Complications & Support
Aesthetic treatments carry a small but real risk of complications. We want you to feel confident that if something does not go as expected, our clinical team is ready to help you — promptly, calmly, and without judgement.
Call the Clinic NowYour Safety Comes First
At Westbury Chemist, every treatment is carried out by trained medical professionals in a pharmacy-led clinical environment. We use premium products from trusted manufacturers and follow strict hygiene and safety protocols at every stage.
Even so, the body's response to any procedure can vary from person to person. This page explains what to watch for after treatment, how to tell the difference between a normal reaction and a genuine complication, and exactly what to do if you need support.
Know When to Act
Not every post-treatment symptom is a complication. Use this guide to assess what you are experiencing and decide on your next step.
Emergency — Act Now
Call the clinic immediately or attend A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Skin turning white, blue, or mottled near the treatment area
- Sudden change in vision or loss of sight
- Severe, escalating pain that does not respond to paracetamol
- Tissue that feels hard, cold, or numb
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or widespread rash (anaphylaxis)
- Signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech
Urgent — Contact Us Today
Reach out to the clinic within the same day if you notice:
- Increasing swelling that worsens after 48 hours
- Redness spreading beyond the treated area
- Hot, painful lumps forming under the skin
- Pus, discharge, or a foul smell from the treatment site
- Fever or feeling generally unwell after treatment
- Persistent numbness or tingling beyond 24 hours
Normal — Monitor at Home
The following are expected responses and usually resolve without intervention:
- Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness for 2–5 days
- Light bruising at or around injection sites
- Small bumps that flatten within hours (skin boosters)
- Tightness, dryness, or flaking after chemical peels
- Mild asymmetry during the first 1–2 weeks (fillers)
- Temporary headache after anti-wrinkle treatment
Treatment-Specific Complications
Select a treatment to learn about its specific risks, warning signs, and our management approach.
✨ Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are among the most commonly performed non-surgical treatments worldwide. When administered by a trained practitioner using high-quality hyaluronic acid products, serious complications are rare — but awareness is essential.
Common Side Effects (expected, resolve within days)
- Swelling and tenderness at injection sites
- Bruising, particularly in vascular areas such as the lips and under eyes
- Mild asymmetry as swelling settles at different rates
- Small, soft lumps that smooth out as the filler integrates
- Temporary firmness or tightness in the treated area
Uncommon Complications (require clinical review)
- Infection — redness, warmth, swelling, and discharge appearing 3–14 days after treatment. May require antibiotics.
- Granuloma — a firm nodule caused by the body's immune reaction to the filler. Rare with hyaluronic acid products and treatable.
- Migration — filler moving from the original placement area. More common with non-HA fillers or repeated high-volume treatments.
- Prolonged asymmetry — if unevenness persists beyond two weeks, a review appointment allows your practitioner to assess and adjust.
💉 Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily relax targeted facial muscles. The product has been used safely in medicine and aesthetics for decades, and side effects are typically mild.
Common Side Effects
- Mild redness and small bumps at injection sites — these usually resolve within an hour
- Light bruising, particularly around the forehead and crow's feet area
- Temporary headache on the day of treatment
- Slight tenderness when pressing the treated area
Uncommon Complications
- Eyelid or brow ptosis (drooping) — occurs if the product migrates to unintended muscles. This is temporary and typically resolves within 2–6 weeks as the toxin wears off. Prescription eye drops can help lift the eyelid during this period.
- Heavy or "frozen" expression — usually the result of overtreatment. This can be assessed and managed at your 14-day follow-up, and subsides naturally as the product metabolises.
- Asymmetry — mild unevenness in muscle relaxation can be corrected with a small top-up at your review appointment.
- Spread beyond the target area — can cause unintended muscle relaxation in adjacent areas. Rare when proper injection technique and dosing are used.
💧 Skin Boosters & Polynucleotides
Skin booster treatments — including Profhilo, Seventy Hyal, Mesotherapy, Lumi Eyes, Nucleofill, and Plinest — deliver hydrating and regenerative ingredients directly beneath the skin. They carry a very low risk profile, though complications can still occur.
Common Side Effects
- Raised wheals (small bumps) at injection points — these are expected and usually flatten within 2–6 hours
- Redness and mild swelling lasting 24–48 hours
- Tenderness and slight bruising at injection sites
- Mild itching as the product distributes beneath the skin
Uncommon Complications
- Infection — redness, heat, swelling, and pain developing after 48 hours may indicate bacterial contamination and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Allergic reaction — though extremely rare with hyaluronic acid and polynucleotide products, localised or generalised allergic responses can occur. Signs include hives, excessive swelling, and itching beyond the treatment area.
