Consultation
Consultations for skin laxity and structural support.
An in-person consultation with Dr Cumpston to discuss change in skin firmness, texture, or structural support — what is happening beneath the skin, what gradual options exist (and which do not suit), the risks and the recovery.
Also searched as: skin tightening; jawline and neck firmness.
What this consultation is for
People come to this consultation when they have noticed gradual change in the texture, firmness or structural support of the skin — particularly along the jawline, lower face, neck or décolleté — and want to understand what is happening and what (if anything) can be considered.
Changes at this layer happen gradually, over years. Options that affect this layer also work gradually, over weeks to months. The conversation at this consultation is usually about timelines and realistic expectations as much as about specific procedures — and sometimes about whether a surgical conversation would be the more honest next step.
What to expect
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The consultation
Dr Cumpston assesses the area in person, reviews your medical history, asks what you have noticed and what you are hoping for, and discusses which layer the change you are noticing actually relates to — and what is reasonable to consider, including the option not to proceed.
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Written treatment plan and cooling-off period
If a procedure is recommended and you want to consider it, you receive a written treatment plan describing what is proposed, the substances or devices that would be used, the expected effect, the timeline, the risks, the recovery and the indicative cost. AHPRA’s cooling-off period applies and we observe it without exception.
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The procedure, if you decide to proceed
Any procedure that follows is performed in person by Dr Cumpston at the clinic. Procedures at this layer are often delivered as a short course of sessions spaced weeks apart, with the effect developing over the months that follow.
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Course of treatment and follow-up
Review appointments are scheduled during and after the treatment course to assess how the area is responding.
Who this consultation suits, and who it doesn’t
Generally suitable for: adults who have noticed gradual change in skin firmness, texture or structural support, in good general health, with realistic expectations about the gradual timeline of any change.
Not suitable, or requires careful assessment, if any procedure were to be considered:
- People under the age of eighteen.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Active autoimmune disease or active immunosuppression — requires careful discussion.
- Active infection at or near a proposed treatment area.
- Known allergy to a relevant product component (for some products, allergy to fish or shellfish may be relevant).
- Recent or planned dental work near a proposed injection site — can increase infection risk.
- Body dysmorphic concerns — we will decline to proceed where, in clinical judgement, a procedure is not in your best interests.
Information about risks
Some of the options that might be considered at this consultation are higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The educational information below describes the recognised risks. The general risks page covers risks common to all higher-risk non-surgical procedures.
Commonly described
- Redness, swelling and tenderness at the treatment area for a few days
- Mild bruising
- Temporary firmness or palpable lumps that settle as the area integrates
Less commonly described
- Asymmetry that may require additional treatment
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation
- Headache
Rare but serious
- Nodule formation — persistent lumps that may require treatment.
- Granuloma — an inflammatory reaction around an injected product, which may persist and require treatment.
- Infection at the treatment site.
- Allergic reaction, including (very rarely) a severe systemic reaction.
- Vascular events — uncommon but recognised. Symptoms and emergency response are described on the facial-volume consultations page.
Recovery, if a procedure is performed
Most people return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Swelling and tenderness can persist for several days.
Specific aftercare depends on what was performed and is set out in your written treatment plan and again in written aftercare instructions on the day of the procedure. Typical instructions include avoiding heat (sauna, hot yoga), vigorous exercise and alcohol for 24–48 hours; some procedures involve gentle self-massage of the treated area at home for several days, on written instructions provided.
Where the effect develops over weeks to months, review appointments are scheduled during and after the treatment course.
About cost
A consultation fee applies and is disclosed before booking. If a procedure is recommended and agreed, its cost is set out individually in the written treatment plan you receive at consultation. Treatment of this type is often delivered as a short course of sessions; the number and timing of sessions is described in the plan. There are no fixed packages or pre-purchase deals.
Cosmetic consultations and procedures are not covered by Medicare or by most private health insurance policies.
Frequently asked questions
Gradually. Procedures that work at this layer typically produce change over weeks to months as the body builds new tissue in response to the treatment. The specific timeline is discussed at consultation and set out in your written treatment plan.
That depends on what is performed and on individual factors. The honest expected duration for any procedure proposed at consultation is discussed at consultation and described in the written plan.
Generally not in the way some other procedures can. Side effects are usually managed by other means. This is one of the reasons that careful consultation, a written treatment plan, and the cooling-off period matter at this layer in particular.
The fastest way is the direct booking link for this consultation. You can also call 0452 108 308, email info@drjclinics.com.au, or pick from all appointment types on the booking page. The consultation fee is disclosed before booking.
Next step
Book a consultation for skin laxity
Thirty minutes, in person at Double Bay with Dr Cumpston. We examine the structural support of the lower face and discuss the options — including the option not to proceed.