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PATIENT INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions


Find answers to common questions about cosmetic medicine, skin treatments, laser procedures, skin cancer care, hair loss and regenerative treatments with Dr Ben in Southbank and Malvern, Melbourne.

These FAQs provide general information only. Your suitability for any treatment depends on your medical history, clinical assessment and individual treatment goals.

General Consultation Questions


Do I need to know which treatment I want before booking?

No. You can book a consultation if you are unsure which treatment is appropriate. The consultation focuses on your concerns, medical history, anatomy, skin or hair findings and treatment goals before options are discussed.

Will I have treatment on the same day as my consultation?

Not necessarily. Some treatments may be suitable on the same day, while others may require further assessment, investigation, planning or a separate treatment appointment.

Do I have to proceed with treatment after a consultation?

No. A consultation does not obligate you to proceed. In some cases, no treatment, observation, skincare, further investigation or referral may be the most appropriate recommendation.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Bring details of relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies and previous treatments. For skin or hair concerns, previous pathology reports, photographs or treatment records may also be helpful.

How long does a consultation take?

Consultation length depends on the concern being assessed and the complexity of your history and treatment planning. The booking team can advise when you book.

Who performs treatments?

Cosmetic treatments, laser treatments and skin cancer procedures are performed by Dr Benyamin Mansoori, a medical doctor (FRACGP) and Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM).

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required for cosmetic consultations or routine skin checks. For some skin cancer surgical procedures, a referral may help with Medicare rebates; this can be discussed at consultation.

Where does Dr Ben consult?

Dr Ben consults in Southbank and at Cosmetic Avenue in Malvern, Melbourne. Location details are provided when you book.

Read more: Preparing for your appointment · About Dr Ben

Cosmetic Medicine


How do I know which cosmetic treatment is suitable for me?

Treatment suitability depends on facial anatomy, movement, skin quality, previous procedures, medical history and treatment goals. A consultation is used to assess these factors before recommending any procedure.

Will cosmetic treatment make me look unnatural?

Treatment planning should aim to respect natural facial anatomy and individual proportions. Outcomes vary between patients, and no specific cosmetic result can be guaranteed.

Can I treat only one area of my face?

Yes, but the face is assessed as a whole because changes in one area may influence overall facial balance. Treatment may still be limited to a single concern where appropriate.

Are cosmetic treatments permanent?

Most non-surgical cosmetic treatments are not permanent. Duration varies according to treatment type, anatomy, product, metabolism and individual response.

What are the risks of cosmetic treatment?

Risks depend on the treatment and may include temporary swelling, bruising, discomfort, asymmetry, infection or other less common complications. The relevant risks and alternatives should be discussed before treatment.

Read more: Cosmetic consultation and facial assessment · All aesthetic treatments

Expression Lines


What are expression lines?

Expression lines are lines that develop or become more noticeable with repeated facial movement, such as forehead movement, frowning or smiling.

Can expression-line treatment remove all facial movement?

Treatment planning should aim to balance the patient’s concerns with preservation of natural facial expression. Complete elimination of movement is not always appropriate or desirable.

How long do expression-line treatments last?

Duration varies between individuals and depends on the treatment used, the treatment area and individual muscle activity. Expected duration is discussed at consultation.

When will I see the result?

The timing depends on the treatment used. Expected onset and review timing should be discussed during the consultation.

Read more: Expression-line consultation

Facial Contouring, Volume & Lip Consultation


What is facial contouring?

Facial contouring refers to assessment and treatment planning aimed at improving facial balance, proportion or volume where clinically appropriate.

Which areas can be assessed for facial volume?

Common areas include the cheeks, chin, jawline, temples and other areas of age-related or structural volume change.

Can lip treatment look natural?

Natural-looking treatment depends on anatomy, existing lip shape, facial proportions and the amount and type of treatment selected.

Can I request a specific lip shape?

You can discuss your preference, but treatment should remain appropriate for your anatomy and facial proportions.

Will my lips be swollen afterwards?

Temporary swelling can occur after some lip procedures. The expected recovery and aftercare depend on the treatment used.

