Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About our Treatments

Read through our Frequently Asked Questions to discover some of your questions about our cosmetic and aesthetic treatments available at Harley St MD.

What are cosmetic treatments?

Cosmetic treatments are anything done to the body for aesthetic purposes, that aren’t invasive. For example, a facial, or an eyebrow wax. Cosmetic treatments are different to non-surgical cosmetic procedures and cosmetic surgery – and generally cosmetic treatments don’t require medical or surgical training.

What are non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

Cosmetic treatments are an alternative to plastic surgery. Cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive (compared to surgery) but can give long lasting and impressive results. Cosmetic treatments are also more affordable than traditional plastic or cosmetic surgery. There are non-surgical cosmetic treatments available for a variety of areas on the face and body.

Is there a difference between plastic and cosmetic surgery?

Although often confused for the same thing – cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are actually slightly different terms, referring to slightly different things. Cosmetic surgery / non-cosmetic treatments generally tend to be focussed on improving the appearance aesthetically and making adjustments or changing someone’s appearance for aesthetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery is elective from the patient, and is a procedure done to improve the appearance not function of a body part.

Plastic surgery however, is defined as a surgical specialty for people who require surgery to improve form or function of their body. For example, people receiving plastic surgery may require treatment because of  facial and body defects, birth disorders, trauma, burns, or disease. Plastic surgery is the term used when the area is being corrected or reconstructed. 

What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?

All surgery comes with risks, and if you choose to have cosmetic surgery, your doctor should discuss these risks with you. Here are some of the most common risks involved with cosmetic surgery; hematoma, seroma, blood loss, infection, nerve damage, blood clots, organ damage and scarring.

To experience much less risk, you may want to look into non-surgical cosmetic procedures instead, like the kind offered here at Harley Street MD. 

What are the risks of non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

The risks of non-surgical cosmetic procedures are much less than those associated with cosmetic surgery, and this is one of the main appeals for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Some of the risks your practitioner will discuss with you are; allergic reaction, swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness. 

Will people know I have had work done?

Only if you decide to tell them! With a lot of our treatments, the results are subtle but effective. Most people will notice that you look younger, more refreshed and youthful – but they won’t be able to pinpoint why or how. Your face will still look like your face, the changes aren’t as dramatic as cosmetic surgery. 

Are non-surgical cosmetic procedures reversible? 

Some non-surgical cosmetic procedures are reversible, yes. Because a lot of non-surgical cosmetic procedures revolve around the use of hyaluronic acid, which can be dissolved, most treatments can be reversed if you change your mind. 

Can I have multiple procedures at the same time?

Yes it is possible to have multiple non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the same session – however it’ll depend on the variety of treatments you are opting for and what your practitioner recommends. Some clinics may even have ‘bundles’ of treatments that work well together. For example, having botox in your forehead, and having filler in your chin shouldn’t be an issue. However, having multiple treatments in your forehead in the same session may not be recommended. If you’re looking to book multiple treatments, always take the chance to discuss it with your consultant during your initial consultation. 

Will I need to take time off work for non surgical cosmetic procedures?

Most people don’t need time off work after they receive a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Most procedures tend to take between 30 minutes and one hour, so some people even choose to have the treatment during a lunch break. Because the pain is minimal, and the treatments are minimally invasive, there should be no reason why you can’t return to work after the treatment, or the very next day. 

What is the best non surgical cosmetic procedures to look younger?

There are many great non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can help you look younger. Our tear trough filler is a fantastic non-surgical cosmetic procedure that helps the eyes look lifted and refreshed – contributing to an overall younger looking appearance.  Our Botox injections and chin filler are also great for looking more youthful too, as they help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.