Common Myths About Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
Rarely do our clients walk through the door requesting “cosmetic treatments.” Instead, they often find themselves telling us their skin “just feels tired.” Their makeup isn’t sitting like it used to, enlarged pores seem to be at the forefront of their problems more than ever, and dull skin is becoming their new normal. They don’t necessarily want to look different, they just want their skin to feel like itself again.
At My Body Vibes, we understand this story all too well. Life in Melbourne (our lifestyle, our weather, and our environmental stressors) can have a cumulative effect on our skin over time — even if you think you’re doing “all the right things.” That’s why our consultations are becoming more focused around preventative and subtler skin solutions.
There’s been a shift in how people approach skin rejuvenation. Instead of “going big” with cool new procedures they’ve heard about, they’re taking the time to find considered ways to naturally enhance skin health, improve skin texture and just feel like themselves again, without feeling like they have to go under the knife.
So where do you begin with non-surgical cosmetic treatments? The first step is always a customised consultation. When you book in for a skin assessment at My Body Vibes, you can chat through your concerns with one of our clinicians. We want you to feel informed about your options before taking any next steps, so there is absolutely no pressure to book an actual treatment during your consultation.
Before we dive in, let’s address the obvious. You’ve heard the stories. Faces frozen stiff, addicts, what if I can’t stop? With all this chatter about non-surgical cosmetic treatments floating around, it can be difficult to know what is actually true. The thing is, most of these misconceptions aren’t true or are based on old information and extreme rare cases.
Let’s unpack all the myths and talk non-surgical cosmetic treatments facts.
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Why There’s So Much Confusion Around Non-Surgical Treatments
One of the largest misconceptions surrounding non-surgical cosmetic treatments stems from misleading and unrealistic expectations that many face prior to visiting a clinic. Scroll through social media and you’ll notice that complex treatments are broken down into before-and-after snapshots or minute-long videos that fail to show the consultation process, variation between patients, and time it can take to see true results. Everything is quick, simple, and works for every patient, but this is not the case when it comes to skin (or bodies in general).
Confusion can also arise from blanket statements around procedures. If certain treatments are being explained or marketed as though they only target one concern when, in most cases, someone may have multiple factors they want to address. You can have dry skin with early onset ageing; stubborn fat pockets in specific areas of your body while also struggling with skin texture or uneven skin tone. Patients often don’t know which procedures target which concerns when explained to them without context — leading them to believe that certain treatments can do it all.
And, of course, patients often don’t understand how important consultation is when it comes to the screening process and finding the right treatments for you. Just because a medication or procedure is popular at the moment doesn’t mean it will be recommended by your provider. Things like skin condition, medical history, goals, and downtime all play into the treatments that are suggested for you.
For instance, treatments that may be used to target pigmentation with lasers require much more structure around pre-and-post care than something you’d use to hydrate your skin or produce collagen. When patients don’t understand the process behind certain treatments, it becomes difficult to wrap your head around the timeline.
That’s why nobody should ever skip a consultation. Skin consultations allow practitioners to understand your concerns, set expectations around treatments, talk through what you want to achieve (and what isn’t recommended), and go over the risks. As always, knowledge is power. The more you understand, and are willing to learn about what each treatment can do, the less confusing skincare will be.
Myth 1: Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments Leave You Looking “Frozen”
The belief that cosmetic treatments make you look frozen usually stems from examples found online. Photos can often be misconstrued as what beauty treatments should look like when there’s no background on the treatment used, why it was selected and if the person was even a suitable candidate for that treatment.
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are not designed to leave you looking robotic or expressionless. They shouldn’t overpower your natural characteristics. Instead, when administered correctly they should enhance your facial aesthetics and complement your skin biology.
Many procedures today focus on skin quality, helping to promote the skin’s firmness, texture and overall appearance. Non-invasive skin treatments like RF needling or skin rejuvenation with plasma help stimulate the skin’s natural regenerative abilities and are popular amongst clients who wish to see improvements without the appearance of treatment.
One part of the process we don’t often highlight is the amount of clinical expertise involved during your consultation. Our doctor will examine your facial symmetry, skin health and beauty goals before suggesting any treatments are right for you. This even includes how much treatment you may need and if your treatment should be carried out gradually. If you’re more focused on hydration, elasticity or improving surface appearance then skin booster treatments may be recommended as part of your tailored treatment plan.
Unnatural results are usually the outcome of poor planning or treatment being administered to someone who wasn’t a suitable candidate. When the right procedures are carried out on the right person, results should be subtle.
