Cosmetic Surgery Consultations in Brisbane: What to Expect in 2025

19 min read

Key Takeaways

• New 2025 regulations require GP referral, mental health screening, and thorough documentation for all cosmetic surgery consultations in Brisbane.
• At least one in-person consultation with the treating practitioner is mandatory; telehealth is only suitable for follow-up or information sharing.
• Patients receive comprehensive written information, honest risk discussions, and are entitled to adequate decision-making time before consenting.
• Consultations focus on medical assessment, not sales, with clear discussion of alternatives and patient rights to privacy and support.

Table of Contents

• What happens at a Brisbane cosmetic consultation in 2025?
  • Check-in and medical history
  • Goals discussion and examination
  • Photography and documentation
  • Information and next steps
• What does a cosmetic consultation mean under 2025 rules?
  • Definition and assessment requirements
  • Key changes from 2023
  • Your rights to information
  • Timeframes and consent
• Do I need a GP referral and mental health screening?
  • When referrals support safe care
  • Mental health screening
  • When plans might be paused
  • Your choices about documentation
• What happens in your first appointment and examination?
  • Assessment components
  • Risk and complication discussions
  • Documentation you’ll receive
  • Support and privacy
• How does informed consent and cooling-off work in 2025?
  • The consent process
  • Ensuring understanding
  • Cooling-off expectations
  • Your right to withdraw consent
• Can part of my consultation be via telehealth in Brisbane?
  • In-person requirements
  • Appropriate telehealth uses
  • Practical considerations
  • Documentation and consent
• How can I prepare for a Brisbane cosmetic consultation?
  • Documents to bring
  • Questions to prepare
  • Health and lifestyle factors
  • Support arrangements
• When might your consultation be deferred,and what next?
  • Common reasons to pause
  • Next steps and referrals
  • Your rights and options
  • Safety standards in 2025

What happens at a Brisbane cosmetic consultation in 2025?

Your consultation starts with your story: what brought you here, what you’ve tried, what you’re hoping to achieve. This conversation shapes everything that follows.

Check-in and medical history

You’ll arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Think driver’s licence renewal, but for your health, current medications, allergies, previous operations, smoking history. Your practitioner reviews this with you, asking follow-up questions about anything that might affect your procedure or recovery.

“Any heart conditions?” might seem unrelated to labiaplasty, but anaesthesia affects your whole body. Your practitioner needs the complete picture.

Goals discussion and examination

Here’s where honesty matters most. Your practitioner asks what’s brings you in. Be specific.

The physical examination happens in a private room. You control the pace, pause anytime, ask questions, request a chaperone. Your practitioner explains what they’re looking at and why. Measurements matter for surgical planning, so expect this to be thorough but respectful.

Photography and documentation

Clinical photos document your anatomy for surgical planning and medical records. These aren’t glamour shots, they’re medical documentation, stored securely as part of your file. You can decline marketing use while consenting to necessary medical photography.

According to the Guide to cosmetic surgery from Health Direct, proper documentation supports safe decision-making and helps track your progress.

Information and next steps

Your practitioner explains what they found, what options exist, and what each involves. Risks get discussed honestly, both common issues like swelling and rare complications you need to know about. You receive written information covering everything discussed.

No pressure to decide today. Good practitioners want you to think it through.

The appointment ends with clear next steps. Maybe a second consultation, additional tests, or simply time to consider your options. You leave with comprehensive written information and contact details for follow-up questions.

What does a cosmetic consultation mean under 2025 rules?

Think of it as a medical assessment, not a sales conversation. Your practitioner evaluates whether procedures would actually help your situation and ensures you understand what’s involved.

Definition and assessment requirements

Three things happen during every consultation: clinical assessment of your anatomy and symptoms, comprehensive information sharing about all options, and detailed discussion of what to expect. Your practitioner determines whether surgery would address your specific situation.

This isn’t about convincing you to have procedures. It’s about determining whether procedures would genuinely help. The Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures require this thorough assessment approach.

