Since launching The Aesthetic Complications Clinic at The Academy Clinic’s Copthall Avenue location in London, we have continued to support patients seeking expert advice following concerns with previous aesthetic treatments.
We are also proud to share that The Aesthetic Complications Clinic is now CQC registered, reinforcing our commitment to providing safe, medically-led care with strong clinical governance throughout every stage of the patient journey.
Led by Dr Harriet Jenkins, Medical Director, and Dr Joanna Hackney, Head of Medical Services, our specialist team provides assessment and treatment for concerns following non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
For many patients, seeking help after an unwanted aesthetic outcome can feel overwhelming. Understanding what to expect from a specialist complications clinic can help make the process feel more straightforward.
In this article, our doctors answer some of the most common questions patients ask, from what happens during a filler dissolving appointment to why specialist experience matters when managing aesthetic complications.
Dr Harriet Jenkins, Medical Director, and Dr Joanna Hackney, Head of Medical Services.
What does CQC registration mean?
The Aesthetic Complications Clinic is now registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care services in England.
For patients, CQC registration provides reassurance that our clinic operates within recognised standards for safety, quality and patient care.
The CQC assesses healthcare providers to ensure services are safe, effective, responsive, caring and well-led.
For The Aesthetic Complications Clinic, this reflects our commitment to maintaining strong clinical governance, safe processes and a medically-led approach to managing aesthetic concerns.
When seeking support following an aesthetic treatment, choosing a regulated medical clinic can provide additional confidence that your care is being delivered within an appropriate healthcare framework.
Why does managing aesthetic complications require specialist expertise?
Many aesthetic treatments are considered low risk, meaning complications and adverse outcomes are fortunately uncommon.
However, this also means that many practitioners may only encounter a small number of complications throughout their career. Developing the expertise required to confidently assess and manage these situations requires experience with a significant number of cases.
At The Academy Clinic, alongside our training provider Harley Academy, we have developed a specialist team focused on patients experiencing adverse outcomes following aesthetic procedures.
By seeing a high volume of patients with complications, we have developed a level of expertise that would not typically be gained within a standard aesthetic practice.
Managing complications requires more than knowing how to perform aesthetic treatments. It requires careful assessment, medical decision-making and an understanding of how to support patients when outcomes are not as expected.
What should patients look for in a complications practitioner?
If you are seeking help following an aesthetic treatment, choosing the right clinic and practitioner is an important decision.
We recommend looking for:
- A trained medical professional who is also a prescribing clinician
- Experience in assessing and managing aesthetic complications
- A clinic environment with appropriate medical governance
- A thorough consultation process before any treatment is recommended
Patients should also consider whether the clinic is CQC registered, meaning it is regulated and independently assessed against standards for safety, quality and patient care.
At The Academy Clinic, patient safety is at the centre of every decision we make. Our approach is focused on understanding your concerns, assessing your individual circumstances and recommending the safest option moving forwards.
Why is medical training important when assessing complications?
Aesthetic medicine is a speciality within medicine, and the fundamental principles of patient care remain the same.
Before applying specialist aesthetic knowledge, every patient must first be assessed holistically.
This includes understanding:
- Your medical history
- Your previous treatments
- The symptoms you are experiencing
- How your concerns have developed over time
Complication assessment is not simply about addressing what is visible on the surface. It is about understanding the full clinical picture before deciding on the most appropriate next step.
Our medical backgrounds and training guide our entire approach to patient care and management.
What happens during a filler dissolving appointment?
For many patients, the decision to dissolve dermal filler can feel daunting. Understanding the process beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
A typical filler dissolving appointment at The Aesthetic Complications Clinic lasts just over an hour.
Your appointment begins with a detailed consultation and assessment to understand your previous treatment, the product used where possible, and your concerns. Where appropriate, ultrasound assessment may be used to help identify the location of previous filler and guide the safest treatment approach.
The dissolving procedure itself usually takes approximately 20 minutes.
Following treatment, most patients begin to notice the majority of dermal filler breaking down within 24–48 hours, with complete results usually assessed around 4 weeks once swelling has settled.
Every patient responds differently, and outcomes can depend on factors including the type of filler used, where it was placed, how long it has been present and how your body responds to treatment.