Myth 2: These Treatments Are Addictive or Habit-Forming
Statements from clients that non-surgical cosmetic treatments are “addictive” are usually based on sensationalised discussions online rather than clinical fact. Clinically speaking, there is no physiological basis for dependence on cosmetic treatments. There is no physiologic or chemical feedback loop that causes patients to require repeat treatment.
A person may simply choose to keep their skin treated as they may choose to get their hair cut every few weeks or hit the gym several times a week or get teeth cleaned every six months. It doesn’t make treatment medically necessary, it just means they’ve decided they like that way. Others choose to do one treatment and stop altogether. Both are perfectly acceptable choices.
This is why it’s so important to choose a provider that takes time to understand your motivations, discusses your expectations, and recommends timing. A good practitioner will advise you on how frequently you should be treated, when you may want to take a break and when they will simply say no.
Myth 3: Cosmetic Medical Treatments Are Unsafe or “Toxic”
Safety is one thing people often fear when they think about nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. But perhaps you’ve read horror stories online or seen a social media post dramatizing what these procedures can be like. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Clinics like ours at My Body Vibes are highly regulated, and the professionals performing these treatments are trained in protocols that take every precaution to prepare the skin, plan treatments, and provide aftercare.
One of the best ways safety is prioritised during cosmetic procedures is through consultations. During your consultation, a practitioner will go over your medical history, skin type, and concerns. This allows them to advise you on what may and may not be appropriate for your body. Maybe you’re interested in procedures that focus on creating a facial volume contour. Perhaps you’ve heard of treatments like Rejuran that can help boost skin hydration and elasticity. Your skincare specialist won’t assume one treatment works for everyone and will go over your options with you.
Like any medical procedure, there are risks involved. But when you are informed of these risks ahead of time, you can make the best decision for yourself without fear. Some procedures may leave you with some redness, swelling, or skin sensitivity. These side effects typically go away within a few hours to a few days, depending on your procedure. By knowing these effects ahead of time, you can adequately prepare yourself mentally and physically before your procedure.
As long as the procedures are being performed by trained professionals and tailored to your needs, nonsurgical cosmetic procedures should be safe and painless. Always be sure you are educated on what you’re getting into and have realistic expectations going into your treatment.
Myth 4: Non-Surgical Treatments Are Extremely Painful
A common fear people have with non-surgical cosmetic procedures is that they will be painful. Each procedure varies from person to person in terms of what they feel like. Treatments can range depending on the area being treated, type of treatment and personal sensitivity. Something that may be uncomfortable for someone may be mild to someone else.
During consultations, providers go over comfort measures. There are many different options like topical numbing, spacing out treatment or taking breaks during treatment. For deeper treatments like HIFU which stimulate collagen production in deeper layers of the skin, some patients may feel a tingling or warming sensation. However, most patients do not find it uncomfortable and you are closely monitored by your clinician throughout the treatment.
Some skin rejuvenation treatments such as CO₂ laser resurfacing focus on the epidermis and deeper layers of skin. Providers can adjust the intensity of the treatment as well as provide aftercare directions to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
A large portion of the consultation is setting expectations for how the treatment will feel and what you should expect during recovery. Knowing what sensations are normal, how long they will last and what you can do to help with recovery can allow you to feel confident going into your procedure. No treatment should cause you pain — they are used to provide safe, tailored care for your skin’s needs and your aesthetic concerns.
Myth 5: Results Always Look Unnatural
While the internet may be filled with unbelievable transformations and filter-faced models showcasing miracle results, that’s not what most non-surgical cosmetic treatments look like.
Results can vary based on your skin’s health and texture, facial structure, lifestyle, and how your skin ages over time. Most consultations will start with a conversation about your goals and concerns. They’ll also ask what you like about your appearance that you don’t want to change.
It’s also important to note that no two people will get the exact same result from the same treatment. Even different classifications of treatment can have very different results on two people. That’s why providers take the time in consultation to figure out if you’re a good candidate and what the likely result will be. With conservative treatments tailored to your specific needs by a trained provider, you’re typically looking at refinement, not transformation.
Myth 6: You Have to Be a Certain Age to Consider Treatment
Just like there’s no perfect age to have kids, get married, or buy your first home, there is no magical age when you should start considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Your skin doesn’t know your age, but it does know if you live in a sunny climate, drink enough water, eat a nutritious diet, get stressed out often, and scroll through Instagram before bed. Some people will begin to notice changes in their skin earlier than others and may not see changes for years. This is why we don’t consult with patients based on their age.
During your consultation, we will discuss your skin concerns and what you want out of treatment down the road. We want to know if you’re interested in trying a treatment or if you’re just curious. Some patients come into our clinic because they want to prevent future skin damage, while others have already developed wrinkle lines or hyperpigmentation. We’ll work with you to figure out if treatments are suitable for you at this time, if not, there’s always later.
