Australia has strict laws and guidelines surrounding plastic surgery for people of all ages, but especially those under the age of 18. These regulations are in place to ensure patients’ safety and wellbeing, and to ensure they give informed consent. But are people under 18 able to give informed consent when it comes to plastic surgery?
This article explores what age you can get plastic surgery in Australia and what the rules and regulations are. For personalised advice, contact our team at Dean White today.
Age Requirements for Plastic Surgery in Australia
Generally, people looking to undergo plastic surgery in Australia need to be at least 18 years old. This is the case whether you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in Melbourne, Sydney, or Perth. This is to ensure patients have the maturity and emotional intelligence to make informed decisions about their bodies and that they fully understand the potential risks of surgery.
For people under 18, there are stricter rules in place for both patients and medical practitioners. These include the regulations for those aged 18 and over and additional rules specifically for minors. These are in place to ensure any surgery is performed with the minor’s best interests in mind. These regulations include:
1. Medical Practitioner Knowledge
The surgeon potentially performing the surgery needs to ensure they are aware of the relevant legislation in the jurisdiction they practise in, as this may vary between jurisdictions. They must also assess the patient to ensure they are satisfied that the patient fully consents to the surgery.
2. Parental Involvement
The parent’s or guardian’s views must be considered for a patient under 18. While the patient ultimately makes the decision, it’s recommended that the surgeon consult with the parents or guardians to gauge their support for the procedure.
3. Cooling-Off Period
Another of the 2023 AHPRA changes relates to the cooling-off period. For people under 18, a cooling-off period of at least three months is now mandatory between the time of giving informed consent and the actual surgery. This period aims to allow the patient to reconsider their decision and ensure they’re not making a spur-of-the-moment choice.
During this cooling-off period, surgeons should encourage their patients to speak with their GP about why they want to undergo the surgery.
4. Informed Consent
The patient needs to receive comprehensive information about the surgery, including the procedure itself, risks, expected outcomes, and recovery process. The surgeon needs to get their consent directly, rather than through a parent or guardian.
5. Restrictions on Certain Procedures
Some procedures may have additional age restrictions, depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s health, and their emotional well-being.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
While the guidelines are strict, there are exceptions for procedures that are deemed medically necessary. For example, reconstructive surgery is not classified as cosmetic surgery as it focuses on restoring appearance and function due to injury, disease, or congenital conditions.
It’s also important to note that gender-affirming surgery is not considered cosmetic surgery and that different guidelines apply to these procedures.
Consult With an Experienced Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne
If you’re under 18, or a parent or guardian of a child under 18 who may be considering cosmetic surgery, we understand this may bring up some concerns for you. Our team at Dean White ensures that new patients of all ages are treated with respect and care while they consider and prepare for surgery. To speak with a professional and understanding plastic surgeon in Melbourne, contact us today.