What do patients say about the clinic?
“I can’t recommend my experience at The Aesthetic Complications Clinic enough. It was the most professional aesthetics-related appointment I have ever had. It felt more medical than aesthetic, which was really refreshing. The treatment was painless and I was given so much helpful advice moving forwards. Highly recommend.”
Freeda attended The Aesthetic Complications Clinic after concerns about previous lip filler. Following a comprehensive consultation, including ultrasound assessment, she underwent filler dissolving treatment.
Her experience reflects the approach we strive to provide every patient, expert medical care, honest advice and a supportive environment where you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
Is filler dissolving painful?
Most patients tolerate filler dissolving very well. Before treatment, your clinician will talk you through what to expect and answer any questions you may have, including your options for pain relief, which will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Will unwanted dermal filler eventually disappear on its own?
The longevity and behaviour of dermal filler can vary depending on:
- The product used
- The area treated
- The amount of filler injected
- How long ago treatment took place
- How your individual body responds
Although some fillers are described as temporary, they may remain in the tissue for longer than patients expect and can sometimes change appearance over time.
If you are unhappy with previous filler, we would not recommend simply adding more product to the area without first understanding what is already present.
A specialist assessment can help determine the safest approach.
Will I need filler dissolving more than once?
Our aim is always to achieve the best possible outcome in one session wherever possible.
However, this depends on the individual case, including:
- The type and brand of filler used
- The age of the filler
- The amount of product present
- How your body responds to treatment
Some patients may require further treatment, particularly where multiple treatments have taken place over time or larger amounts of filler are present.
Can you help if I’m unhappy with my results but don’t have a medical complication?
Yes. Not every patient attending the clinic has experienced a medical complication.
Some patients seek assessment because they are unhappy with the appearance of their treatment, feel something has changed over time, or simply want expert advice before deciding what to do next.
When should you seek urgent medical help?
The Aesthetic Complications Clinic is an outpatient service designed to assess and manage concerns following non-surgical cosmetic procedures. It is not suitable for patients who require urgent emergency care, acute hospital assessment, or specialist inpatient management.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Suspected anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction
- Vision loss or sudden vision changes
- Suspected stroke
- Severe infection, including periorbital or orbital cellulitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Airway compromise
- Severe bleeding
- Sudden deterioration in your condition
If you experience any of these symptoms, please access emergency services immediately by calling 999 or attending A&E.
If you are unsure whether your concern requires urgent care, seeking medical advice promptly is always the safest option.
How does being part of Harley Academy influence patient safety?
Being part of Harley Academy, the UK’s leading provider of postgraduate medical aesthetics training for healthcare professionals, allows our clinical team to combine patient care with education, research and ongoing development within aesthetic medicine.
Understanding what happens when aesthetic treatments do not go as planned is fundamental to improving standards across the speciality. Through reviewing clinical cases, sharing knowledge and translating research into practice, we continue to develop our understanding of complications and how they can be managed safely.
This expertise has also led to the launch of The Aesthetics Referral Centre, Harley Academy’s clinical referral service for healthcare professionals and clinics seeking specialist support when complications arise.
The Aesthetics Referral Centre allows external clinicians to refer patients to our multidisciplinary team for specialist assessment and management of aesthetic complications, including dermal filler complications, nodules and vascular occlusion support.
By working collaboratively with other medical professionals, we aim to improve access to specialist complication care, support clinicians managing complex cases and continue raising standards across aesthetic medicine.
What makes The Aesthetic Complications Clinic different?
Our approach is built around medical expertise, patient safety and informed decision-making.
We understand that seeking help after an unwanted aesthetic outcome can feel overwhelming. Our role is to provide a confidential, supportive environment where patients feel listened to and can understand their options.
A consultation does not mean you have to proceed with treatment. Sometimes the most valuable first step is simply gaining clarity from experienced medical professionals.
Need Expert Advice About a Previous Aesthetic Treatment?
If you have concerns about a previous non-surgical aesthetic treatment, our team is here to help.
Whether you are considering filler dissolving, worried about changes following treatment, or would simply like an expert medical opinion, The Aesthetic Complications Clinic at The Academy Clinic provides confidential, specialist assessment and support.
All information correct at the time of publication