Key changes from 2023

Recent updates strengthened patient protections without changing the fundamental consultation process. Marketing language disappeared from medical consultations. Practitioners now focus on balanced information rather than persuasive presentations.

You get facts, not sales pitches. Risks are discussed honestly rather than minimised. Alternative treatments, including doing nothing, get equal consideration.

Your rights to information

You’re entitled to complete information about benefits, risks, alternatives, costs, and recovery. This information comes in plain language you can understand, not medical jargon that obscures meaning.

Your practitioner should explain uncertainties honestly. Medicine isn’t exact, outcomes vary, complications happen, healing differs between people. You deserve to know what’s predictable and what isn’t.

Alternative treatments must be discussed. Non-surgical options, different surgical approaches, or simply managing symptoms differently. You need to understand why your practitioner recommends their approach over alternatives.

Timeframes and consent

Consent requirements vary depending on the procedure and your individual assessment. There’s no universal waiting period that applies to everyone. Your practitioner explains what timeframes apply to your specific situation based on current guidance.

The consultation begins an ongoing conversation. You can ask questions, seek clarification, or request additional time at any stage. Good medical care happens at your pace, not according to appointment schedules.

Do I need a GP referral and mental health screening?

A GP referral letter is required prior to consultation for surgery. This isn’t optional, it’s a mandatory first step that ensures coordinated, safe care.

When referrals support safe care

Your GP referral provides essential medical background your practitioner needs. Your GP knows your health history, current medications, and conditions that might affect your procedure or recovery. This coordination prevents complications and ensures appropriate care.

Your GP can also help manage your recovery and provide ongoing support after your procedure. They’re your primary healthcare provider, keeping them involved ensures continuity of care.

Mental health screening

Screening for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is standard in every assessment. This involves discussing your symptoms, expectations, and how anatomical features affect your daily life. It’s clinical assessment, not judgment.

According to Thinking about having cosmetic surgery? Information for the public from AHPRA, mental health screening helps identify when additional support might be beneficial before proceeding.

Your practitioner asks about your expectations, how long you’ve been considering surgery, and whether your symptoms affect work, relationships, or daily activities. Honest answers help ensure procedures happen at the right time for you.

When plans might be paused

Several factors might prompt your practitioner to recommend waiting. Unmanaged medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure need optimisation first. Unrealistic expectations about outcomes suggest more discussion is needed.

Recent major life changes, bereavement, divorce, job loss, might indicate waiting until you’re in a more stable situation. This isn’t rejection. It’s ensuring procedures happen when you’re best positioned to benefit from them.

Signs that additional mental health support would be helpful aren’t barriers to surgery, they’re opportunities to ensure you get the best possible outcome from any treatment.

Your choices about documentation

You control how your information is used beyond direct medical care. Consent to necessary medical photography while declining marketing use. Your medical records remain confidential, and you decide what happens with any images or information.

What happens in your first appointment and examination?

Your first appointment focuses on understanding your specific situation and determining whether procedures would help. The examination is thorough but respectful, with your comfort prioritised throughout.

Assessment components

The examination looks at relevant anatomy, takes measurements for surgical planning, and assesses how proposed procedures would address your symptoms. Your practitioner explains each step and why it’s necessary.

Clinical photography documents your current anatomy and helps plan your procedure. These images are stored securely as part of your medical record. You can specify that photos are used only for your direct medical care, not for any other purpose.

Measurements matter for surgical planning. Your practitioner notes asymmetries, tissue thickness, and anatomical variations that affect surgical approach. This isn’t cosmetic critique, it’s medical assessment.

Risk and complication discussions

Your practitioner discusses potential risks using plain language. Common issues like swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness get explained alongside less frequent but more serious complications. The National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards (2023) require honest discussion of uncertainties.

No medical procedure is risk-free. Your practitioner should explain both typical recovery experiences and potential complications without minimising uncertainties. You need complete information to make informed decisions.

Healing varies between people. Age, smoking status, medical conditions, and individual healing responses all affect outcomes. Your practitioner discusses how these factors apply to your situation.

Documentation you’ll receive

You receive comprehensive written information covering the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and recovery expectations. This documentation is yours to keep and review at home without pressure.

