Cosmetic Calamity

Australia’s Growing Problem in a Rapidly Growing Industry

P. P. Zhang

ON THE SURFACE, IT’S ALL GLITZ, GLAM AND RAZZAMATAZZ, BUT WHAT LIES BENEATH IS LESS THAN GLAMOROUS. Cosmetic surgery is one of the fastest growing industries around the world, with the global market expected to reach $43.9 billion by 2025. Despite the dissent surrounding cosmetic surgery, both sides ultimately agree that the industry should be sufficiently regulated – and the standards set should meet those of any other medical procedure. Over the past 10 months, joint investigations by significant news outlets including 60 Minutes, The Age, Four Corners and The Sydney Morning Herald have exposed too many instances of professional negligence and malpractice leading to horrific, harrowing ordeals and injuries. Until recently, these cases have often been too graphic to be publicized and as a result, swept under the rug. This investigation labeled Cosmetic Cowboys has gained popularity, the label used to analogise the lucrative industry to a wild west without the regulation of sheriffs. 

The fundamental problem lies in the lack of regulation on the qualifications required to practise cosmetic surgery. Anyone with only a medical degree and no formal training can access the lucrative industry. What’s worse is that disgraced cosmetic surgeons are still allowed to continue working as GPs, free from consequences. However, the general unwillingness by state and federal regulators to take action can be attributed to the legal and financial superpower that is the cosmetic surgery industry, leading to surgeons using threats or payouts to prevent patients from speaking out about their negative experiences. Combine all this with the vague legislation governing Australia’s health system that is too easily challenged in court by major cosmetic clinics and you have a recipe for disaster.

The primary improvement proposed by the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) is the placing of restrictions on the title of “surgeon”, with requirements such as 12 months minimum medical and surgical training, which ideally will “reduce risk and help consumers to make more informed and safer choices”. A report of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority’s (AHPRA) independent review of the industry is due this month, and will be discussed at future health ministers’ meetings. However, some experts believe this is inadequate, and are urging for the temporary shut down of the industry altogether. Either way, it’s about time for cosmetic clinics to go under the regulatory knife of health ministers and AHPRA.