- Nodule formation — small, firm lumps that persist beyond one week should be assessed by your practitioner.
- Bruising around the under-eye area — treatments such as Lumi Eyes and Nucleofill under eye may produce more visible bruising due to the delicate skin in this region.
🧴 Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use controlled acid solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath. The depth of the peel determines the intensity of side effects and the potential for complications.
Expected Reactions (normal healing)
- Redness and tightness lasting several days (deeper peels may cause redness for 1–2 weeks)
- Peeling, flaking, and shedding of skin from day 2–3 onwards
- Mild stinging or sensitivity to touch during the healing phase
- Temporary dryness and a "papery" texture to the skin
Complications Requiring Attention
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — darkened patches that develop after healing, more common in darker skin tones. Treatable with targeted skincare and strict sun protection.
- Hypopigmentation — lighter patches of skin. Rare, but may occur with deeper peels. This can be permanent in some cases.
- Scarring — extremely rare with superficial and medium peels, but possible with deep peels or if the skin is picked or scraped during healing.
- Infection — bacterial, viral (including cold sore reactivation), or fungal infection of compromised skin. Redness, crusting, pain, and discharge beyond what is expected for the peel depth should be reported.
- Prolonged erythema — persistent redness lasting beyond the expected healing window may indicate deeper-than-intended chemical penetration.
🔬 Microneedling
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to trigger your body's natural collagen production. The procedure is generally well tolerated, but the temporary disruption of the skin barrier means proper care and awareness are important.
Expected Reactions
- Sunburn-like redness lasting 24–72 hours
- Mild swelling, warmth, and skin tightness
- Dryness and light flaking from days 3–7 as the skin renews
- Slight pinpoint bleeding during the procedure (normal)
Complications
- Infection — the skin's barrier is temporarily compromised after microneedling, making it more vulnerable to bacteria. Signs include increasing redness, pus, pain, and heat beyond 48 hours.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — darkened areas that develop during healing. Risk is higher in darker skin tones and when sun protection is inadequate post-treatment.
- Scarring — extremely rare when the correct needle depth is used by a trained practitioner. Risk increases if the skin is picked or irritated during healing.
- Allergic reaction to post-treatment products — if a serum or recovery product is applied after microneedling, it penetrates deeper than usual and may trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.
- Herpes simplex reactivation — as with peels, microneedling on the lower face can trigger cold sores in susceptible patients.
🩸 PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP uses your own blood plasma, concentrated with growth factors, to stimulate skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. Because the product is derived from your own body, allergic reactions are exceptionally rare.
Expected Reactions
- Redness and pinkish skin tone lasting 24–48 hours (especially after a Vampire Facial)
- Mild swelling and tenderness at injection points
- Bruising, particularly on the face and hands
- Scalp tenderness lasting 1–2 days after hair restoration PRP
Complications
- Infection — while rare, any procedure involving needles carries infection risk. Signs include worsening redness, pus, warmth, and increasing pain beyond 48 hours.
- Bruising at the blood draw site — mild bruising on the inner arm where blood was taken is common and harmless.
- No visible improvement — PRP results depend on the quality of the platelet concentrate and individual healing response. A course of treatments is typically needed, and results are not guaranteed for all patients.
- Dizziness or faintness — some patients feel light-headed during or after the blood draw. Eating a meal beforehand and staying hydrated reduces this risk.
💧 IV Vitamin Therapy
IV vitamin drips deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for faster absorption. The procedure is low risk when performed by trained medical professionals in a clinical environment.
Expected Reactions
- Mild metallic taste during or shortly after infusion (common with certain vitamins)
- A warm flush, particularly during high-dose Vitamin C infusions
- Slight bruising or tenderness at the cannula insertion site
- Temporary light-headedness immediately after the session
Complications
- Phlebitis — inflammation of the vein at the cannula site. Signs include redness, warmth, swelling, and a hard, tender cord along the vein. Apply warm compresses and contact the clinic.
- Infiltration — if the cannula shifts, fluid can leak into the surrounding tissue, causing localised swelling and discomfort. This resolves as the body reabsorbs the fluid.
- Allergic reaction — rare, but possible with any intravenous substance. Signs include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or a rapid heartbeat.
- Air embolism — extremely rare in clinical settings. Our practitioners use standard safety protocols to prevent air entering the line.
- Infection at cannula site — redness, swelling, discharge, or increasing pain at the insertion point developing over 24–48 hours should be reported.
💊 Vitamin IM Injections
Intramuscular vitamin injections (B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Biotin) are quick, low-risk treatments with a well-established safety profile. Complications are uncommon but worth understanding.