Myth 7: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop
A myth around skincare treatments is that once you start them you’re always going to have to have them done. In fact they are completely optional. If you don’t want to have a treatment then that is completely up to you.
Some clients like to keep toping up with treatments to keep results going or to continue improving the health of their skin long term. Others like to just do one treatment to see how their skin reacts and that’s completely ok too. Treatments such as LED light therapy can be used as and when you want it to help support your skin’s rejuvenation process but you don’t have to continue with treatment if you don’t want to.
Treatment plans are always tailored when looking at the long term. In the consultation we will cover what the treatments can do for you, what maintenance may involve and how they will fit into your skincare regime. Remember, you don’t ever have to continue with treatments if they don’t suit your schedule or you don’t feel you need them.
What These Myths Miss About Medical Aesthetic Care
What rumours and misconceptions about cosmetic treatments often overlook is the personal, caring relationship between a client and their practitioner. At My Body Vibes we ensure that every client has an individualised consultation with one of our medical team. We provide our clients with honest, clear consultations. Helping you make the best and most confident decision when it comes to your non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
Our medically trained team talk you through your skin, face or body goals; discussing with you what will and won’t work for you and making sure you are comfortable every step of the way. We discuss attainable goals and realistic outcomes, going through exactly what the treatment can do for you, how the procedure works and what sort of recovery you can expect. There are no ‘magic fixes’ here, everyone’s skin is different, and our team are more than happy to guide you through what you need.
By working with you on your assessment, goals and realistic results we can treat your skin and body in the safest way that is professional and tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
If you’re considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments, it’s completely normal to have questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common things people ask during consultations, so you can feel more informed and confident before taking the next step.
Are non-surgical cosmetic treatments permanent?
Our skin naturally regenerates and exfoliates over time so the majority of non-surgical cosmetic treatments aren’t permanent. Instead, they work gradually with the skin to improve appearance, which is why maintenance treatments are common. Keep in mind that longevity will depend on factors like skin type, age, lifestyle and sun exposure, so ask your practitioner about what’s reasonable for your skin and how you can support skin health with aftercare.
How do practitioners decide which treatments are suitable?
A qualified practitioner will determine this during your consultation and skin assessment. This may include asking about your concerns, medical history and lifestyle, as well as evaluating skin quality and condition. Instead of recommending a single treatment plan for everyone, your practitioner will work to understand which non-surgical treatments are suitable for you (if any) — or if treatment should be avoided for now. Safety and informed-consent is their priority.
What should I ask during a consultation?
You should feel empowered to ask as many questions as you need in order to feel comfortable moving forward.
Some questions you may consider asking include:
What skin concerns will this treat?
How is the treatment performed?
Is there any downtime?
What recovery should I expect?
How many treatments will I need?
What are the risks or side effects?
What aftercare is required?
Any qualified practitioner should be happy to answer your questions. If they don’t (or pressure you into treatment), consider finding one who will.
Are the results the same for everyone?
This is a common question and the answer is no. Different people will experience different results, even when receiving the same treatment. Age, skin condition, lifestyle and environment (think sun exposure vs sun protection habits and skincare) can all impact how skin responds to treatments. That’s why having realistic expectations and a personalised skin health plan is so important. Talk to your practitioner about what you hope to achieve and what results may be possible for your skin.
Do non-surgical treatments replace a good skincare routine?
It’s generally recommended that you continue your skincare routine as usual when receiving treatments. Keep in mind that treatments are intended to complement your at-home skincare routine, not replace it. Daily maintenance is key when it comes to skincare and investing in sunscreen is always beneficial. That being said, your practitioner may provide specific instructions for how to best prepare your skin beforehand.
Why is a consultation required before treatment?
A consultation may seem like an extra step, but it ensures you receive the most appropriate treatments for your skin. Your practitioner can share advice around what treatments and products are best avoided based on your skin health. If your practitioner feels that a treatment isn’t right for you at this time, that’s okay too.
All medical procedures carry risks and require a consultation to determine suitability. Results vary.
Speak With a Qualified Practitioner at My Body Vibes
Taking that first step can be easy. At My Body Vibes we are here to help you navigate your understanding of your skin and body care options. Answering your questions and providing you with the advice you need when you need it in a comfortable, no-pressure environment.
Your consultation with us is always tailored specifically to you. Our Melbourne practitioners will spend time with you getting to know your concerns, discussing treatment options that can help you achieve your goals and ensuring you feel knowledgeable before you make any decisions.
To book a consultation, please call us on 1300 722 911 or book online.
All medical procedures carry risks and require a consultation to determine suitability. Results vary.
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