Bruising, swelling, tenderness
CommonWhat: Resolves within days.
How risk is reduced: Avoid blood thinners and alcohol 24 hours pre-procedure where safe.
NZ-specific risk guide
Risks of appearance medicine (Botox, dermal fillers, non-surgical treatments) in New Zealand
Covers Botox (botulinum toxin), dermal fillers, threads, non-surgical skin treatments performed by NZ practitioners.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-27 · how we source risk data
Who is qualified to perform this in NZ
Prescription-only treatments (Botox) must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse prescriber (MCNZ / Nursing Council). NZSCM-registered doctors are the highest-credentialled cosmetic-medicine providers.
Risks
Risks are categorised by frequency reported in NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance. None of this is a substitute for an individual clinical assessment by a registered practitioner.
Asymmetry or under/over-treatment
CommonWhat: May need top-up at follow-up review.
How risk is reduced: Choose an experienced practitioner; book a follow-up review.
Headache (Botox)
CommonWhat: Usually mild and short-lived.
How risk is reduced: Practitioner technique.
Filler migration or lumps
UncommonWhat: Can usually be massaged or dissolved (HA fillers).
How risk is reduced: Use reversible fillers; experienced injector.
Eyelid droop / brow droop (Botox)
UncommonWhat: From product diffusion. Usually resolves over weeks.
How risk is reduced: Avoid rubbing treated area for 24 hours.
Vascular occlusion (filler blocks blood vessel)
RareWhat: Serious complication, can cause skin necrosis or blindness if filler enters eye-area vessels. Requires immediate hyaluronidase.
How risk is reduced: Choose a practitioner trained in vascular complications; insist on hyaluronidase availability on-site.
Severe allergic reaction
RareWhat: Anaphylaxis possible but rare.
How risk is reduced: Disclose allergies; clinic must have anaphylaxis kit.
Pre-procedure checklist
- Confirm the prescriber is MCNZ-registered (for doctors) or a registered nurse prescriber.
- For technique-sensitive procedures (filler around the eyes and nose), prefer NZSCM-registered providers.
- Disclose all medications and any prior reactions to treatments.
- Ask about reversal options (hyaluronidase for HA fillers).
- Get a written quote and the brand name of the product being used.
Red flags — stop and get a second opinion if you see these
- Unbranded or unsourced product (Botox/fillers should be Medsafe-notified brands).
- "Botox parties" or treatment in non-clinical settings.
- No medical history taken before treatment.
Call your clinic if you notice
- · Persistent severe pain at treatment site
- · Skin colour change (white, mottled or dark)
- · Vision changes after facial treatment
- · Spreading redness or fever
When to call 111 / go to ED
Sudden vision changes, severe pain, white or blue skin discolouration at the treatment site — go to ED or call the clinic immediately.
Sources we reference
This page draws on NZ + Australasian surgical college guidance and NZ regulator publications. Full list:
- NZSCM https://www.cosmeticmedicine.co.nz/
- Medical Council NZ https://www.mcnz.org.nz/
Next steps
This page is general guidance about the kinds of risks documented for appearance medicine (Botox, dermal fillers, non-surgical treatments) in New Zealand and Australia. It is not a substitute for an in-person clinical assessment. Risk profiles depend on the specific procedure, your individual health, the surgeon\'s experience and the facility. Always discuss your specific situation with a registered practitioner before consenting to any procedure.
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