All cosmetic, dermatological, medical, and surgical procedures carry inherent risks. Outcomes vary between individuals, and no procedure can be considered completely risk-free. A thorough consultation and informed consent process are essential before proceeding with any treatment.
GP Referral
From 1 July 2023, Australian regulations require that individuals considering major cosmetic surgery obtain a referral from a general practitioner before booking or undergoing a procedure. A GP referral is not required for non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including cosmetic aesthetic treatments, dermatological lasers, and skin rejuvenation procedures.
Body Dysmorphia Screening
All patients considering cosmetic medical or surgical procedures are required to complete a psychological screening questionnaire as part of the assessment process. This is designed to help determine suitability for treatment and identify any potential psychological vulnerabilities. If a patient is identified as emotionally vulnerable or potentially unsuitable for cosmetic treatment, a referral to a psychologist may be recommended for further assessment before any procedure is considered. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychological condition in which individuals may become excessively preoccupied with perceived physical flaws. This can lead to repeated cosmetic treatment seeking and may increase emotional, financial, and physical risk.
Informed Consent
Before undergoing any cosmetic treatment, the treating clinician must provide sufficient information to allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. This should include information about the clinician’s qualifications and experience, as well as clear discussion of: • what the procedure involves • potential risks, complications, and limitations • expected recovery process • the possibility of additional or staged treatments • total costs, including deposits, payment schedules, and refund policies • follow-up care requirements and any potential costs associated with revision or additional treatment • the clinic’s complaints process and how concerns can be raised Patients must be given adequate opportunity to ask questions and seek further clarification before consenting to treatment. For surgical procedures, a mandatory cooling-off period of at least seven days applies after consent is provided and before surgery can proceed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Medical and surgical complications may include, but are not limited to:
- excessive bruising
- prolonged swelling
- infection
- post-procedural bleeding
- blood clots
- anaesthetic-related complications
- delayed wound healing or recovery
- emotional distress
- skin burns, discolouration, tissue damage, changes in blood vessels, nerve injury, prolonged numbness, or serious bodily harm
Cosmetic complications relate to appearance rather than physical health and may include:
- unevenness
- asymmetry
- lumps or irregular texture
- hollows
- under-correction or over-correction
Minimising Complications
While risks cannot be eliminated entirely, several steps may help reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes before and after cosmetic procedures. These include:
- choosing your treatment provider carefully by selecting a practitioner with appropriate qualifications, experience, and a strong professional reputation
- seeking a second opinion from another suitably qualified medical professional before proceeding
- assessing the clinic environment to ensure it appears clean, professional, and compliant with medical standards
- confirming that any medicines or medical devices used are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
- ensuring you feel comfortable with all staff involved in your care, including clinical and administrative team members
- carefully following all pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions provided by your clinician
Taking the time to understand potential risks and your responsibilities as a patient is an important part of making informed, considered decisions about cosmetic care.