Read more: Facial contouring and volume · Lip consultation

Under-Eye Concerns


What causes under-eye hollows or a tired appearance?

Possible contributors include natural anatomy, volume changes, thin skin, pigmentation, shadowing, skin laxity and under-eye bags.

Is every under-eye concern suitable for filler?

No. Under-eye concerns have different causes, and filler is not appropriate for every patient. Assessment of the eyelid, cheek support, skin quality and vascular risk is important.

Can under-eye darkness be caused by pigmentation?

Yes. Pigmentation, thin skin, shadowing and facial anatomy can all contribute to the appearance of dark circles.

Read more: Under-eye assessment

Previous Filler Concerns & Ultrasound


How do I know if old filler is still present?

Clinical assessment may sometimes suggest persistent filler, but facial ultrasound can provide additional information about location and distribution where appropriate.

Can filler migrate?

Filler-related asymmetry or changes in product distribution may occur. The cause should be assessed before treatment is recommended.

Does all old filler need to be dissolved?

No. Some filler can be observed, while other concerns may benefit from ultrasound assessment, dissolving or another treatment approach.

Can all filler be dissolved?

Not all filler types respond in the same way. Suitability for dissolving depends on the type of product, treatment area and clinical findings.

Why use ultrasound before filler dissolving?

Ultrasound may help identify the location, depth and distribution of previous filler and can assist treatment planning in selected cases.

Read more: Ultrasound assessment and filler dissolving

Skin Boosters & Bioremodelling


What are skin boosters?

Skin boosters are treatments intended to support skin hydration, texture and overall skin quality rather than significantly change facial shape.

What is bioremodelling?

Bioremodelling refers to selected treatments aimed at supporting skin quality and tissue characteristics rather than producing major structural volume.

How are skin boosters different from filler?

Skin boosters are generally used for skin quality, while volumising treatments are used to alter or restore facial volume and contour.

Which areas can be treated?

Depending on the product and assessment, areas may include the face, neck, décolletage or hands.

Read more: Skin boosters and bioremodelling

Collagen-Stimulating Treatments


What are collagen-stimulating treatments?

These are treatments intended to support the body’s collagen response over time rather than simply provide immediate volume.

When will I see results?

Changes are usually gradual and vary between individuals. No specific degree of improvement can be guaranteed.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the product, treatment area, skin quality and individual treatment plan.

Read more: Collagen-stimulating treatments

Excessive Sweating & Hyperhidrosis


What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that is greater than expected for temperature or physical activity.

Which areas can be affected?

Common areas include the underarms, palms, soles, face and scalp.

Do I need medical assessment before treatment?

Yes. Assessment can help determine whether sweating is primary or may be related to medication or an underlying medical condition.

What treatments are available?

Options vary by location and severity and may include prescription antiperspirants, medical treatment, targeted therapies or referral.

Read more: Treatment of excessive sweating · Hyperhidrosis

Skin Consultation


What can be assessed during a skin consultation?

Concerns may include acne, acne scarring, pigmentation, sun damage, redness, visible vessels, enlarged pores, uneven texture, fine lines and skin laxity.

Do I need a procedure after a skin consultation?

No. Recommendations may include skincare, medical treatment, observation, a procedure, further investigation or referral.

Should active acne be treated before acne scars?

In many cases, active acne should be controlled before certain scar treatments are considered.

Read more: Skin consultation

Pigmentation & Sun Damage


What causes facial pigmentation?

Pigmentation may be related to sun exposure, melasma, inflammation, hormonal factors or other skin conditions.

Can all pigmentation be treated with laser?

No. Different pigment conditions require different approaches, and some may worsen with inappropriate treatment.

Why is skin type important?

Skin type can influence treatment selection and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Read more: Pigmentation and sun damage

Acne & Acne Scars


What types of acne scars are there?

Common scar types include rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars. Post-inflammatory redness or pigmentation can also remain after acne.

Can acne scars be completely removed?

No treatment can guarantee complete scar removal. The aim is generally to improve scar appearance and skin texture.

Can acne scar treatments be combined?

