Risks and ComplicationsNewstead, Brisbane

Redness, warmth, and swelling

Expected after every CO2 laser session. Redness and warmth are normal inflammatory responses to controlled ablative treatment and are part of the healing process. Swelling is common and can be more pronounced around the eyes. These effects typically begin settling within days, though this varies with the depth and intensity of treatment.

Tightness, dryness, and skin sensitivity

The treated skin will feel tight and dry as it heals. Surface sensitivity and discomfort are common in the first several days. These are expected effects of the ablative process and settle as the skin renews. Prescribed aftercare products help manage comfort during this period.

Crusting, flaking, and peeling

The outer layers of skin will crust, flake, and peel as they shed during the healing period. This is a normal and expected part of the renewal process. The skin beneath is delicate and must not be picked, rubbed, or forced to peel. Disrupting this process increases the risk of scarring and infection.

Itching during healing

Itching is a normal part of the healing response and does not indicate a complication in most cases. Scratching or rubbing the treated area must be avoided. If itching is severe or accompanied by unusual redness or discharge, the clinic must be notified promptly.

Prolonged redness

Some patients experience redness extending beyond the expected recovery window, lasting several weeks or months. This is more common after higher-intensity treatments, in lighter skin types, and in individuals with a tendency to flush. In most cases it resolves without intervention. Persistent or worsening redness should be reviewed.

Milia formation and acne flare

Small white cysts (milia) can form as the skin heals, particularly when heavy ointments are used. Acne flares can occur during the recovery period. Both are manageable and typically resolve without long-term consequence. They should be reported to the clinic so appropriate guidance can be provided.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Darkening of the treated skin following ablative laser is one of the most common complications, particularly in Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI (medium, olive, brown, and deeper skin tones). Sun exposure during the healing period significantly increases this risk. PIH can last weeks to months and in some cases may persist longer. Pre-treatment skin conditioning and strict sun avoidance before and after each session are critical risk-reduction measures for at-risk individuals.

Hypopigmentation

Lightening or loss of pigment in the treated area can occur following ablative laser treatment. This is less common than hyperpigmentation and is more frequently associated with higher-intensity treatments. In rare cases, pigment loss may be prolonged or permanent. History of pigmentation sensitivity must be disclosed at consultation.

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection

Ablative laser treatment disrupts the skin barrier, temporarily increasing susceptibility to infection. Bacterial infection can occur if aftercare instructions are not followed. Herpes simplex (cold sore) reactivation is an important risk for any patient with a history of cold sores in or near the treatment area. Antiviral prophylaxis is prescribed in these cases before treatment begins. Fungal infection is rare. Any signs of unusual redness, pus, fever, or spreading discomfort must be reported to the clinic or medical practitioner immediately.

Scarring

Scarring following CO2 laser treatment is uncommon when performed at appropriate settings by a trained practitioner, but it can occur. Hypertrophic or keloidal scarring is more likely in individuals with a prior history of abnormal wound healing. Risk increases with infection, picking or disrupting the healing skin, and in areas such as the jaw, neck, and chest where skin is thinner. Any history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring must be disclosed before treatment.

Eye and periocular risks

When treating areas around the eyes, temporary irritation, swelling around the eyelids, and increased tearing are common. Protective eyewear is worn by both the patient and the treating practitioner during all laser treatment. Removal of protective eyewear at any point during treatment is not permitted. Swelling around the eyes typically resolves within several days.

Delayed wound healing

Some patients experience a slower healing response than expected. Factors that increase this risk include smoking, certain medications, compromised immune function, nutritional deficiencies, and poor aftercare. If healing appears to be progressing unusually slowly or the skin shows signs of breakdown, the clinic must be contacted promptly.

Temporary textural change and asymmetry

The skin surface may feel or appear irregular during the healing period. Swelling can cause temporary facial asymmetry that resolves as healing progresses. Abnormal textural change persisting beyond the expected recovery timeline, or permanent textural alteration, is a recognised but uncommon complication and should be reviewed.

Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome

CO2 laser resurfacing may not achieve the degree of improvement hoped for, or the outcome may differ from expectations. Results vary significantly between individuals based on skin type, the extent of the concern, and the healing response. No specific outcome can be guaranteed. Further treatment may be required and is not always appropriate or possible.

Risk factors that increase complication likelihood

The following factors increase the likelihood of complications and must be disclosed at consultation: recent or active sun exposure, use of tanning products, smoking, a history of poor wound healing, previous keloid or hypertrophic scarring, active skin infection in the treatment area, photosensitising medications, immunosuppression, and inadequate adherence to pre- and post-treatment care instructions.

Bruising, swelling and tenderness

Common after thread procedures and usually resolves within 1–3 weeks. The extent varies with the number and type of threads used and the area treated. Arnica and aftercare instructions are provided to support recovery.

