergies and previous reactions
- prior cosmetic procedures (even years ago)
- pregnancy/breastfeeding status (if relevant)
- history of cold sores (for lip-area treatments)
- upcoming events or travel plans
This information helps reduce risk and improves planning.
10) How much does it cost?
Costs vary based on the type of procedure, complexity, the products or devices used, and the aftercare required. Ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included—consultation, the procedure itself, follow-up visits, and any potential extras (for example, prescriptions or additional sessions). If a procedure is staged, clarify the likely number of sessions so you can budget accurately.
11) Can I go back to normal straight away?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many people return to daily activities quickly, but you may still have visible swelling or bruising. Certain treatments require avoiding exercise, heat exposure, alcohol, or specific skincare ingredients for a short period. Following aftercare matters: it can reduce complications and help you get the best possible healing.
12) What questions should I ask at my consultation?
Here are a few that keep things clear:
- What are my options (including doing nothing for now)?
- What improvement is realistic for my features?
- What are the main risks and warning signs?
- What is the recovery plan and follow-up schedule?
- What will it cost in total, and what might change that?
- If I don’t like the result, what are the options?
Cosmetic treatments should feel like a considered choice, not a rushed decision. A good consultation leaves you feeling informed, comfortable, and clear on the plan, before you commit to anything.
Glossary: The Top 10 Cosmetic Treatment Terms
- Consultation
A planning appointment to discuss your goals, assess suitability, explain options, and go through expected side effects, risks, aftercare and costs. - Downtime
The time after a treatment when you may have visible redness, swelling, bruising, or peeling, and may need to modify activities. - Aftercare
Steps to follow after treatment (e.g., sun protection, skincare guidance, activity limits) to support healing and reduce issues. - Laser / light-based treatment
Device treatments that use focused light (or broad-spectrum light) to target concerns like redness, pigmentation, texture, or hair reduction. - Chemical peel
A treatment that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and improve tone and texture. Strengths range from superficial to deeper. - Microneedling (skin needling)
A procedure using fine needles to create micro-channels in the skin, aiming to improve texture and stimulate collagen over time. - Swelling / bruising
Common short-term effects after many treatments, especially injectables. Usually settles over days, but timing varies. - Results timeline
When you can expect to see changes—some treatments show a quick change that settles, others build gradually over weeks.