Expected Reactions
- Mild soreness or aching at the injection site lasting up to 24 hours
- Small bruise at the injection point
- Temporary warmth or flushing (particularly B12)
Complications
- Localised infection — redness, heat, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site that worsens over 24–48 hours.
- Allergic reaction — although extremely rare with standard vitamin preparations, anaphylaxis remains a theoretical risk with any injection. Signs include widespread rash, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Nerve irritation — transient tingling or shooting sensation if the needle contacts a superficial nerve. This typically resolves without treatment.
- Abscess formation — a painful, swollen lump at the injection site that may require drainage. Very rare with proper aseptic technique.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
We take complication management as seriously as the treatments themselves. Here is how Westbury Chemist safeguards every patient.
Pharmacy-Led Clinical Standards
All treatments are performed by GPhC-registered medical professionals trained in both the delivery and management of aesthetic procedures. Our pharmacy-led model brings a heightened focus on product safety, dosing accuracy, and clinical governance.
Emergency Protocols in Place
Hyaluronidase for filler reversal is stocked and immediately accessible. Our team is trained in managing vascular occlusion, allergic reactions, and other acute complications on site.
Premium Products Only
We use trusted, CE-marked dermal fillers and toxins from established manufacturers including Juvederm, Restylane, Revolax, and Teoxane. Every product is traceable and batch-recorded for your safety.
Thorough Consultation Process
Every patient receives a detailed consultation before any procedure. We assess suitability, explain risks, manage expectations, and ensure fully informed consent before treatment begins.
Ongoing Aftercare Support
Your care does not end when you leave the clinic. We provide clear aftercare guidance, complimentary review appointments for anti-wrinkle treatments, and open lines of communication for any post-treatment concerns.
Transparent Complication Management
If a complication arises, we act quickly and openly. We document, treat, and follow up until the issue is fully resolved. We do not charge for complication management arising from treatments performed at our clinic.
Need Help Right Now?
If you are experiencing an unexpected reaction after treatment at Westbury Chemist, contact us immediately. For life-threatening symptoms, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E.
Complications & Support FAQs
Answers to common concerns about post-treatment complications.
How do I know if what I am experiencing is normal?
Mild swelling, redness, bruising, and tenderness are expected after most aesthetic treatments and typically resolve within a few days. Use the triage guide above to assess your symptoms. When in doubt, contact the clinic — we would rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry at home.
What should I do if I think I have a complication outside clinic hours?
For non-urgent concerns, email the clinic and we will respond at the earliest opportunity. For anything you believe is serious — particularly signs of vascular occlusion (blanching, severe pain, vision changes) or allergic reaction — attend your nearest A&E immediately. Tell the medical team what treatment you received, when it was performed, and what products were used. This information is recorded on your treatment consent form.
Can dermal filler complications be reversed?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is effective for managing vascular occlusion, over-filling, migration, and other filler-related complications. Our clinic keeps hyaluronidase in stock at all times and our practitioners are trained in its emergency use.
Will I be charged for complication treatment?
We do not charge for the management of complications arising from treatments performed at Westbury Chemist. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority, and we will see you as many times as necessary to resolve any issue.
How can I reduce my risk of complications?
Follow your pre-treatment and aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed), and supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E for several days before and after injectable treatments. Disclose your full medical history, allergies, and current medications during your consultation. Attend all scheduled review appointments.
What is vascular occlusion and how would I recognise it?
Vascular occlusion occurs when dermal filler compresses or enters a blood vessel, restricting blood supply to the surrounding tissue. Warning signs include intense pain, skin turning white or blue, a mottled or dusky appearance, and tissue that feels cold or hard. If the area near the eyes is affected, any change in vision is a medical emergency. Contact the clinic immediately or attend A&E without delay.
I had treatment elsewhere — can you help with a complication?
We understand that complications can arise regardless of where treatment was performed. Please contact the clinic to discuss your situation. Depending on the nature of the complication and the products used, we may be able to help or refer you to an appropriate specialist. A consultation fee may apply for patients who were not treated at Westbury Chemist.
Are complications more likely with certain treatments?
Every treatment carries some degree of risk, but the probability and severity vary. Dermal fillers carry the highest potential for serious complications (vascular occlusion), though this remains rare in experienced hands. Anti-wrinkle injections have a very low complication rate, with most side effects being temporary and cosmetic. Skin boosters, microneedling, chemical peels, and vitamin treatments generally carry lower risk profiles. Your practitioner will explain the specific risks relevant to your chosen treatment during consultation.
Considering a Treatment?
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