Do you need a GP referral for cosmetic surgery in Australia?
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, any person seeking cosmetic surgery in Australia must have a referral from a GP or non-cosmetic specialist before their first consultation with the operating doctor. This rule applies to all AHPRA-registered practitioners.
What is the AHPRA referral rule?
The Medical Board of Australia, operating under AHPRA, introduced new guidelines for cosmetic surgery on 1 July 2023. These guidelines require a formal referral from an independent GP or non-cosmetic specialist before a patient can have any consultation with the doctor who will perform the surgery.
The rule was introduced in response to widespread concerns about safety, patient pressure, and inadequate screening in the cosmetic surgery industry. It was designed to ensure patients receive independent medical advice before being exposed to a sales environment.
Which procedures require a referral?
The referral requirement applies to cosmetic surgical procedures. This includes:
- Breast augmentation (implants)
- Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Facelift (rhytidectomy)
- Liposuction
- Cosmetic genital surgery
- Other procedures meeting the definition of cosmetic surgery under AHPRA guidelines
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are not covered by this rule. Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser skin treatments, and thread lifts do not require a GP referral.
Who can give you the referral?
Any AHPRA-registered GP or non-cosmetic specialist can provide a cosmetic surgery referral. You do not have to use your own GP — any registered GP, including a telehealth GP, can refer you.
Important restriction: The referral cannot come from the operating doctor's own clinic or anyone with a financial relationship to that practice. This is a deliberate safeguard to ensure the referring doctor has no interest in whether you proceed with surgery.
AHPRA's guidelines express a preference for the patient's usual GP where possible, as they know the patient's medical history and can provide a more thorough assessment. However, this is a preference, not a requirement.
What is the referral, and what isn't it?
A referral is a formal letter from a GP or specialist to the operating doctor, allowing the consultation to take place. It is:
- A requirement to access the initial consultation
- An indication that a GP has assessed the patient as appropriate to consult about surgery
- Generally valid for 12 months from issue
A referral is not:
- A recommendation that surgery is the right choice for you
- An endorsement of any particular surgeon or clinic
- A guarantee that surgery will proceed
- A medical clearance for surgery (that comes later)
What happens after the referral?
Receiving a GP referral is the first step in a carefully staged process. After the referral:
- First consultation: You meet the operating doctor. This is an assessment — not a booking. The doctor must provide detailed information about the procedure, risks, recovery, and alternatives.
- Psychological/BDD screening: The operating doctor is required to screen for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and other psychological factors. If BDD or significant concerns are identified, the patient must be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist before surgery can proceed.
- Second consultation: A minimum of two consultations with the operating doctor is required before surgery can be scheduled.
- Informed consent + 7-day cooling-off: After the patient provides written consent, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period applies. Surgery cannot be scheduled within that period. Patients can withdraw consent at any time without penalty.
Special considerations
Under-18s
AHPRA's guidelines apply additional restrictions to patients under 18 seeking cosmetic surgery. Most practitioners will not perform purely cosmetic procedures on minors without compelling clinical justification, and additional consent and oversight requirements apply.
When Medicare may apply
Most cosmetic surgery is not covered by Medicare. However, some procedures have a reconstructive or medically necessary dimension that may attract a Medicare rebate — for example, breast reduction surgery with documented musculoskeletal symptoms, or blepharoplasty with a documented visual field impairment. Your GP is the right person to advise on whether Medicare may apply to your situation.
Compare referral options
Comparative Assessment
Cosmetic Surgery GP Referral Services — Australia
Last verified:
June 2026
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
Your own GP AHPRA preferred | $0–$90 Bulk-billed possible; Medicare rebate may apply |
| $24.99 | |
| From $39.95 | |
| $39.90 | |
| From $49 Standard listed referrals (skin/eye/colonoscopy) $24; cosmetic requires Telehealth Consult from $49 | |
| Standard fees apply No Medicare rebates offered. Verify current pricing directly with provider. |
AHPRA preferred
Bulk-billed possible; Medicare rebate may apply
Business hours (varies) · In person or telehealth
AHPRA-preferred path. GP knows your medical history. Possible Medicare rebate if bulk-billed.
8am–midnight, 365 days · Phone/video consult; instant PDF download if approved
Lowest-priced dedicated cosmetic referral service found at time of verification.
6am–midnight daily · Questionnaire + practitioner call
Specific pages for cosmetic surgeon and plastic surgeon referrals.
6am–midnight AEDT · Phone consult; ~1 hour turnaround claimed
18+ only. General specialist referral service; not cosmetic-specific.
Standard listed referrals (skin/eye/colonoscopy) $24; cosmetic requires Telehealth Consult from $49
24/7 · Phone consult
Wesfarmers-owned. Cosmetic surgery referrals not explicitly listed; would require a general telehealth consultation.
No Medicare rebates offered. Verify current pricing directly with provider.
Verify with provider · Questionnaire + phone or video consult with Australian-registered practitioner
NIB-affiliated. Complete pre-screening questionnaire, then book a consult. Referral issued if assessed as clinically appropriate. No Medicare rebates.
Important: All referrals are issued only if an AHPRA-registered practitioner assesses them as clinically appropriate. A referral is not a recommendation of surgery or any practitioner. Prices verified June 2026 — verify directly with each provider before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Since 1 July 2023, AHPRA requires anyone seeking a cosmetic surgical procedure to have a referral from a GP or non-cosmetic specialist before their first consultation with the operating doctor. This is a legal requirement for all practitioners registered with AHPRA.
The requirement applies to cosmetic surgical procedures. This includes breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift, liposuction, and cosmetic genital surgery, among others. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments — such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and thread lifts — are not subject to this rule.
Any AHPRA-registered GP or non-cosmetic specialist can provide the referral. Your usual GP is AHPRA's preferred path, but any GP — including a telehealth GP — can refer you. The referral cannot come from the operating doctor's own clinic.
No. This is explicitly prohibited under the 2023 AHPRA guidelines. The purpose of the rule is to ensure the referring doctor has no financial interest in whether you proceed with surgery. The referral must come from an independent GP or specialist.
The referral allows you to book the first of two mandatory consultations with the operating doctor. You must have at least two consultations before surgery can be scheduled. After you provide consent, a 7-day cooling-off period applies. Psychological screening (including BDD screening) is required.
Stricter rules apply for people under 18. AHPRA's guidelines place additional restrictions on cosmetic surgery for minors, and most practitioners will not perform purely cosmetic procedures on patients under 18 without compelling clinical justification.