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AHPRA Cosmetic Regulations
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has established strict guidelines for cosmetic surgery to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. These rules apply to all registered medical practitioners performing cosmetic procedures.
Before booking a patient for surgery, a mandatory cooling-off period is required—seven days for adults and three months for patients under 18, along with an assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist for minors. A comprehensive consultation must take place, where the surgeon explains the procedure, risks, expected outcomes, and alternatives. The discussion must be detailed, ensuring patients give fully informed consent.
Patients must undergo a mental health screening using a validated tool to identify psychological conditions that could affect their decision-making. If concerns arise, referral to a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist may be necessary.
A second pre-operative consultation is also required for major procedures to confirm the patient’s understanding and readiness. Additionally, realistic expectations must be set, and surgeons must avoid misleading advertising or pressure tactics.
By adhering to these guidelines, surgeons ensure ethical, patient-centred care, promoting safety and satisfaction while complying with national regulations.
Download GuideInitial Consultation: What to Expect
At your initial consultation with Dr Zaman, you can expect a warm, respectful, and highly personalised experience. Dr Zaman understands that choosing to undergo surgery—whether reconstructive or cosmetic—is a significant and often emotional decision. His approach is centred on listening carefully to your concerns, understanding your goals, and helping you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
The consultation is never rushed. Dr Zaman takes the time to learn about your medical history, lifestyle, and what has led you to consider surgery. He encourages open and honest discussion, answering all your questions and explaining your options in clear, compassionate terms. Whether you're seeking to restore form and function after injury or illness, or pursuing a change that helps you feel more confident in your own skin, Dr Zaman’s goal is to partner with you in shaping a treatment plan that is both safe and aligned with your vision.
A careful physical assessment is performed, and if surgery is appropriate, Dr Zaman will discuss the recommended procedure, potential alternatives, expected outcomes, and recovery process in detail. Photographs or diagrams may be used to aid understanding, and you are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support. Above all, Dr Zaman’s consultations are built on trust. There is no pressure—just honest advice, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to achieving the best result for you. Every patient is unique, and your care plan will reflect that, with a strong focus on your safety, wellbeing, and long-term satisfaction.
Smoking and Surgery
If you’re considering surgery, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and improve your results. Smoking significantly affects wound healing, increases the risk of complications, and can compromise the overall success of your procedure.
Nicotine restricts blood flow, reducing the oxygen and nutrients your body needs to heal. This can lead to delayed wound healing, wound breakdown, infections, and thicker, more visible scarring. In fact, smokers are up to 6 times more likely to experience wound healing problems compared to non-smokers.
Smoking also increases the risk of serious complications such as blood clots, chest infections, and anaesthetic-related issues. In plastic surgery specifically, where delicate blood supply is crucial—such as in facelifts, breast surgery, or skin grafts—smoking can severely compromise the survival of tissues.
Dr Zaman strongly advises all patients to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery to ensure the safest possible outcome. Quitting may feel daunting, but support is available—and the benefits are well worth it. Not only does it reduce surgical risks, it also improves your skin quality, circulation, and overall wellbeing, helping you heal better and enjoy longer-lasting results.
AHPRA Cosmetic Regulations
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has established strict guidelines for cosmetic surgery to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. These rules apply to all registered medical practitioners performing cosmetic procedures.
Before booking a patient for surgery, a mandatory cooling-off period is required—seven days for adults and three months for patients under 18, along with an assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist for minors. A comprehensive consultation must take place, where the surgeon explains the procedure, risks, expected outcomes, and alternatives. The discussion must be detailed, ensuring patients give fully informed consent.
Patients must undergo a mental health screening using a validated tool to identify psychological conditions that could affect their decision-making. If concerns arise, referral to a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist may be necessary.
A second pre-operative consultation is also required for major procedures to confirm the patient’s understanding and readiness. Additionally, realistic expectations must be set, and surgeons must avoid misleading advertising or pressure tactics.
By adhering to these guidelines, surgeons ensure ethical, patient-centred care, promoting safety and satisfaction while complying with national regulations.
Download GuideInitial Consultation: What to Expect
At your initial consultation with Dr Zaman, you can expect a warm, respectful, and highly personalised experience. Dr Zaman understands that choosing to undergo surgery—whether reconstructive or cosmetic—is a significant and often emotional decision. His approach is centred on listening carefully to your concerns, understanding your goals, and helping you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.
The consultation is never rushed. Dr Zaman takes the time to learn about your medical history, lifestyle, and what has led you to consider surgery. He encourages open and honest discussion, answering all your questions and explaining your options in clear, compassionate terms. Whether you're seeking to restore form and function after injury or illness, or pursuing a change that helps you feel more confident in your own skin, Dr Zaman’s goal is to partner with you in shaping a treatment plan that is both safe and aligned with your vision.
A careful physical assessment is performed, and if surgery is appropriate, Dr Zaman will discuss the recommended procedure, potential alternatives, expected outcomes, and recovery process in detail. Photographs or diagrams may be used to aid understanding, and you are welcome to bring a friend or family member for support. Above all, Dr Zaman’s consultations are built on trust. There is no pressure—just honest advice, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to achieving the best result for you. Every patient is unique, and your care plan will reflect that, with a strong focus on your safety, wellbeing, and long-term satisfaction.
Smoking and Surgery
If you’re considering surgery, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and improve your results. Smoking significantly affects wound healing, increases the risk of complications, and can compromise the overall success of your procedure.
Nicotine restricts blood flow, reducing the oxygen and nutrients your body needs to heal. This can lead to delayed wound healing, wound breakdown, infections, and thicker, more visible scarring. In fact, smokers are up to 6 times more likely to experience wound healing problems compared to non-smokers.
Smoking also increases the risk of serious complications such as blood clots, chest infections, and anaesthetic-related issues. In plastic surgery specifically, where delicate blood supply is crucial—such as in facelifts, breast surgery, or skin grafts—smoking can severely compromise the survival of tissues.
Dr Zaman strongly advises all patients to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before and after surgery to ensure the safest possible outcome. Quitting may feel daunting, but support is available—and the benefits are well worth it. Not only does it reduce surgical risks, it also improves your skin quality, circulation, and overall wellbeing, helping you heal better and enjoy longer-lasting results.