Combination treatment may be considered depending on scar type, skin type and clinical assessment.

Read more: Acne and acne scars

Redness & Vascular Concerns


What causes facial redness?

Possible causes include rosacea, visible vessels, sun damage, skin sensitivity and inflammation.

Can facial vessels be treated?

Selected vascular concerns may be suitable for laser or other targeted treatments following appropriate assessment.

Is rosacea curable?

Rosacea is typically a chronic condition. Treatment can help manage symptoms and triggers but does not guarantee permanent cure.

Read more: Redness and vascular concerns

Laser Treatments


What skin concerns can laser treatments address?

Depending on the device and diagnosis, laser treatment may be considered for pigmentation, sun damage, redness, visible vessels, texture and selected rejuvenation concerns.

Is laser suitable for every skin type?

No. Skin type, pigmentation risk, sun exposure, medical history and treatment area all influence suitability.

Is there downtime after laser treatment?

Downtime varies by device and treatment intensity and may range from minimal redness to a longer recovery period.

Can I have laser treatment if I am tanned?

Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can increase risk for some treatments and may require postponement.

Read more: Laser treatments

Radiofrequency Microneedling


What is RF microneedling?

RF microneedling combines microneedling with controlled radiofrequency energy delivered into selected skin depths.

What concerns may it help?

It may be considered for acne scarring, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and reduced skin firmness.

Is RF microneedling the same as standard microneedling?

No. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy to the microneedling process.

How much downtime is expected?

Recovery varies according to treatment depth and intensity. Temporary redness and swelling may occur.

Read more: Radiofrequency microneedling

Skin Needling / Microneedling


What is skin needling?

Skin needling uses controlled micro-injury to support the skin’s natural repair and collagen response.

What can skin needling be used for?

It may be considered for uneven texture, fine lines, enlarged pores and selected acne scars.

How many sessions are needed?

The number of treatments varies depending on the concern, skin type and treatment plan.

Read more: Skin needling

PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma


What is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared from a patient’s own blood using a controlled processing method to concentrate selected plasma and platelet components.

What may PRP be used for?

Depending on the clinical indication, PRP may be considered for selected skin-quality, facial or hair and scalp treatment plans.

Is PRP a stem cell treatment?

No. PRP is a blood-derived platelet and plasma preparation and should not be described as a stem cell treatment.

Does PRP guarantee hair regrowth?

No. Hair response varies between individuals and depends on the underlying cause of hair loss.

How many PRP treatments do I need?

The number and interval of treatments depend on the indication and individual treatment plan.

Is there downtime after PRP?

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur depending on the treatment area and technique.

Read more: PRP consultation · PRP, PRF and regenerative treatments

PRF — Platelet-Rich Fibrin


What is PRF?

PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin. It is a blood-derived preparation produced using a different processing method from PRP.

How is PRF different from PRP?

Both are derived from the patient’s own blood, but preparation techniques and physical characteristics differ.

What can PRF be used for?

PRF may be considered for selected facial, skin or hair treatment plans depending on the indication and clinical assessment.

Is PRF better than PRP?

Neither treatment is universally better. The choice depends on the indication, treatment area and clinical judgement.

Read more: PRF consultation

CGF — Concentrated Growth Factors


What is CGF?

CGF refers to concentrated growth factors prepared from a patient’s own blood using a specific processing protocol.

Is CGF the same as PRP or PRF?

No. These preparations differ in the way they are processed and their physical characteristics.

Does CGF guarantee tissue regeneration?

No. Outcomes vary and treatment should not be presented as guaranteed regeneration.

Is CGF suitable for everyone?

No. Suitability depends on the treatment indication, medical history and clinical assessment.

Read more: CGF consultation

Skin Cancer Checks


How often should I have a skin check?

There is no single interval that is suitable for everyone. Frequency depends on personal risk factors, previous skin cancer, family history, number of moles and sun exposure.

What happens during a full skin check?

A systematic examination of the skin is performed, with dermoscopy used for selected lesions where appropriate.

What should I do if a mole is changing?

