The cosmetic surgery rules

On 1 July 2023 the Medical Board of Australia introduced new rules for the cosmetic surgery sector. They were brought in to make sure people considering cosmetic surgery understand what they are agreeing to, make an informed decision, and are genuinely suitable candidates.

Me Clinic supports these changes. This page sets out what they require, because knowing them makes you a better-informed patient - at this clinic or anywhere else.

What the rules require

1. A referral before your first consultation

Anyone seeking cosmetic surgery must first obtain a referral - ideally from their usual GP, who knows their medical history and can discuss their motivations, and who passes that history to the treating doctor.

This applies to cosmetic surgery. Non-surgical treatments - skin treatments, injectables, laser - do not require a referral.

2. Assessment for underlying psychological conditions

Doctors must screen for conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, which can make someone an unsuitable candidate for cosmetic surgery, and refer for further evaluation where indicated.

This exists because surgery does not resolve distress that is not actually about the body part being operated on.

3. Two consultations before surgery is booked

At least two consultations are required before any cosmetic surgery is booked or performed. One may be by telehealth.

The point is a gap for reflection between being told what is possible and committing to it.

4. No influencer testimonials, no altered images

Doctors offering cosmetic procedures are specifically prohibited from using influencer testimonials or posting photoshopped images on social media.

5. Registration details must be disclosed

Medical practitioners must clearly state their registration type and registration number. This is why you will find a registration number beside every practitioner named on this site.

You can check any registration yourself at ahpra.gov.au - it takes under a minute, and it is worth doing.

6. Risks and recovery must be easy to find

Clear information about risks and recovery must be readily available, not hidden. See our risks and complications of cosmetic surgery.

7. Restrictions on advertising

Cosmetic surgery advertising must not be false or misleading, must not use testimonials, must not offer discounts without terms and conditions, must not create unreasonable expectations of benefit, and must not encourage indiscriminate use of a procedure.

Related changes worth knowing

The title "cosmetic surgeon" has been restricted. Since 1 July 2023, use of that title is regulated, and endorsement in cosmetic surgery requires meeting specified standards.

There is no AHPRA specialty of "cosmetic surgery". A practitioner may hold specialist registration in plastic surgery - the protected title is Specialist Plastic Surgeon, which requires Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. A doctor who is not a specialist holds general registration. Both may lawfully perform cosmetic procedures; the titles are not interchangeable, and any clinic claiming "specialist registration in cosmetic surgery" is describing something that does not exist.

At Me Clinic, Dr Gary Kode (MED0001405964), Dr Amir Tadros (MED0002302612) and Dr Mark Doyle (MED0001375519) are Specialist Plastic Surgeons. Dr Gordon Ku (MED0001169203), Dr Kwok Hao Lie (MED0001843582) and Dr Luis Torres Villacorta (MED0002049692) are Cosmetic Doctors. Dr Tim French (MED0001790529) is a phlebologist.

What this means for you practically

See your GP first if you are considering surgery - you will need the referral anyway
Expect at least two consultations, and use the gap between them
Expect questions about why you want the procedure; they are required, not intrusive
Check the registration of whoever will operate on you
Ask for the risks in writing, and read them
Be wary of anything that looks like a testimonial, a discount with no terms, or a before-and-after that looks too good

Where to read the rules yourself

The Medical Board of Australia and AHPRA publish the guidelines in full: medicalboard.gov.au and ahpra.gov.au. We would rather you read the source than take our summary of it.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form. Consultations: Specialist Plastic Surgeon $350, Cosmetic Doctor $150, including GST as at September 2024.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.