Cosmetic procedures, including botox and fillers, are under scrutiny following their steep rise in popularity – and in botched results. Image: Youssef Labib via Pexels
Cosmetic procedures, including botox, fillers, and other injectables are under scrutiny by Australia’s medical regulators following their steep rise in popularity – and in botched results.
The announcement was made jointly by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), stating that there would be new guidelines for health practitioners providing non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
The regulators plan to introduce stronger safeguards, including both procedural guidelines and restrictions on the way cosmetic procedures are advertised.
The industry crackdown follows widespread complaints from people who experienced botched procedures, which included reports of adverse reactions, burns and serious infections.
In one AHPRA case study, a woman who disclosed a history of mental illness, including body image issues, and dissatisfaction with the results of 10 previous cosmetic procedures was administered a series of cosmetic injections, despite her history.
“Getting these services is not like getting a haircut – these procedures come with risk. We want to ensure the public knows what safe practice looks like, and that practitioners are doing everything necessary to keep the public safe,” said Martin Fletcher, CEO of AHPRA.
The new guidelines are expected to include a greater focus on informed consent, suitability assessments, and care and consultation both before and after procedures.
“There will also be a focus on prescribing and administering prescription-only cosmetic injectables,” said AHPRA.
Advertising guidelines are expected to place restrictions on the use of “before and after” photos, the use of testimonials, claims about the expertise and qualifications of practitioners, and strict rules regarding how influencers can promote cosmetic procedures.
Michael Fraser, co-director of patient advocacy group Operation Redress, said patients reported attempts by practitioners to upsell further cosmetic procedures.
“These doctors will often be more than happy to take your money and sell you procedures,” said Fraser.
“If you want to get procedures, get procedures, but you must be able to do so in a safe way. And you mustn’t have a doctor trying to upsell you or convince you that you have a problem that you didn’t know existed.”
