Cosmetic Surgery Requirements

From July 2023, new government guidelines apply to the processes of performing and preparing for Cosmetic Surgery. This will directly affect our patients and how we are allowed to work with them, so it’s important that you are familiar with the new requirements.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as our team navigate these significant and complex new requirements.

WHAT IS COSMETIC SURGERY?

Not all procedures performed at Queensland Plastic Surgery are considered “cosmetic”. Some procedures that produce aesthetic outcomes are considered “medical” (rather than cosmetic) if performed for medical reasons.
Surgery is considered “medical” if a Medicare item number can be applied to it. If no Medicare item number is applicable, the surgery is considered Cosmetic and the new requirements apply. Some patients may have surgery that is partially cosmetic and partially Medicare, in which case the new cosmetic guidelines will still apply.

Each item number relates to different types of surgeries and has different requirements. You can learn more about the medical eligibility of each procedure on the relevant procedure page on our website, which you can find from the Services page.

NEW REQUIREMENTS

Below are some of the key new requirements that will affect the experience of our cosmetic patients. For a detailed understanding of all the changes, visit the Ahpra website (the national medical board).

GP Referrals – All cosmetic surgery now requires a referral from a General Practitioner. We won’t be able to book you in for a consultation until we have received a copy of your GP referral.

Body Dysmorphia assessment – Body Dysmorphia is a condition causing intense focus, shame and anxiety over perceived body defects. Prospective cosmetic surgery patients are now required to undergo an in-person assessment for Body Dysmorphia, which will take place at your first consultation.

Two Consultations – Cosmetic surgery patients now require two consultations. These must be a minimum of one week apart. At your first consultation, you will:

undertake a Body Dysmorphia Assessment;
have a medical assessment, including discussion of your medical history;
be given a copy of your “Consent Form”, an important document that outlines the details of the surgery you are undertaking, including risks and recovery requirements; and
have pre-operation photos taken.

At your second consultation, you will:

be further assessed for surgery;
discuss the results of your Body Dysmorphia assessment;
sign your Consent Form, alongside your surgeon; and
meet with our Cosmetic Consultant, who can discuss dates, costs, and other requirements and assist you further with your surgical journey.

Minimum timeframes – A minimum of seven days is required between your first consultation and your second consultation, and between receiving your Consent Form (at your first consultation) and signing it with your Surgeon (at your second consultation). A minimum of seven days is also required between signing your Consent Form and booking surgery. Finally, a minimum of seven days is required between paying your surgical fees and surgery taking place. Our fees are all required a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery.

Which procedures are cosmetic?

The following procedures are always considered cosmetic and will have to follow the new guidelines:

Blepharoplasty – lower and combined (upper Blepharoplasty may be medical)
Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant Exchange (often part medical and Cosmetic)
Brow Lift
Chin Augmentation
Face Lift
Labiaplasty (may be medical in rare circumstances)
Liposuction
Neck Lift

The following procedures may be considered either medical or cosmetic, depending on the medical need for surgery as assessed by Medicare item number criteria. For more information on medical eligibility, please look at the relevant procedure page on our website, which you can find from our Services page: