Patients undergoing cosmetic surgery will be better protected from harm following the introduction of new national standards for the sector.
The National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards, developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare, are part of sector-wide reforms to improve patient safety in facilities performing cosmetic surgery.
Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, officially launched the new safety and quality standards last year, marking a significant shift towards ensuring uniform guidelines for the cosmetic surgery industry.
The new standards are designed to emphasise the importance of informed decision-making by patients, including understand the risks and possible complications of surgery, provide a clear framework for facilities offering cosmetic surgery.
The new guidelines impact both day procedure clinics and large health organisations, to create standardised guidelines for every service within the cosmetic surgery sector. The cosmetic industry had previously been described by medical professionals as akin to the ‘Wild West’ in terms of oversight and regulation.
A 2023 study revealed around 70% of women aged 18-29 have either undergone or are contemplating some form of cosmetic surgery. Additionally, global statistics indicate approximately 1 in 5 individuals opting for cosmetic procedures may be grappling with body dysmorphia.
In response to growing concerns over patients’ mental health and a sector known to ‘spruik’ and ‘upsell’ additional cosmetic procedures, the new regulations now stipulate patients must obtain a referral from a general practitioner (GP) and clinics must subject patients to a psychological assessment before undertaking any cosmetic surgeries.
The introduction of these standards also seeks to align the cosmetic surgery industry with other day procedure services that have adhered to consistent standards for more than a decade.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare anticipates many services will achieve accreditation in accordance with the new standards by 2025.
The new standards follow guidelines by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Medical Board of Australia, and require that any facilities offering cosmetic surgery adhere to the following:
- Hire qualified, trained staff
- Maintain rigorous infection control measures
- Use quality equipment
- Provide adequate aftercare
- Ensure patients get a referral from an independent GP and undergo a psychological evaluation
- Explain potential risks to patients