Cost information comes separately, including what’s covered in quoted fees and potential additional costs. Payment policies should be clearly explained upfront.

Contact information for questions and clear explanations of what to expect next ensure you’re never left wondering about the process.

Support and privacy

Interpreters are available if English isn’t your preferred language for medical discussions. You can bring a support person if that would help you feel more comfortable or remember information discussed.

Your privacy is maintained throughout, with only necessary medical staff present during examination. The environment should feel professional and comfortable, never rushed or pressured.

You control the pace of examination and discussion. Pause anytime, ask questions, or request clarification about anything you don’t understand.

How does informed consent and cooling-off work in 2025?

Informed consent is an ongoing conversation about your care, not just signing documents. It ensures you understand your options and have adequate time to make thoughtful decisions.

The consent process

Consent begins with your first consultation and continues until you have your procedure. It covers understanding what’s proposed, risks and benefits, alternatives including no treatment, and what recovery involves.

According to Informed consent from Health Direct, true consent means you understand the information, have had questions answered, and freely agree without pressure.

Your practitioner must ensure you genuinely understand key points, not just that you’ve heard them. This might involve asking you to explain back what you’ve understood or providing additional materials to review at home.

Ensuring understanding

Your practitioner uses plain language and checks your understanding of important points. Technical terms get explained clearly. You should understand not just what will happen, but why it’s recommended for your specific situation.

The reasoning behind recommendations should be clear to you. Why this approach rather than alternatives? How does it address your particular symptoms or goals? What makes it appropriate for your anatomy?

Questions are encouraged throughout the process. Good practitioners want you to understand completely, not just agree quickly.

Cooling-off expectations

Current guidance typically requires time between giving consent and having procedures, though timeframes vary by procedure and individual circumstances. Your practitioner explains what applies to your specific situation.

This time isn’t just waiting, it’s opportunity to consider your decision thoroughly, discuss it with family or friends, and ensure you’re comfortable proceeding. Questions often arise after consultations, and this time allows for those discussions.

Use this time to research your practitioner, understand the procedure fully, and consider how it fits with your life circumstances and goals.

Your right to withdraw consent

You can withdraw consent anytime before your procedure, even after signing documents or paying deposits. Your practitioner should explain policies about deposits and cancellations clearly upfront.

Changing your mind reflects thoughtful decision-making, not indecision. It shows you’re taking the decision seriously and considering all factors. Good practitioners support whatever decision you make about your care.

The consent process protects both you and your practitioner by ensuring everyone understands what’s planned and what to expect throughout your care.

Can part of my consultation be via telehealth in Brisbane?

Telehealth works for some parts of the consultation process, but current guidance requires at least one in-person meeting with your treating practitioner. Physical examination cannot be adequately done via video call.

In-person requirements

At least one consultation must be face-to-face with the practitioner who will perform your procedure. Physical examination is essential for proper assessment, anatomy, measurements, and surgical planning require hands-on evaluation.

The Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures specify this requirement to ensure patient safety and appropriate assessment.

You can’t properly assess tissue thickness, asymmetries, or anatomical variations through a screen. Surgical planning requires precise measurements and tactile assessment that only in-person examination provides.

Appropriate telehealth uses

Telehealth works well for information sharing, follow-up questions, or second consultations where physical examination isn’t required. You might use telehealth to discuss procedure details, review written information, or clarify questions arising after your in-person consultation.

Post-operative follow-up appointments may suit telehealth, depending on your recovery progress and what needs assessment. Simple check-ins about healing progress work well via video call.

Pre-operative education sessions, explaining what to expect, reviewing post-operative instructions, or discussing preparation requirements, can happen effectively via telehealth.

Practical considerations

Telehealth consultations use secure, private platforms that protect your health information. Your practitioner verifies your identity and ensures you’re in a private location where you can speak freely about medical matters.

You need reliable internet and a device with good audio and video quality. Technical difficulties shouldn’t compromise important medical discussions, so backup plans should be in place.