Thread visibility or palpability

Threads may occasionally be visible under the skin or palpable to the touch, particularly in thinner skin areas. This may resolve as swelling settles. Persistent visibility may require management.

Dimpling or puckering of the skin

Temporary dimpling or puckering at entry points or along the thread path is common in the first weeks. In most cases this resolves as healing progresses. Persistent dimpling may require assessment.

Asymmetry

Due to individual tissue response, healing and muscle activity, asymmetry can occur. Some asymmetry settles spontaneously. A review appointment is included.

Thread migration or extrusion

Threads can, in uncommon cases, migrate from their placement position or, more rarely, work their way to the surface. Extrusion (where a thread emerges through the skin) requires prompt assessment and removal of the affected thread.

Infection

Infection at entry points is uncommon but possible. Sterile technique is used throughout. Entry point aftercare instructions must be followed. Signs of infection at any entry point must be reported promptly.

Nerve injury

Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the treated area can occur and usually resolves. Injury to named facial nerves is rare with appropriate technique but can cause prolonged or permanent changes in motor or sensory function in the area. This risk is discussed at consultation for areas at higher risk.

Redness, peeling and dryness

Expected, particularly after peels and PRX-Plus. Degree and duration depends on treatment depth and individual skin. Instructions on managing the peeling phase are provided at treatment.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

A significant risk with peels and microneedling in medium to darker skin types. Pre-treatment conditioning, appropriate product selection, strict sun protection and post-care reduce but do not eliminate this risk. All at-risk skin types are assessed and managed specifically.

Herpes simplex (cold sore) activation

Peels and microneedling can trigger cold sore outbreaks in individuals with a history of oral herpes simplex. A history of cold sores must be disclosed prior to treatment. Prophylactic antiviral treatment may be recommended and is available on prescription.

Infection

Uncommon when sterile technique is used and aftercare is followed. Risk is higher in active acne, rosacea flare or other active skin conditions. These must be disclosed and may be a contraindication depending on the treatment.

Unexpected skin reaction

Some individuals experience unexpected reactions including persistent redness, breakouts or heightened sensitivity. A skin sensitivity assessment is carried out before treatment. Known allergies and skin conditions must be disclosed.

Scarring

Rare with appropriate technique and settings. Risk increases with infection, poor aftercare and certain skin types. Keloid or hypertrophic scar history must be disclosed.

Temporary numbness, tingling and bruising

Common with cryolipolysis. The treated area typically experiences temporary numbness and a firm, frozen feeling during treatment, followed by tingling, redness and bruising. These generally resolve within days to weeks.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (cryolipolysis)

A rare complication specific to cryolipolysis in which the treated fat cells enlarge rather than reduce, resulting in a firm, enlarged mass in the treated area. More common in males. It is uncommon, though it may be underreported. This complication does not resolve without intervention and typically requires treatment by other methods. It is disclosed in full at the cryolipolysis consultation, and is discussed in the relevant consent documentation.

Skin irregularity or contour changes

Fat reduction in one area without addressing surrounding skin laxity can result in visible surface irregularity. Combining cryolipolysis with skin tightening treatments is discussed at consultation to address this where applicable.

Burns or blistering

Rare with appropriate device settings and monitoring during treatment. The Cristal device maintains precise temperature monitoring. Any unusual pain during cryolipolysis treatment should be reported to the treating clinician immediately.

Muscle soreness (Evolve X)

EMS (Tone and Transform) treatments using the Evolve X produce voluntary muscle contractions and commonly result in muscle soreness similar to post-exercise soreness for 24–72 hours.

Cannula site bruising and pain

Bruising, tenderness and local discomfort at the cannula insertion site are common and usually resolve within a few days.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the vein at or near the cannula site. Usually mild and self-limiting. The cannula site is monitored throughout each session. Any warmth, redness or pain extending beyond the site should be reported.

Fluid or electrolyte disturbance

Intravenous administration can affect fluid balance and electrolyte levels. This is particularly relevant in patients with kidney, cardiovascular or other relevant conditions, which is why a full medical assessment is required before any IV session.

Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions to IV formulation components can occur and in rare cases can progress to anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. All known allergies are documented at the pre-session assessment.

Infection at cannula site

Uncommon when sterile technique is used. Any sign of infection at the site (increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge) after your session should be reported to the clinic or your GP promptly.

Post-procedure redness and scabbing

Expected after cauterisation procedures. A small scab forms at the treated site and falls away within a week. The area should not be picked or rubbed during healing.

Pigmentation changes

Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation at the treated site is possible, particularly in medium to darker skin types. Sun protection of the healed site reduces this risk.

Scarring

Uncommon with appropriate technique. History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring must be disclosed before the procedure.

Infection

The treated site should be kept clean and dry according to aftercare instructions. Signs of infection at the site (increasing redness, warmth, discharge or pain beyond 48 hours) should be reported to the clinic or your GP promptly.