Non-surgical cosmetic procedures

The cosmetic procedures sector has unique features that increase public risk. The guidelines will provide clarity for relevant health practitioners working in this sector and clarity for consumers undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Some of the unique features of the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector include:

• a lack of clear information about the qualifications and experience of practitioners in the sector
• advertising that minimises the risk and complexity of a procedure or implies unrealistic results  
• high numbers of young and potentially vulnerable  people seeking the procedures
• generating demand and ‘upselling’ procedures and products
• financial gain competing with and sometimes outweighing patient wellbeing and safety
• ongoing cost and frequency of procedures required by patients to maintain outcomes.

The proposed practice guidelines will apply to registered health practitioners who work in this area of practice, including but not limited to nurse practitioners, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, dental practitioners, podiatrists and Chinese medicine practitioners.

The proposed advertising guidelines will apply to all registered health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including medical practitioners and nurses.

New guidelines will be informed by the Medical Board’s work on the following guidelines which came into effect on 1 July 2023:

• Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures (Medical Board’s practice guidelines)
• Guidelines for registered medical practitioner who advertise cosmetic surgery (Medical Board’s cosmetic advertising guidelines)

You are encouraged to read the section relating to non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the Medical Board’s guidelines to understand the areas likely to be included in proposed guidelines.

For example, the Medical Board’s guidelines cover some of the following areas:

Changes will not apply until the proposed guidelines have been subject to public consultation and approval by National Boards. Consultation is occurring from 27 November 2023 to 2 February 2024, and finalisation of the proposed guidelines is likely to be sometime in 2024.

We know most health practitioners are already doing the right thing to keep the public safe.

In the meantime, while the proposed guidelines are under development, registered health practitioners¹  who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures should ensure their practice aligns with their National Board’s code of conduct and any other relevant guidance.

Further, nurses who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures should ensure their practice aligns with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Position statement on nurses and cosmetic medical procedures.

In addition, dental practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures should ensure their practice aligns with the Dental Board of Australia Fact sheet: The use of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers by dentists and Guidance for registered dental practitioners: Using and supplying teeth whitening products. 

All registered health practitioners are also encouraged to read the Medical Board’s practice guidelines.

In the meantime, registered health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures should:

• ensure advertising complies with:
  • the National Law advertising requirements
  • any obligations set out in the National Boards’ codes of conduct
  • the Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service
  • Social media: How to meet your obligations under the National Law
• read the Medical Board’s cosmetic advertising guidelines.

What to do if a cosmetic procedure goes wrong?

Call our Cosmetic Surgery Hotline 1300 361 041 or visit the Cosmetic Surgery Hub

Read more about cosmetic injectables