If you’ve been considering cosmetic surgery, you’ll be pleased to know that the Australian Medical Board has issued new guidelines to keep you safe. “This is important news,” says our founder Dr Ben Norris. “Our industry has traditionally been under-regulated, and that has led to a shocking number of botched surgeries performed by unqualified doctors.” The guidelines provide clear directions regarding patient assessment and informed consent, legislating that doctors must provide clear information to consumers about risks and possible complications.
We think it’s important that all Australians know and understand the MBA guidelines. That’s why we’re sharing them in this article. Our hope is that these rules will help you and others avoid the nightmare of cosmetic surgery gone bad.
Should You Have Cosmetic Surgery in a Hospital?
The new MBA guidelines require that “the treating medical practitioner (is) to take explicit responsibility for post-operative patient care and for making sure there are emergency facilities when they are using sedation, anaesthesia or analgesia.” This provision addresses the alarming number of deaths and disfigurements that have resulted when doctors perform surgeries in their own offices or in hotel rooms.
At Form and Face, our patients are reassured that cosmetic surgeries are performed by our surgeons in a hospital setting using general anaesthetic. This is important because hospitals are equipped with facilities and personnel that can be called upon should a problem occur.
Our patients also enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing that Dr Norris and his partner Dr Norris are fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This means they have undergone specialty training of the highest order and continually hone their skills for the aesthetic benefit and safety of their patients.
Take Time to Cool Off, Says MBA
Other key provisions in the guidelines mandate a waiting period before surgery is performed. They apply to people of all ages and will serve as an obstacle to unscrupulous doctors who use high-pressure techniques on their patients. Additionally, it will help protect impulsive patients from the risk of buyer’s remorse.
- A 7-day waiting period for adults requesting major procedures.
- A 3-month cooling-off period before major procedures for people under 18, plus a mandatory evaluation by a registered psychologist, general practitioner or psychiatrist.
- A 7-day cooling-off period for people under 18 who desire minor procedures, and when clinically indicated, evaluation by a registered psychologist, general practitioner or psychiatrist.
Ask a Professional about Cosmetic Surgery
At Form and Face, we value your health and your beauty. We invite you to contact our practice in Bondi Junction on 02 9387 3800 to schedule an informative meeting and learn more about the unparalleled level of care we provide.