The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS), Australia's peak body for cosmetics surgeons, has called on the incoming Government to strengthen its guidelines on who can operate upon patients.
It is estimated that more than $1 billion is spent on cosmetic surgery annually in Australia, including $350 million worth of Botox procedures, 20,000 breast augmentation surgeries and 30,000 liposuction procedures. This excludes the 'underground' black market, involving up to 500,000 seperate procedures.
There is widespread concern that many medical operators calling themselves 'cosmetic surgeons' do not have the professional qualifications or authority to perform these procedures.
A similar topic, covered by the ABC's Four Corners in 2018, garnered widespread attention after it revealed how clinics are cashing-in on the current generation's obsession with cosmetic enhancements and fillers. Moreover, it found that many influencers were receiving free treatments in exchange for endorsements on social media.
Another driver for the ACSS is the case of Jean Huang, who underwent a breast filler operation in August 2017 and died in hospital days later. She received treatment at an underground cosmetic clinic.
In order to better protect the thousands of people seeking cosmetic surgery every year, the ACCS is calling on the Australian Health Minister, Greg Hunt, to bring together the ACCS, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, state ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders, to develop a nationally recognised accreditation standard for all practitioners who undertake cosmetic surgical procedure.
This follows the New South Wales Department of Health's April 2018 report that recommended tighter regulations for cosmetics procedures. It also urged consumers to be more cautious of budget deals and amateur practitioners. The full report can be read here.
