New Ahpra guidelines provide stronger regulation to the cosmetic surgery industry and will include tougher advertising rules, mandated GP referrals and stronger patient assessment to identify underlying psychological issues.

The ‘Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic medical and surgical procedure’ from Ahpra will come into effect from 1 July 2023. 

Patients will be required to seek an evaluation from a psychiatrist (or GP/psychologist) if they are 18 years and under and seeking a major procedure or the screening process identifies underlying psychological issues in the patient seeking a cosmetic procedure.