Ultrasound-Assisted Consultations for Aesthetic Concerns

Ultrasound imaging is increasingly recognised as a valuable tool in aesthetic medicine.

At Shellharbour Skin, this consultation is designed to provide a detailed, visual understanding of tissue structure beneath the skin, helping clinicians make informed, evidence-based decisions about your care.

Rather than focusing on a specific procedure, this service centres on assessment and education, helping you understand what may be occurring beneath the surface following previous cosmetic treatments and how this information can guide safe future planning.

The Role of Ultrasound in Aesthetic Medicine

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of tissue, muscle, and vascular structures.
In the context of aesthetic medicine, it can assist clinicians to:

Visualise tissue layers to better understand anatomy and how previous treatments interact with them.

Locate existing material from prior cosmetic procedures, where applicable.

Map vascular networks to support safety when planning any subsequent treatment.

Identify inflammation or irregularities that may be contributing to visible changes in texture or symmetry.

By offering real-time imaging, ultrasound provides a scientific foundation for decision-making — enhancing patient safety and clinician precision. as a vascular occlusion, where product may be impacting blood flow to the surrounding tissue.

Understanding Aesthetic Changes

Facial shape and texture can evolve over time due to natural ageing, lifestyle, and previous treatments.

Factors that contribute to visible change include:

Volume movement or retention in soft-tissue layers

Loss of elasticity through reduced collagen and elastin

Altered bone support or muscle tension

Vascular changes affecting tissue health and appearance

Ultrasound provides a scientific way to assess these layers and identify whether existing material or anatomy is contributing to your concern, forming the basis of an appropriate management plan.

Your Consultation at Shellharbour Skin

Each ultrasound-assisted consultation is a detailed, discussion-based appointment designed around your individual needs.

Your clinician may:

• Review your medical history, medications, and allergies
• Examine the area of concern and perform ultrasound imaging if appropriate
• Explain the images and findings clearly
• Discuss suitable management pathways based on what is identified
• Outline the benefits, limitations, and potential next steps
• Ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your care
• Opportunity to ask questions and concerns

All consultations are conducted under medical supervision by practitioners experienced in ultrasound use for aesthetic assessment.

Management Pathways

If ultrasound imaging identifies material from previous aesthetic treatments, your clinician may discuss possible management pathways.

These are designed to address concerns such as visible irregularities, migrated material, or localised volume changes, always in a medically controlled and evidence-based manner.

Management pathways may include:

• Observation or monitoring where intervention is not immediately required
• Corrective approaches aimed at safely addressing or rebalancing existing material
• Referral or collaborative care with other medical practitioners if necessary

Any corrective process is performed only after a full medical assessment and under direct medical supervision. Your clinician will explain the reasoning, potential risks, expected recovery, and aftercare before proceeding with any next step.

After the Consultation

Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive and has little to no downtime. Following your consultation, you may be advised to return for review, follow-up imaging, or further discussion once findings are fully assessed. Your clinician will ensure you have a clear understanding of any recommendations and timeframes for ongoing management.

Risks and Considerations

Ultrasound imaging itself is very safe and does not involve radiation.

When further corrective care is discussed, your clinician will explain all associated risks and the precautions taken to minimise them.

Possible temporary effects may include:

• Mild redness, swelling or bruising,
• Sensitivity at the scanned site
• Localised swelling or tenderness
• Rarely, short-term bruising or irritation

If you experience unexpected pain, swelling, or discolouration following any clinical treatment, contact the clinic promptly for assessment.

Cost and Planning

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the consultation and whether ultrasound imaging is required. Your clinician will confirm the cost before your appointment begins.

If a corrective approach is discussed, this will be outlined and cost separately after your clinical assessment.

Important Information

• Shellharbour Skin provides consultations for assessment and management planning only.
• We do not advertise or promote prescription-only products.
  All services are provided following a comprehensive medical assessment and informed-consent process.
• Suitability, outcomes, and recovery vary between individuals.
  Services are intended for adults aged 18 years and over.
• This information is provided for educational and transparency purposes and should not replace individual medical advice.

Practitioner Transparency

Consultations and skin treatments at Shellharbour Skin are provided by a multidisciplinary clinical team:

Dermal Clinicians – qualified skin professionals who are not registered under AHPRA but hold tertiary qualifications in dermal science or dermal therapies. They provide skin treatments and consultations within their professional scope and under clinical supervision.

Registered Nurses – AHPRA-registered health practitioners who perform skin and aesthetic treatments within their clinical training and scope of practice.

Medical Practitioners – AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine who oversee and support all clinical services.

All treatments are undertaken within a medically supervised environment, ensuring that each patient pathway is reviewed for clinical suitability, safety, and evidence-based care.

You can verify registration for medical practitioners and nurses at ahpra.gov.au