National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards
The National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (Cosmetic Surgery Standards) were developed to support national sector reforms.
Released on 14 December 2023, the Cosmetic Surgery Standards aim to protect the public from harm and improve the quality of cosmetic surgery in Australia.
Cosmetic Surgery Standards
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards are person-centred and describe the processes and structures that are needed to deliver safe and high-quality clinical care. Cosmetic surgery is defined as an invasive surgical procedure that involves cutting beneath the skin for the purpose of achieving what a person perceives to be a more desirable appearance. Procedures may include breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, surgical facelifts, cosmetic genital surgery, liposuction and fat transfer. Cosmetic surgery is not used to prevent, diagnose or treat medical diseases or conditions.
The new Cosmetic Surgery Standards are aligned to the NSQHS Standards (second edition), which are implemented in all Australian hospitals and day procedure services.
Implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards is required for every Service in Australia where cosmetic surgery is performed. A ‘Service’ may range from small day procedure clinics through to large health organisations. Any surgery that poses a significant risk to a patient should be undertaken in a Service that is appropriately licensed and is required to meet expected national safety and quality standards, including cosmetic surgery.
Background
On September 2022, Australian Health Ministers announced urgent reforms to the cosmetic surgery sector. This was in response to concerning reports of patient harm. As part of these reforms the Commission developed a National Licensing Framework and National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards. These documents compliment other reforms, including:
- Protection of the title 'surgeon' through legislative amendments
- Stronger conduct and advertising guidelines released by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
- Introduction of a Cosmetic Surgery Area of Practice Endorsement by the MBA.
These reforms collectively aim to improve safety and quality within the cosmetic surgery sector and ensure that people seeking cosmetic surgery can make informed choices.
To inform the development of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards and associated implementation resources, the Commission sought a rapid review of current literature on patient safety and quality risks for cosmetic surgery, tools, strategies and techniques to address these risks, and the effectiveness of these methods. The review was conducted by KP Health.
Webcast launch
The Cosmetic Surgery Standards were officially launched on 14 December 2023, following broad consultation with consumers, clinicians, services, professional and peak bodies, regulators and other representatives of the sector.
Frequently asked questions
These FAQs provide some further information about the intent of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards and how services can begin implementation.
More information
For questions and feedback on the Cosmetic Surgery Project please contact the Safety and Quality Advice Centre via AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au or 1800 304 056.