Aesthetic Treatments Explained: Safety, Results, and What to Expect

If you have been thinking about aesthetic treatment but are not quite sure where to start, you are not alone. Most people come to us with a mix of curiosity, a few worries, and a lot of questions. That is exactly how it should be.

Here, Karen answers some of the questions she hears most often in the clinic, honestly and without the jargon.

What is the most popular aesthetic treatment right now?

The biggest shift we have seen in recent years is a move towards natural, regenerative treatments. Patients are much less interested in dramatic changes and far more focused on looking well-rested, fresher, and healthier. The kind of result where people notice something is different but cannot quite put their finger on what.

Treatments that are popular right now include:

• Anti-wrinkle treatments to soften expression lines and help prevent deeper ones from forming
• Skin boosters to improve hydration, glow, and overall skin texture
• Dermal fillers used conservatively to restore structure and support areas like the cheeks, chin, lips, or jawline
• Collagen-stimulating treatments such as Sculptra, which work gradually to improve volume over time

Are aesthetic treatments safe?

When performed by a properly qualified medical professional, aesthetic treatments are generally very safe. Safety should always come before treatment, and that is something Karen takes seriously at every appointment.

Her approach includes:

• A detailed consultation to understand your goals, medical history, medications, and any previous treatments
• A full facial assessment to make sure any treatment is appropriate for your anatomy
• Premium, evidence-based products sourced from licensed pharmacies
• Strict infection control and clinical hygiene protocols
• A clear explanation of risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes before anything goes ahead

If a treatment is not right for you, Karen will always say so. A good consultation should never feel rushed or sales-driven.

How long do results last?

This depends on the treatment, the area being treated, your metabolism, and lifestyle factors such as exercise, smoking, and sun exposure. As a general guide:

• Anti-wrinkle treatments: usually 3 to 4 months, sometimes slightly longer with regular maintenance
• Lips: around 6 to 9 months
• Cheeks, chin, and jawline: often 9 to 18 months

Treatment plans are always tailored to the individual, so expectations are discussed clearly before anything is agreed.

Does it hurt?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable treatments are. You may feel a quick pinching sensation with injections, or mild pressure during filler treatments, but most procedures are completed within 15 to 45 minutes and are very manageable.

To keep you comfortable, treatments may include:

• Topical numbing cream applied beforehand
• Products that already contain local anaesthetic
• Gentle injection techniques to minimise discomfort

What should I avoid before and after treatment?

A few simple steps can help reduce bruising and swelling and give you the best possible result.

In the 24 to 48 hours before treatment, where medically appropriate, try to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication (unless prescribed)
• Fish oils, vitamin E, or supplements that may increase bruising

In the first 24 to 48 hours afterwards, it is usually best to avoid:

• Intense exercise
• Alcohol
• Saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, or excessive heat
• Applying pressure or massaging the treated area (unless advised to do so)

You will always receive personalised aftercare instructions based on your specific treatment.

Is there a right age to start?

There is no single correct age. What matters most is your goals, your skin, and how you feel. Different age groups tend to have different priorities:

• 20s: Prevention, skin quality, acne scarring, subtle lip enhancement
• 30s: Early expression lines, hydration, maintaining collagen
• 40s: Softening lines, restoring support, improving firmness
• 50s and beyond: Volume restoration, facial structure support, skin rejuvenation

The best time to start is simply when something begins to bother you and you would like to explore your options.

What are the risks or side effects?

Like any medical procedure, aesthetic treatments carry potential risks, though most side effects are mild and temporary. Common short-term effects include redness, mild swelling, tenderness, bruising, and small injection marks. These usually settle within a few days.

Less common complications can include:

• Lumps or unevenness
• Delayed swelling
• Infection
• Vascular complications with filler (rare but serious)

This is why choosing an experienced medical injector matters. Early recognition and appropriate management of any complication is essential, and something Karen is trained to provide.

How do I make sure my results look natural?

Natural results come from good assessment, careful planning, and knowing when less is more. At Harley Court, the approach focuses on enhancing your natural features rather than changing them, starting conservatively and building gradually if needed, and treating the face as a whole rather than targeting individual lines in isolation.

The best aesthetic result should not be obvious. People often simply say you look well, rested, or refreshed, without knowing exactly why.

If you have a question that is not covered here, or you would like to talk things through before booking, please do get in touch on 01202 572727. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a straightforward, honest conversation.

Not sure which treatment might best suit your needs? Take our quiz below!