Australia regulates cosmetic surgery more tightly than many people expect. If you are considering a procedure, two requirements will shape your timeline before anything is booked: a referral, and a cooling-off period. Neither is a formality, and both exist to slow the process down.

Why a referral is required

Since 2023, anyone seeking cosmetic surgery in Australia must have a referral from a registered medical practitioner before their first consultation with the surgeon. A referral from your usual GP is preferred, because your GP knows your medical history, your medications and any conditions that affect healing or anaesthesia.

The referral is not a recommendation that you have surgery. It is a step that puts an independent doctor between you and the decision, and it gives the surgeon a fuller picture of your health than you might think to mention yourself.

For reconstructive procedures, and for skin cancer surgery, a referral also allows any Medicare rebate you are eligible for to be claimed. Purely cosmetic surgery does not attract a rebate.

How the cooling-off period works

After you have been given the written information and have consented, a waiting period applies before surgery can go ahead.

• Adults: at least seven days between giving informed consent and the procedure.
• Patients under 18: at least three months, and an assessment by an appropriate registered health practitioner as well.

The point of the wait is that you read the material properly, discuss it with people you trust, and come back with the questions that surface once the appointment is over. If you change your mind during that period, that is a legitimate use of it.

What you should receive in writing

• An itemised quote covering the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the hospital or day facility.
• A description of the procedure proposed, and the alternatives, including not having surgery.
• The risks and possible complications, and what would happen if one occurred.
• The recovery involved, including time away from work and restrictions on activity.
• Who to contact if you have a problem after you go home.

If any of that is missing, ask for it. You are entitled to it before you commit.

A reasonable question to ask

Ask whether the person you are seeing is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and check their registration on the AHPRA register, which is public and searchable. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, MBBS FRACS, registration MED0001341746.

To arrange a consultation in Paddington, Sydney, call 1300 067 668.