New Ahpra guidelines regarding cosmetic procedures
22 May 2023
Update
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.
More news & views
From 14 October 2025, the way you access your RANZCP account is changing.

Having recently returned from our annual New Zealand Conference in Dunedin, I remain overcome with e...
The College is seeking volunteer trainees to participate in the pilot of the online MEQ exam.