Cosmetic Surgery Project

The Commission has supported reforms to the cosmetic surgery sector by developing a National Licensing Framework and National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards for services where cosmetic surgery is performed.

The Cosmetic Surgery Standards will be officially launched on 14 December 2023.

The National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (Cosmetic Surgery Standards) aim to protect the public from harm and improve the quality of cosmetic surgery in Australia.

Cosmetic Surgery Standards launch - 14 December 2023

The Cosmetic Surgery Standards will be officially launched on 14 December 2023, 12.00pm – 12.30pm AEDT.

Register now

Join our expert speakers to find out more about the Cosmetic Surgery Standards including:

Why the Standards are so important

How consumers can make informed choices and receive safe care

Why facilities should implement the Standards

Next steps for accreditation and available support.

The webcast will be hosted by Janice Petersen, journalist and broadcaster, and guest speakers include:

Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, CEO ACSQHC

Ms Christine Gee AM, President Australian Private Hospitals Association, CEO Toowong Private Hospital

Dr Garry Buckland, Consultant Specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Margaret Banks, Director, National Standards Program, ACSQHC

Cosmetic Surgery Standards

The Commission has developed the Cosmetic Surgery Standards to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care in facilities where cosmetic surgery is performed.

National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards - Public Consultation

2023

Other resource

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs outline the process and timing for the development of resources to support implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards.

1. What is the role of the Commission in cosmetic surgery reforms?

The Commission’s work has focused on the development of Cosmetic Surgery Standards for any facility where cosmetic surgery is performed.

In addition, the Commission has developed a National Licensing Framework to guide nationally consistent licensing of facilities where cosmetic surgery is performed.

This work contributes to broad reforms of the cosmetic surgery industry in Australia, agreed by Health Ministers.

2. What standards currently exist in Australia for cosmetic surgery?

There were no national safety and quality standards specific to services where cosmetic surgery is performed, which is why the Cosmetic Surgery Standards are so important.

Some service providers carrying out cosmetic surgery are accredited to the NSQHS Standards. These facilities will likely be required by the regulator to continue to use the NSQHS Standards and will be assessed to a small set of actions, known as the Cosmetic Surgery Module.

By implementing the Cosmetic Surgery Module, they will be deemed to have complied with both the NSQHS Standards and the Cosmetic Surgery Standards. States and territory licensing regulators will provide further information for health service organisation on these requirements.

3. What is the current status of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards?

4. What resources are available to support the implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards?

The Commission is currently working on resources to support the implementation of the Cosmetic Surgery Standards, including:

A fact sheet mapping actions from the Cosmetic Surgery Standards to relevant NSQHS Standards actions
A Cosmetic Surgery Module for assessors outlining the actions from the Standards which are specific to facilities providing cosmetic surgery
A user guide for services implementing the Cosmetic Surgery Standards
Resources for patients and consumers outlining key information on how to make informed decisions and receive safe, high-quality care.

The Commission will seek feedback from service providers, clinicians, consumers and peak bodies in the drafting of these resources.

Background

On 2 September 2022, Australian Health Ministers announced reforms to ensure doctors performing cosmetic surgery are appropriately qualified and work to the highest health safety standards expected in Australia. As part of these reforms the Commission developed a National Licensing Framework and National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards.

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.

Find more in our resource library

Cosmetic surgery

Person-centred health care