The way patients research surgery and surgeons is undergoing a significant transformation.
From 1 July 2023, the Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) will implement updated guidelines for cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is defined as procedures aimed at altering or modifying the appearance, colour, texture, structure, or position of natural bodily features, primarily with the objective of attaining a more desirable aesthetic outcome.
Cosmetic surgery procedures differ from medically-necessary or reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, in that they generally do not attract any Medicare or private health insurance rebates.
These strict new guidelines encompass regulations concerning appointment scheduling, surgical bookings and marketing, and will apply to all doctors who perform cosmetic surgery.
Here are the stages you can expect throughout your cosmetic surgery experience with Mr Holten (MED 0001130662) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery – plastic surgery).
You will require a referral letter
You will need to obtain a referral letter from your general practitioner (GP), who can then refer you to Mr Holten. This is necessary even if there is no chance of a Medicare rebate for the surgery.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire
According to 1 July 2023 regulations, you will be asked to complete a simple assessment questionnaire prior to or at the time of your appointment. The questionnaire will be given to you electronically, face to face, or as a paper questionnaire.
You will be assessed to see if you are a good candidate to undergo surgery
Cosmetic surgery is not suitable for every patient seeking such procedures. The main factor that can lead a surgeon to decline performing surgery is their assessment that it may not be in your best interest. This determination can be influenced by various factors, including the expectation of minimal enhancement in your appearance following the surgery or increased risks associated with the procedure due to underlying health conditions. In such instances, alternative options will be discussed and whether non-surgical or a service provided by another healthcare professional could be more appropriate for your specific situation.
You will require two consultations before booking surgery
In order to ensure your comprehensive understanding of the surgery, including its associated risks and alternatives, Mr Holten will conduct two mandatory pre-operative consultations with you. This is an opportunity to address all your questions and concerns.
Following the second consultation, you will be requested to sign a consent form, which serves as an agreement, confirming your willingness to proceed with the surgery.
Once the two consultations are completed, a cooling-off period of at least seven (7) days will required. After this period, you will then have the opportunity to schedule a date for your surgery and make a deposit payment.
Please note these two consultations and cooling-off period are mandatory and cannot be waived.
In order to safeguard the well-being of patients under the age of 18 who may be more susceptible to body image concerns, the cosmetic surgery guidelines mandate specific requirements. These include obtaining a referral from an independent psychologist, psychiatrist, or GP who is not directly involved in performing the procedure. Additionally, a minimum cooling-off period of three months is necessary between the time of providing informed consent (i.e. the second consultation) and the actual surgical procedure. These measures aim to ensure adequate time for reflection and consideration before proceeding with the surgery.
Information in order to make an informed decision
As part of your surgical journey, the Australian Skin Face Body team will provide you with the following:
Written information about the surgical procedure
- A comprehensive explanation of the recovery process, including details on any necessary recovery services like massages or compression garments, and expected or potential lifestyle changes such as absence from employment or temporary restrictions on activity
- Information regarding the possibility and associated costs of revisional surgery in both the short and long term
- Financial Consent details, including costs related to the surgeon, anaesthetist, medical devices, garments, and hospital expenses (if available)
Please do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding with surgery.
We understand that these new rules may present additional hurdles, but we are fully dedicated to assisting you throughout your surgical journey. Your trust in us is of utmost importance, as we will continue to provide the highest standards of care.
We are here to guide you through the process.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact Mr Holten’s rooms t: 1300 502 732
