Surgery For Me

What the National Boards require for this procedure

• Ahpra and the National Boards classify this as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure. These procedures usually must be performed by, or involve, a registered health practitioner.
• For people under 18, the National Boards require a cooling-off period of at least seven days between informed consent and the procedure. The Boards consider that botulinum toxin and dermal fillers should not be prescribed for cosmetic purposes to people under 18.
• Check a practitioner's registration, profession and any conditions on the Ahpra register of practitioners.

Sources

• Ahpra, Guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures (2 September 2025)
• Ahpra, Guidelines for advertising higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures (2 September 2025)
• Ahpra register of practitioners

What the Medical Board of Australia requires for cosmetic surgery

• Since 1 July 2023, a patient must have a referral from a general practitioner or other independent medical practitioner before cosmetic surgery.
• At least two pre-operative consultations are required, and at least one must be in person with the doctor who will perform the surgery.
• A cooling-off period of at least seven days applies after informed consent before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. For patients under 18 the cooling-off period is at least three months.
• Only medical practitioners with specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology or ophthalmology may use the title 'surgeon'. Cosmetic.com.au shows this title only when it has checked the practitioner's registration on the Ahpra register.
• Check a practitioner's registration, specialty and any conditions on the Ahpra register of practitioners.

Sources

• Medical Board of Australia, Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures (1 July 2023)
• Ahpra, Thinking about having cosmetic surgery?
• Ahpra register of practitioners