Your rights as a cosmetic surgery patient in Australia
Australia's 2023 AHPRA reforms introduced significant protections for people seeking cosmetic surgery. These rights apply to every AHPRA-registered practitioner in every state and territory.
The right to an independent referral
Before you can have any consultation with the operating doctor, you must receive a referral from an independent GP or non-cosmetic specialist. The referral cannot come from the operating doctor's own clinic or anyone with a financial connection to that practice. This protects you from being funnelled into surgery by the same practice that profits from it.
The right to two consultations
AHPRA requires a minimum of two consultations with the operating doctor before any cosmetic surgery can be scheduled. This means the first consultation is an assessment — not a booking. You have the right to receive full information about the procedure, its risks, expected outcomes, and alternatives before making any decision.
The right to a 7-day cooling-off period
After you provide written consent to proceed with surgery, a mandatory 7-day cooling-off period must pass before surgery can be scheduled or performed. You can withdraw your consent at any time during this period — and at any time before surgery — without penalty. Pressure to commit immediately or to waive this period is a red flag.
The right to psychological screening
The operating doctor is required to conduct screening for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and other psychological factors before surgery proceeds. BDD is a condition in which a person is preoccupied with a perceived physical flaw; cosmetic surgery does not typically relieve it. If screening identifies significant concerns, the doctor is required to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist before surgery. This is a protection, not a barrier.
The right to informed consent
You have the right to be fully informed about what the procedure involves, its realistic outcomes, risks, alternatives, and the recovery process — before you consent. Informed consent must be in writing. No procedure should be performed without it.
Rights for under-18s
Additional restrictions apply for patients under 18. AHPRA's guidelines place significant limits on cosmetic surgery for minors. Most practitioners will not perform purely cosmetic procedures on anyone under 18 without compelling clinical justification and appropriate parental or guardian involvement.
The right to complain and seek a second opinion
If you have concerns about your treatment, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another doctor at any stage. Complaints about AHPRA-registered practitioners can be made to the relevant state or territory health complaints body. A doctor who discourages you from seeking a second opinion is acting against your interests.
Red flags to watch for
- —A clinic that offers to provide both the referral and the surgery
- —Pressure to sign consent documents at the first consultation
- —Claims of a "guaranteed" result or outcome
- —Urgency tactics ("limited spots", "price only valid today")
- —Discouragement from seeking a second opinion
- —Surgery scheduled without a second consultation
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A GP can decline to issue a referral if they do not assess the procedure as clinically appropriate, or if they have concerns about your safety or wellbeing. If this happens, you can seek a second opinion from another GP.
No. The 7-day cooling-off period is mandatory under AHPRA guidelines and cannot be waived. Any practice that asks you to sign away this right is not complying with the rules.
Take the cooling-off period seriously. Do not sign consent documents under time pressure. If you feel a clinic is using high-pressure tactics, consider seeking a second opinion or choosing a different practitioner. You can report concerns to your state or territory health complaints body.
No. The GP referral requirement, two-consultation rule, and cooling-off period apply specifically to cosmetic surgical procedures. Non-surgical treatments like anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments are governed by different rules.
BDD is a mental health condition in which a person is preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their appearance — often one that others cannot see or consider minor. BDD affects an estimated 1–2% of the general population but is more common among people seeking cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery typically does not relieve BDD and may worsen it. Screening for BDD is a patient protection, not a judgment on wanting surgery.
Complaints about AHPRA-registered practitioners can be made to the relevant state or territory health complaints commissioner. In NSW: Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). In Victoria: Health Complaints Commissioner. In Queensland: Office of the Health Ombudsman. AHPRA also accepts notifications about practitioners at ahpra.gov.au.