As of the 1st of July 2023, changes are being implemented to the way patients can access cosmetic surgery. These changes are being implemented to achieve a higher level of patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/FAQ/FAQ-Cosmetic-surgery-Requirement-for-GP-referral.aspx
The key changes relevant to patients interested in cosmetic surgery include all patients requiring a GP referral for consultation and a minimum of two consultations with your surgeon before surgery. You are not required to see your usual GP for this referral, any GP referral will suffice. The reasoning behind requiring a referral for these surgeries is that a referral will provide important medical history and information to the referred practitioner. The GP can assess a patient’s physical and mental health and it is also an opportunity for a patient to discuss their motivation for cosmetic surgery with an independent practitioner.
There will also be a pre-screening assessment test for body dysmorphia disorder which your surgeon will organise. Another key requirement in the new upcoming changes is that there will be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after signing a consent form before booking surgery and paying the invoice.
Examples of cosmetic surgery can include:
- Abdominoplasty
- Blepharoplasty
- Breast augmentation
- Liposuction
If you have any queries pertaining to the upcoming changes for cosmetic surgery, please contact our friendly staff on (03) 5562 5330.