Cosmetic injections are serious medical procedures that involve injecting a substance under the skin to change your appearance—for example, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or adding volume. If performed incorrectly, they can cause serious harm, including skin damage, blindness or even death.
If you are considering cosmetic injections, use this checklist to carefully research both the products used and the people providing the treatment.
Attend a consultation
The products used in cosmetic injections require a valid prescription from an authorised prescriber such as a medical doctor, dentist or nurse practitioner. The prescriber must consult with you and fully explain the procedure before it goes ahead. This consultation may occur face-to-face or via video conference.
Make a list of your questions or concerns and bring these along to your consultation. The prescriber should provide you with enough information for you to make an informed decision, including possible risks and complications. Your informed consent should be obtained before the procedure goes ahead.
Check practitioner registration
You should check that both the prescriber of the cosmetic injection and the person who administers the injection are appropriately qualified. The register of qualified people can be freely searched on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s (AHPRA) website.
The Medical Board of Australia’s guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic medical and surgical procedures outline the requirements for medical practitioners prescribing and administering cosmetic injection products.
Some nurses and dentists can prescribe cosmetic injection products. The Dental Board of Australia has published a fact sheet outlining expectations of dentists performing cosmetic injections. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has also issued a position statement outlining expectations of nurses working in the area of cosmetic procedures (see next page for links).
Check experience and training
Cosmetic injections into the wrong area of the face may result in serious consequences, including blindness or death. The person administrating the injection must have the appropriate knowledge and training.
Ask the person who will give the injection how much experience they have with this type of procedure. Also ensure that anyone else involved in the procedure is suitably qualified and experienced.
Understand the risks
As with all medical procedures, there is a degree of risk associated with cosmetic injections. Your prescriber should explain the risks to you.
The person responsible for the procedure is also responsible for providing aftercare. You should be provided with written instructions and advice on what follow-up will be provided and what to do if you experience unexpected side effects.
Research the products
Ask about the products that are going to be used in your procedure. As legislation prevents the advertising of product and brand names, you will need to ask for this information.
The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) lists all of the products that can be legally supplied in Australia. Search the ARTG to ensure that the product used in your procedure is registered.
Avoid counterfeit products
Some clinics have been involved in the illegal importation and use of dangerous counterfeit products. Cheaper products imported from overseas can be difficult to identify and may pose health risks.
Do your research and ensure that the product is included on the ARTG (see above). If it sounds too good to be true, it often is!
Report any unexpected side effects
As with most medical procedures, there will be a range of side effects that are considered normal for cosmetic injections. These side effects should be explained to you and may include redness and swelling of the skin.
It is important for prescribers to report unexpected side effects to the TGA. You can also report problems experienced as a result of a cosmetic injection directly to the TGA.
External links
Register of practitioners
Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures
Neurotoxins and dermal fillers
If you require further information, you can contact us on 1800 020 653 or email info@tga.gov.au