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Cosmetic procedures
Cosmetic procedures and surgery have risks and it is important to do your research and make an informed decision when considering a procedure.
Types of cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery and cosmetic procedures can change a person’s physical appearance. The terms are often used interchangeably but there are distinct differences.
Cosmetic surgery refers to procedures that involve cutting beneath the skin, such as:
- breast implants
- tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
- surgical face lifts.
Some cosmetic procedures do not involve cutting beneath the skin, such as:
- cosmetic injectables (Botox and dermal fillers)
- laser skin treatments
- dermabrasion
- cryolipolysis (fat freezing).
Before your cosmetic surgery
To make a safe and informed decision about your cosmetic surgery, you should consider the following:
- Choose an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
- Check your surgery will take place in a licenced facility.
- Understand the risks of the surgery.
- Understand the plan for your recovery.
- Know what to do if something goes wrong.
- Questions to ask before cosmetic surgery.
- Patient safety checklist – cosmetic surgery.
For more information visit Stay informed about cosmetic surgery (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care).
Changes to the industry
The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to build stronger industry reforms to protect the public and people undergoing cosmetic surgery to ensure the highest health and safety standards.
Some of the requirements are:
- Preventing medical practitioners without the appropriate qualifications using the title ‘surgeon’.
- Developing an ‘Area of Practice’ endorsement to set skills and qualifications for medical practitioners performing complex cosmetic procedures.
- Reviewing licencing standards for facilities where cosmetic procedures occur.
- Supporting a legislative ban on medical practitioners using patient testimonials for cosmetic procedures, including on social media.
More information
To make an informed choice about cosmetic surgery, you should rely on credible sources of information, such as:
- Your healthcare professional.
- The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
If you need to make a complaint, call the AHPRA cosmetic surgery hotline on 1300 361 041, Monday to Friday, 9.00 am — 5.00 pm AEST.