Resources
AHPRA Cosmetic Regulations
The Medical Board of Australia sets requirements for medical practitioners providing cosmetic surgery. These include referral, assessment, informed consent and time to consider the decision. Cosmetic surgery requirements differ from those for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and medically indicated reconstructive care.
Patients seeking cosmetic surgery need a referral from a GP or another medical specialist, with the independence requirements described in the Board’s guidance. The treating practitioner assesses suitability, including screening for body dysmorphic disorder and referral for further assessment when indicated.
Cosmetic surgery requires at least two pre-operative consultations. At least one must be in person with the practitioner who will perform the surgery. Consent forms must not be requested at the first consultation. The surgeon must explain the operation, alternatives, limitations, risks, recovery and costs.
There is a minimum seven-day cooling-off period after the two consultations and informed consent, before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. Patients should have time to consider their decision and ask further questions.
For cosmetic surgery in patients under 18, additional consent and independent psychological assessment requirements apply. There must be at least three months between informed consent and the operation. Applicable state law and individual suitability must also be considered. Read the current Board guidance below.
Initial Consultation: What to Expect
Your initial consultation considers your concerns, symptoms, health, medications, previous treatment and reasons for seeking advice. You are welcome to ask questions and bring a support person. Surgery may be one option; observation, non-surgical measures or referral to another practitioner may be appropriate.
A physical examination and, when appropriate, investigations help guide the discussion. Bring your referral, relevant reports, previous operation details and medication list. Cosmetic surgery has specific consultation and consent requirements, and a first consultation does not commit you to an operation.
Dr Zaman will discuss potential benefits, limitations, permanent scars, surgical risks, recovery and follow-up. Ask about time away from work, support at home and an itemised cost estimate. Outcomes vary, and no particular result or experience can be guaranteed. Further review may be needed before a plan is agreed.
Smoking and Surgery
Smoking increases surgical and wound healing risks. If you smoke or vape, tell your surgeon and anaesthetist before treatment and discuss a cessation plan with your GP and treating team.
Smoking can reduce the blood and oxygen supply needed for healing. It increases the risk of delayed healing, wound breakdown, infection and tissue loss. The size of the risk depends on the operation and your health; a single risk multiplier does not apply to everyone.
Smoking also increases the risk of chest and anaesthetic complications. Blood supply is particularly important when skin, grafts or flaps are involved. Tell your team about nicotine products and follow their individual advice.
Dr Zaman advises stopping smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery. Your treating team will confirm the timing for your proposed operation and whether surgery should be delayed. Ask your GP for help with quitting if needed. Stopping reduces risk but does not remove every surgical or anaesthetic risk.
AHPRA Cosmetic Regulations
The Medical Board of Australia sets requirements for medical practitioners providing cosmetic surgery. These include referral, assessment, informed consent and time to consider the decision. Cosmetic surgery requirements differ from those for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and medically indicated reconstructive care.
Patients seeking cosmetic surgery need a referral from a GP or another medical specialist, with the independence requirements described in the Board’s guidance. The treating practitioner assesses suitability, including screening for body dysmorphic disorder and referral for further assessment when indicated.
Cosmetic surgery requires at least two pre-operative consultations. At least one must be in person with the practitioner who will perform the surgery. Consent forms must not be requested at the first consultation. The surgeon must explain the operation, alternatives, limitations, risks, recovery and costs.
There is a minimum seven-day cooling-off period after the two consultations and informed consent, before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. Patients should have time to consider their decision and ask further questions.
For cosmetic surgery in patients under 18, additional consent and independent psychological assessment requirements apply. There must be at least three months between informed consent and the operation. Applicable state law and individual suitability must also be considered. Read the current Board guidance below.
Initial Consultation: What to Expect
Your initial consultation considers your concerns, symptoms, health, medications, previous treatment and reasons for seeking advice. You are welcome to ask questions and bring a support person. Surgery may be one option; observation, non-surgical measures or referral to another practitioner may be appropriate.
A physical examination and, when appropriate, investigations help guide the discussion. Bring your referral, relevant reports, previous operation details and medication list. Cosmetic surgery has specific consultation and consent requirements, and a first consultation does not commit you to an operation.
Dr Zaman will discuss potential benefits, limitations, permanent scars, surgical risks, recovery and follow-up. Ask about time away from work, support at home and an itemised cost estimate. Outcomes vary, and no particular result or experience can be guaranteed. Further review may be needed before a plan is agreed.
Smoking and Surgery
Smoking increases surgical and wound healing risks. If you smoke or vape, tell your surgeon and anaesthetist before treatment and discuss a cessation plan with your GP and treating team.
Smoking can reduce the blood and oxygen supply needed for healing. It increases the risk of delayed healing, wound breakdown, infection and tissue loss. The size of the risk depends on the operation and your health; a single risk multiplier does not apply to everyone.
Smoking also increases the risk of chest and anaesthetic complications. Blood supply is particularly important when skin, grafts or flaps are involved. Tell your team about nicotine products and follow their individual advice.
Dr Zaman advises stopping smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery. Your treating team will confirm the timing for your proposed operation and whether surgery should be delayed. Ask your GP for help with quitting if needed. Stopping reduces risk but does not remove every surgical or anaesthetic risk.