New Regulations for Cosmetic Surgery And How They Affect Your Appointments – from 1st July

The Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has recently released new guidelines for medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgery. These new guidelines came into effect on 1st of July 2023.

These new stronger regulations are designed to protect cosmetic surgery patients and improve standards of care for cosmetic procedures.

The following are the key changes to note for patients who are interested in booking a cosmetic surgery procedure with our Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Rahdon:

Mandatory GP Referral

Under the new regulations, all individuals considering cosmetic surgery are required to acquire a referral from a general practitioner (GP). This significant modification ensures the involvement of a medical professional in the decision-making process and guarantees that patients receive the necessary guidance and care during their cosmetic surgery journey.

Minimum of Two Consultations

To further enhance patient safety, cosmetic surgery procedures will now mandate a minimum of two consultations. This will enable patients to have in-depth discussions with their surgeon, empowering them to make well-informed decisions and fully grasp the potential risks and benefits involved in the procedure. By ensuring thorough communication, we aim to enhance patient satisfaction and overall well-being throughout the surgical process.

Patient Pre-screening Assessment Test (PAT) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

To address the psychological aspect of cosmetic surgery, a patient pre-screening assessment test for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) will be required. The assessment helps to identify patients who may not be suitable candidates for cosmetic surgery due to underlying psychological issues and ensures they receive appropriate support and care.

Cooling-Off Period

In order to encourage thoughtful consideration and reduce impulsive choices, a cooling-off period of at least seven days will be mandatory after the following steps have been  completed:

• The patient has undergone two consultations with Dr. Richard Rahdon
• The patient has provided informed consent, and signed consent forms.

What this means for patients interested in booking their procedure is that they will need to wait 7 days after completing these steps before they can pay a deposit and schedule their procedure.

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For more information on these reforms, please refer to the Medical Board’s FAQ on Reforms at a Glance or contact us for further details.

Have more questions?

We believe in the power of knowledge at Body Recon. Our goal is to give you all the information you need in order to make an educated decision about the best treatment for you. If you’re interested in learning more, book a free injecting consultation with us here or by calling  (03)5221 1747 and we’ll give you our expert advice.