Arrange assessment if a mole changes in size, shape, colour, border or surface, or if it looks different from your other moles.

What is dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy uses magnification and specialised lighting to examine structures within a skin lesion that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Does dermoscopy replace a biopsy?

No. Some lesions still require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.

Does every suspicious mole need to be removed?

No. Depending on the findings, a lesion may be monitored, photographed, biopsied, excised or referred.

Read more: Full skin checks · Mole and lesion assessment · Dermoscopy · Skin cancer FAQs

Skin Biopsy & Minor Surgery


Why might I need a skin biopsy?

A biopsy may be recommended when a lesion cannot be diagnosed confidently from examination alone or when histopathology is required.

What types of biopsy are used?

Depending on the lesion, techniques may include shave biopsy, punch biopsy or excisional biopsy.

Will a biopsy leave a scar?

Any procedure that disrupts the skin can leave a scar or pigment change. The expected result and risks should be discussed beforehand.

How long do pathology results take?

Turnaround time varies by pathology provider, specimen type and whether additional testing is needed.

Read more: Biopsy and skin surgery · Cosmetic mole and lesion removal

Hair Loss & Scalp Concerns


What can cause hair loss?

Possible causes include androgenetic hair loss, telogen effluvium, nutritional deficiency, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, hormonal changes, medications, illness and scalp conditions.

Do I need blood tests for hair loss?

Not everyone needs blood tests. Investigations may be recommended depending on the history, pattern of hair loss and clinical findings.

What is male-pattern hair loss?

Male-pattern hair loss is a common form of androgenetic alopecia that often affects the temples, frontal hairline and crown.

What is female-pattern hair loss?

Female-pattern hair loss commonly presents with widening of the central part or diffuse reduction in hair density.

What is telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a form of diffuse shedding that may occur after illness, physiological stress, weight loss, nutritional deficiency or hormonal change.

What is trichoscopy?

Trichoscopy uses magnification to examine the scalp, hair shafts and follicular patterns in greater detail.

Does hair treatment guarantee regrowth?

No. Response varies depending on the type and cause of hair loss, treatment used and individual factors.

Read more: Hair-loss consultation · Scalp assessment and trichoscopy · Medical investigations for hair loss · Hair-loss treatment planning

Fees & Medicare


Are skin cancer consultations eligible for Medicare rebates?

Eligible consultations and procedures may attract Medicare rebates when the relevant requirements are met. The rebate depends on the service and item number used.

Are cosmetic consultations covered by Medicare?

Purely cosmetic services are generally not eligible for Medicare rebates. Medical components may differ depending on the reason for consultation and service provided.

Are procedure fees separate from consultation fees?

They may be. Biopsy, excision, pathology, wound care or other procedures can attract additional costs.

Will pathology always be bulk billed?

Not necessarily. Pathology billing depends on the provider, Medicare eligibility and the tests required.

Will costs be explained before treatment?

Yes. Expected fees, any Medicare rebates and out-of-pocket costs are explained before a procedure goes ahead.

What payment methods are accepted?

EFTPOS, major credit cards and HICAPS where applicable.

Read more: Skin cancer fees and Medicare · Consultation fees

Aftercare & Follow-Up


What should I do if I am worried after treatment?

Contact the clinic if you have an unexpected reaction, worsening symptoms or concerns about your recovery. Urgent symptoms may require prompt medical or emergency assessment.

What if I am unhappy with a cosmetic result?

Contact the clinic to arrange a review. Depending on the treatment, options may include observation while the result settles, adjustment or, for some hyaluronic-acid fillers, dissolving. Not every product can be dissolved.

Do I need a follow-up appointment?

This depends on the treatment. Follow-up may be required for wound review, pathology results, treatment response or further planning.

Can I exercise after treatment?

Activity recommendations vary by procedure. Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided for your treatment.

When can I return to skincare or makeup?

This depends on the procedure and skin condition. Specific aftercare instructions should be followed.

Read more: Safety standards

This page is general information only and is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you are unwell or worried about a rapidly changing symptom, seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 000.

CONSULTING LOCATIONS

Where Dr Benyamin Mansoori consults