Procedure details
What is planned, who will do it and why it’s recommended for you.
- Named surgeon and any assistants
- Intended benefits and realistic limits
- Expected scars and outcome variability
Compliance and pre‑booking guidance
Informed consent for cosmetic surgery in Australia
Before you book cosmetic surgery in Australia, you must complete informed consent. That includes a current GP referral, at least two consultations (one in person), a minimum 7‑day cooling‑off period after consenting, and clear written information on risks, costs, alternatives, privacy and aftercare. Use this page to understand the rules, prepare questions and protect your rights.
7+ days
minimum cooling‑off period after consent
2 consults
required before booking cosmetic surgery
GP referral
needed before you see the operating practitioner
Know your rights
Cooling‑off, withdrawal rights, and complaint pathways if standards aren’t met.
Consent essentials
Risks, limits, costs, anaesthesia, facility and aftercare must be provided in writing.
Arrive prepared
Bring your GP referral and a written question list to both consultations.
Need help?
Get confidential support reviewing your documents before you sign.
GP referral rules
Why you need a referral and how to prepare for your first consult.
Consultation questions
Checklist to make sure consent covers what matters to you.
Risks and complications
Understand material risks and how they apply to your case.
Costs and finance
Itemised quotes, deposits, refunds and revision costs explained.
What informed consent must cover
In Australia, informed consent for cosmetic surgery must be specific, written and supported by discussion. Use these sections to confirm you’ve received all required information before booking.
Risks and complications
Material risks must be explained for your situation.
- Common, serious and long‑term risks
- Risk modifiers (age, health, smoking)
- What to do if things go wrong
Anaesthesia and facility
Where and how the surgery will be performed.
- Type of anaesthesia and risks
- Accredited facility and level of care
- Emergency protocols and transfer plans
Costs and financial consent
Transparent, itemised costs and policies.
- Surgeon, anaesthetist and theatre fees
- Implants/devices, garments and tests
- Refund, cancellation and revision policies
Alternatives and second opinions
You should be offered choices, including doing nothing.
- Non‑surgical and surgical alternatives
- When to seek a second opinion
- Right to more time and questions
Cooling‑off and withdrawal
Time to reflect without pressure.
- Minimum 7‑day cooling‑off after consent
- No same‑day surgery after first consult
- Withdraw consent any time pre‑op
Photos, privacy and data
How your images and information are used.
- Clinical photos and storage
- Advertising restrictions and permissions
- Access to your records
Aftercare and revision policy
What support is included after surgery.
- Follow‑up schedule and contact points
- Managing concerns and red flags
- How revision decisions and fees are handled
Cooling‑off and key timeframes
These are the typical stages and minimum timing requirements for cosmetic surgery consent in Australia.
Stage
Requirement
Minimum timing
Notes
Before first consult
Current GP referral
Prior to seeing the practitioner
Discuss goals and health history with your GP.
First consultation
Information and assessment
—
Receive written details on risks, costs and alternatives.
Second consultation
Confirm understanding
Separate from first consult
At least one consult must be in person with the operating practitioner.
After you consent
Cooling‑off period
At least 7 days
Booking and deposits only after the cooling‑off period.
How informed consent works, step‑by‑step
Follow these steps to stay compliant and confident before you book cosmetic surgery.
1
Get a GP referral
Discuss goals, health history and suitability. Bring your referral to the first consult.
2
First consultation
Understand options, material risks, recovery and costs. Take written information home.
3
Second consultation
Clarify questions, review quotes and confirm expectations. One consult must be in person with the operating practitioner.
4
Cooling‑off, then book
Wait at least 7 days after consenting. Only then proceed to deposit and booking if you are comfortable.
Your rights and protections
Australian cosmetic surgery standards are designed to ensure decisions are informed and not rushed. If any part of the process feels unclear or pressured, you can slow down, ask for more information or seek a second opinion.
Clear information
Written risks, limits, recovery and alternatives in plain language
Itemised costs
Transparent quotes and financial consent before you pay anything
Privacy control
Photo use requires explicit permission; strict advertising rules apply
Right to pause
Minimum 7‑day cooling‑off and freedom to withdraw consent pre‑op
Financial consent: fees, refunds and revision
Itemised written quote
Surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital/theatre, device/implant, garments, tests and aftercare must be clear and separated.
Transparency
Deposits and timing
Pay deposits only after the minimum 7‑day cooling‑off period and once you are comfortable proceeding.
Compliance
Refund and cancellation terms
Policies must be stated in writing before you pay. Ask how fees are handled if you change plans.
Clarity
Revision policy and costs
Understand what is included, any time limits and potential out‑of‑pocket costs for revision or additional care.
Future planning
Medicare and private health
Some reconstructive or medically indicated procedures may attract item numbers. Confirm eligibility early.
Eligibility
Finance considerations
Understand interest, fees and total cost if using payment plans or loans for surgery.
Costs
Consent preparation: documents and checklists
Arrive prepared and protect your decision‑making. These resources help you ask the right questions and understand your consent documents.
What to bring
Support a thorough, personalised consent discussion.
- Current GP referral and medication list
- Medical history (past surgeries, conditions, implants)
- Written goals and questions for the surgeon
Risks to discuss
Ensure material risks for your situation are addressed.
- Common and serious complications
- Procedure‑specific risks and re‑operation rates
- How aftercare and escalation are handled
Before you sign
Check these items are in your written consent and quote.
- Named surgeon, facility and anaesthesia plan
- Itemised fees, refunds and revision policy
- Cooling‑off timing and withdrawal rights
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about informed consent for cosmetic surgery in Australia.
Can surgery be booked on the same day as my first consultation?
No. Cosmetic surgery must not be performed on the same day as the first consult. At least two consultations are required before booking, and a minimum 7‑day cooling‑off period applies after you consent.
What if I need more time to decide?
You have the right to take more time, ask further questions or seek a second opinion. Do not proceed until you feel fully informed and comfortable.
Are before‑and‑after photos part of consent?
Clinical photos may be taken for your medical record. Any use for marketing requires your explicit permission, and strict advertising rules apply in Australia.
Who do I contact if I have a concern about consent?
First raise it with the clinic. You can also speak with your GP, seek a second opinion, or contact your state health complaints entity or AHPRA/Medical Board of Australia.
Confidential consent and compliance help
Get help with informed consent, cooling‑off and your rights
Send a confidential enquiry if you want help understanding your consent documents, risks, costs, cooling‑off timing, complaint options or when to seek a second opinion. Our goal is to help you pause, clarify and proceed only when you are ready.
Australia‑wide support
Guidance for patients in all states and territories.
Next‑step clarity
Checklists, risk questions and financial consent review.