The NSW Government has strengthened laws regulating the cosmetic surgery industry to provide greater safeguards to patients.

Under changes published today, a new Cosmetic Surgery class created under the Private Health Facilities Act and Regulation means facilities that carry out certain cosmetic surgical procedures will be subject to the same licensing standards that currently apply to private health facilities.

The amendment applies to surgical procedures (other than dental) intended to alter or modify a person’s appearance or body and which involve general, epidural, spinal or major regional anaesthetic (including Biersblock) or sedation resulting in more than conscious sedation.

The new law also applies to a range of specific procedures, including breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), large-volume liposuction and certain facial implants.

Facilities that carry out these types of cosmetic surgery will have nine months from today to obtain licensing under the Private Health Facilities Act and Regulation.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner said: “Reports of significant adverse health outcomes for some patients has led to growing public concern over high-risk practices by some operators.

“A NSW Health discussion paper informed the changes made today, which will ensure a safer regulatory environment for patients undergoing selected cosmetic surgical procedures.”

New Medical Board of Australia guidelines for medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery will also come into effect from October 1 and will include specific cooling off periods for patients.

 For further information, go to http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/notifications