Lighting matters for video consultations. Your practitioner needs to see you clearly to assess healing progress or discuss any visible concerns during follow-up appointments.

Documentation and consent

The same documentation and consent requirements apply whether your consultation happens in-person or via telehealth. You receive the same written information and have equal opportunities to ask questions.

Your consent to using telehealth should be obtained, and you should understand how your information is protected during video consultations. You can request in-person meetings if you prefer, even for follow-up appointments.

Telehealth offers convenience for appropriate aspects of your care, but it doesn’t replace the need for thorough in-person assessment when planning cosmetic procedures.

How can I prepare for a Brisbane cosmetic consultation?

Good preparation helps you get maximum value from your consultation and ensures your practitioner has complete information to assess your situation properly.

Documents to bring

Your GP referral letter is required, this is your first step before booking consultation. Bring a current medication list including prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Everything affects healing and anaesthesia response.

Your allergy information is essential, particularly reactions to medications, adhesives, or anaesthetics. Details of previous operations help your practitioner understand how you’ve responded to procedures and anaesthesia previously.

Recent test results, especially if you have ongoing health conditions like diabetes or heart problems, provide valuable context for assessing your suitability for procedures.

Questions to prepare

Structure questions around key areas: specific risks for your situation, realistic recovery timeline, time off work requirements, total costs including potential additional expenses, and alternative treatment options.

According to Informed consent for medical treatment from Better Health Victoria, preparing questions ensures you understand all aspects of your proposed treatment.

Ask about your practitioner’s experience with your specific procedure and what results you can realistically expect. Understanding limitations is as important as understanding benefits.

Write questions down beforehand. Consultations cover lots of information, and it’s easy to forget important questions when you’re processing new medical information.

Health and lifestyle factors

Note any health conditions, even if they seem unrelated to your planned procedure. Your smoking status significantly affects healing and complications, be completely honest about current and past smoking habits.

Recent weight changes, pregnancy plans, or major life changes might affect timing recommendations. Your practitioner needs this context to advise you appropriately about optimal timing.

Current stress levels, recent bereavements, or relationship changes might influence whether this is the right time for elective procedures. Honest discussion helps ensure good timing.

Support arrangements

Consider bringing a support person if that would help you feel more comfortable or remember information discussed. They can also help you think of questions you might not consider independently.

Arrange an interpreter if English isn’t your preferred language for important medical discussions. This ensures you understand all information clearly and can ask questions confidently.

Plan for appointments to take longer than expected. Rushing through important medical discussions doesn’t serve your interests or lead to good decision-making.

Clear your schedule after the appointment. You’ll want time to process information discussed and review written materials without pressure.

When might your consultation be deferred,and what next?

Sometimes your practitioner recommends delaying procedures or exploring other options first. This protects your safety and ensures you get the best possible outcome from any treatment.

Common reasons to pause

Unmanaged medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems need optimisation before elective procedures. Your practitioner might recommend working with your GP to improve these conditions first.

Mental health screening might reveal that additional support would be beneficial before proceeding. This doesn’t disqualify you from procedures, it ensures you’re in the best position to benefit from them.

Unrealistic expectations about outcomes or recovery might prompt discussion about what procedures can and cannot achieve. Your practitioner wants to ensure procedures will actually address your specific situation.

Recent major life changes, bereavement, divorce, job loss, might suggest waiting until you’re in a more stable situation. Elective procedures are best undertaken when you’re emotionally and practically prepared.

Next steps and referrals

Your practitioner might recommend returning to your GP for management of health conditions or additional tests. Mental health referrals aren’t punitive, they’re supportive resources to help you make the best decision for your situation.

According to Thinking about having cosmetic surgery? Information for the public from AHPRA, these safeguards exist to protect patients and ensure good outcomes.

Alternative treatments might be suggested, including non-surgical options or addressing functional problems differently. Your practitioner should explain clearly why they’re recommending these alternatives over surgery.

Time to consider your options isn’t delay, it’s ensuring you make thoughtful decisions about your body and your care.

Your rights and options

You have the right to seek a second opinion if you disagree with your practitioner’s assessment. This is normal medical practice, not criticism of either practitioner.

