Key Takeaways
- Allows for a more targeted discussion and planning of your service.
- A single consultation may be sufficient to assess the area and formulate a plan.
- A clear understanding of the post-service experience and downtime.
- Focuses the discussion on addressing specific synthetic products.
The increasing interest and accessibility of Facial Volume Consultations has also led to a rise in enquiries about addressing existing products. Many of the commonly used products are hyaluronic acid (HA) based gels. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the body that contributes to skin hydration. The synthetic versions used in cosmetic services are designed to address concerns related to shape, volume, and hydration, with varying levels of viscosity. To address unwanted product, a clinician can discuss the use of an enzyme called hyaluronidase (Hyalase), which is intended to break down the synthetic hyaluronic acid.
At Shellharbour Skin, our consultations may involve using ultrasound technology to visualise the underlying tissues and accurately identify the location of existing products. This advanced approach allows for a highly focused and precise discussion about your options, ensuring the plan is tailored specifically to your circumstances.
Individuals may seek a consultation for various reasons, including dissatisfaction with a previous aesthetic outcome, product movement (also known as ‘migration’), or to discuss more significant concerns such as a vascular occlusion, where product may be impacting blood flow to the surrounding tissue.
Table: Ultrasound-Assisted Consultations: At a Glance
Suitable for: Individuals with concerns about existing dermal products, including product placement, migration, or vascular occlusion.
Consultation time: Approx. 30 mins
Number of consultations recommended: Often, a single consultation is sufficient for an initial assessment.
Focus: Exploring the option of permanently addressing synthetic hyaluronic acid products.
Post-consultation considerations: Discussion of potential for bruising and the use of local anaesthetic.
Cost: $
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect?
During your consultation, your Doctor or Nurse may use a handheld ultrasound machine to view the area of concern. Once the clinician identifies and maps out the area for discussion, they will show you the scan and ask for your confirmation that this is the area you wish to explore options for. Before any service proceeds, your clinician will take clinical photos of the area, which are stored securely in your confidential file. Should you decide to proceed with a service after your consultation, the clinical team would then prepare the product (Hyalase) and administer it to the agreed zones. After the service, you may experience temporary effects such as bruising and swelling. Your clinician will discuss the typical timeline for these effects to settle, which can be around 2-4 weeks.
What is the cost of an Ultrasound-Assisted Consultation service?
The cost of an Ultrasound-Assisted Consultation and any subsequent service varies from person to person, depending on the scope of the discussion and the area being assessed to address your specific concerns. We always recommend an initial consultation in our clinic to establish a clear understanding of the potential costs. The Doctor can assess the areas of concern and develop a personalised plan based on your suitability, goals, and health. As a guide, prices start at $245.
What are the considerations and aftercare following this type of service?
The process discussed in the consultation addresses existing products in a way that is considered permanent and irreversible. It’s possible that multiple sessions may be discussed as an option to align with your goals. We can also explore subsequent Facial Volume Consultations to address any related volume concerns you may have after the area has settled. Except in specific clinical situations like a vascular occlusion, the decision to proceed with any service is always yours.
To support your skin post-service and encourage a comfortable experience, your doctor or nurse will provide you with a follow-up plan, which may include suggestions such as:
- Take pain relief as required.
- Avoid touching the area where the service was administered.
- It is advisable to give your skin a few makeup-free days after your service.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a week after the service.
- Avoid using active skincare products for at least five days after the service.
- Avoid other skin services that may place stress on the skin, such as microdermabrasion, skin needling, and facial massage.
- Stay away from extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hydrotherapy, ice baths, or hot yoga, until the area has fully settled.
- Avoid inverted positions and keep your head elevated for the first four hours after your service.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with this type of service?
For any cosmetic or medical service, it is important you are aware of the associated risks and potential complications before making a decision. This particular service carries the following potential risks and complications:
- Allergic reaction
- Scarring
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Bruises
- Skin discolouration
- Itching
- Redness
Sounds great. Where do I start?
To explore your options for an Ultrasound-Assisted Consultation, the first step is to book an initial appointment at our Shellharbour clinic with our qualified clinical team. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your lifestyle and health, including your medical history, any allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to mention any past reactions to drugs or skincare products, as well as any other recent aesthetic services you’ve had. These factors help your clinician assess your suitability.
If you have any concerns, your consultation is the ideal time to ask questions. Your clinician will ask about your current concerns and your reasons for exploring a cosmetic service, and will evaluate the area in question. You should feel comfortable discussing what you hope to explore and your aesthetic goals. All the information you provide is essential for developing a customised plan that considers your health and concerns to ensure the approach is appropriate for you.
If you have a question, get in touch and one of our staff will be in touch shortly.