What is the best low risk procedure to start with?

Thank you for sharing your experience and concerns. It’s completely understandable to feel nervous after a complication, even with an experienced provider. Your caution is very wise—building trust and gradually moving forward is the safest approach.

When considering low-risk procedures to start with, the key is to focus on less invasive treatments with minimal downtime and low complication rates. Among the procedures you listed:

Masseter Botox: This is minimally invasive, reversible, and generally very safe. It can subtly reshape your jawline without surgery, making it a great way to regain confidence in treatment.

Lip filler: Small, controlled filler injections can also be low risk when performed by an experienced injector. They allow you to test how your body responds to treatment safely.

Procedures like buccal fat removal, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, neck/jaw liposuction, and areola reduction are all surgical and carry higher risks, including infection, scarring, or anesthesia complications. These are better approached once you’ve had positive, uncomplicated experiences with lower-risk treatments and feel confident with your provider.

Starting with non-surgical or minimally invasive options allows you to rebuild trust in both the process and the clinician while still achieving meaningful improvements.

Botox or lip filler would be a good option if you are seeking something on the low-risk and non-surgical side. I suggest seeing a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.​

After using BOTOX for over 25 years, I can tell you that there have been no permanent sequelae in any of our patients. Since you experienced necrosis with HA, a Botox treatment would be a safer route to take. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

While every surgery and cosmetic procedure has inherent risks, Botox and Dysport have the advantage of always being temporary - whether you love the result or run into a complication. That means that even when the injection result is poor, it will not cause permanent harm.

As a general rule though, by doing what you did by going to a top clinic with a well-reviewed doctor, you are minimizing your risk of untoward events occurring.

The lowest risk procedures will be those that are temporary and least invasive. This typically would be Botox which lasts approximately 3 to 4 months and HA fillers which can be dissolved if desired. When selecting a surgeon you want to choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. The ASPS website is helpful in finding surgeons in your area. Here you can review credentials and see before/after photos. From there you can schedule consultations with those who meet your criteria.