You can take more time to consider options, address any health issues, or simply decide that procedures aren’t right for you at this time. There’s no pressure to proceed if you’re not ready.

Different practitioners may have different approaches or recommendations. Seeking multiple opinions helps you understand your options fully and make informed decisions.

Safety standards in 2025

Accredited services follow strict safety standards that guide these decisions. These standards exist to protect patients and ensure good outcomes. Your practitioner’s recommendations reflect evidence-based guidelines designed to optimise your safety and results.

Sometimes the best medical advice is to wait. This protects your safety and helps ensure that if you do proceed, you’ll achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding what happens during your consultation and preparing thoughtfully makes the biggest difference in getting valuable information. The process focuses on thorough assessment of your symptoms, discussion of realistic outcomes, and exploration of all your options, not just procedural ones. Modern consultations in 2025 emphasise informed decision-making, with detailed recovery planning helping you understand exactly what to expect.

Every person’s anatomy and symptoms are unique. Consultation determines whether any procedure would address your situation and helps clarify realistic outcomes for your circumstances.

If you’re considering your options, prepare questions about alternative treatments, recovery timelines, and realistic expectations for your situation. When you’re ready to discuss your circumstances, you can contact the practice or book a consultation to explore what approach might work best for you.

All procedures carry risk and complications and you must be fully informed. Before proceeding with any procedure we recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral before booking a cosmetic surgery consultation?

Yes, a GP referral letter is required before your consultation for cosmetic surgery procedures. Your GP provides essential medical background about your health history, current medications, and any conditions that might affect your procedure or recovery. This referral ensures coordinated care and helps your practitioner make informed decisions about your suitability for surgery.

How long does a cosmetic surgery consultation appointment take?

Your initial consultation typically takes 60-90 minutes, including time for medical history review, physical examination, and detailed discussion of your options. You’ll arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork, then spend time discussing your concerns, having a thorough examination, and receiving comprehensive information about potential treatments. Allow extra time after your appointment to process the information you’ve received.

What happens during the physical examination at my consultation?

Your practitioner conducts a thorough but respectful examination in a private room, explaining each step and why it’s necessary. They’ll assess relevant anatomy, take measurements for surgical planning, and document your current situation with clinical photography. You can request a chaperone, pause anytime, or ask questions throughout the examination process.

Is there a waiting period after giving consent for cosmetic surgery?

Current guidance typically requires time between giving consent and having your procedure, though timeframes vary depending on the specific surgery and your individual circumstances. Your practitioner will explain what waiting period applies to your particular situation based on current medical guidelines. This time allows you to consider your decision thoroughly and ask any additional questions that arise.

Can part of my consultation be done via telehealth?

At least one consultation must be conducted face-to-face with the practitioner who will perform your procedure, as physical examination cannot be adequately done via video call. Telehealth works well for follow-up questions, reviewing information, or post-operative check-ins where physical assessment isn’t required. Your practitioner will explain which parts of your consultation process can utilise telehealth appropriately.

What should I bring to my cosmetic surgery consultation?

Bring your GP referral letter, a complete list of current medications including supplements, and details of any allergies or previous operations. You should also prepare specific questions about your concerns, realistic recovery expectations, and total costs including potential additional expenses. Having this information ready helps your practitioner provide thorough assessment and personalised advice.

Why might my consultation be deferred or delayed?

Your practitioner may recommend delaying surgery if you have unmanaged medical conditions that need optimisation first, or if additional mental health support would be beneficial before proceeding. Recent major life changes like bereavement or job loss might suggest waiting until you’re in a more stable situation. These recommendations protect your safety and help ensure the best possible outcome from any treatment.

What mental health screening happens during consultations?

Screening for body dysmorphic disorder and general mental wellbeing is standard in every assessment through discussion of your symptoms, expectations, and how your concerns affect daily life. Your practitioner asks about how long you’ve been considering surgery and whether your symptoms impact work, relationships, or activities. This clinical assessment helps identify when additional support might be beneficial and ensures procedures happen at the right time for you.