Patients given more protection under cosmetic surgery changes

From today Australians considering cosmetic surgery will need to undergo a general and mental health assessment with their GP before they can move forward with any procedure.

The standards, developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) are aimed at better protecting patients undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Commission clinical director, Associate Professor Liz Marles said the changes emphasise the importance of informed decision-making by patients, including understanding the risks and complications of surgery.

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The changes will apply across every clinic where cosmetic surgery is performed in Australia, from small day procedure clinics, through to large health organisations.

"Whenever surgery is performed, there are inherent risks that medical practitioners must carefully consider with their patients," Marles said.

"To keep people safe, services that perform cosmetic surgery procedures must assess the individual needs and circumstances of the patient.

"Before performing any cosmetic surgery, services will now need a referral to ensure a person is suitable for surgery, which will include a general health and psychological assessment."

The new standards will bring the cosmetic surgery industry into line with all other day procedure services nationwide.

Clinicians will also be required to obtain informed consent from patients about expected outcomes, along with establishing a complaints service and seek feedback from patients about their experiences.

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Australasian Foundation for Plastic Surgery co-director Garry Buckland the standards provided a framework for "gold standard clinical practice in a field that has lacked direction for too long".

"The reputation of cosmetic surgery and the integrity of those who practice it has reached an all-time low," he said.

"These standards, combined with reforms from Ahpra and the Medical Board of Australia, are necessary to restore patient and community confidence in cosmetic surgery and the medical practitioners who provide these services.

"It is important that people who choose to have cosmetic surgery can trust that the services and medical practitioners they use are accountable, qualified and will provide safe care."