Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)
Stricter cosmetic surgery + procedure advertising from 2024 — bans on idealised body imagery + before/after misuse.
Who must comply
Medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgery + procedures.
What triggers it
Advertising cosmetic surgery/procedures.
When due
Continuous from 2024.
Evidence required
Advertising compliance review; before-publication legal sign-off; influencer briefing.
Max penalty
AHPRA disciplinary action; registration consequences; civil penalties
Summary
Medical Board of Australia revised advertising guidelines for cosmetic surgery from 2024 (post-Four Corners investigation). Bans on testimonials, restrictive before/after photos, idealised body imagery + social influencer-style content for cosmetic procedures.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHCosmetic surgery practitioner endorsement (from 2025)Since 1 July 2023 — endorsed cosmetic surgery registration with stricter advertising + training.
- CWLTHMaintain AHPRA registration and CPDRegistered health practitioners must hold current registration and meet annual CPD per their National Board standards.
- CWLTHMake mandatory notifications to AHPRAPractitioners, employers and education providers must notify AHPRA of conduct that puts the public at risk.
- CWLTHNotify the Coroner of a reportable death (state)Health practitioners + others must report certain deaths to the State Coroner.
- CWLTHComply with state infection control + notifiable disease rulesHealth practitioners must notify State Health Departments of notifiable diseases.
- CWLTHComply with Medical Board CPD requirements (50 hours minimum)Medical practitioners must meet CPD requirements set by the Medical Board annually.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)?
- Medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgery + procedures.
- What triggers Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)?
- Advertising cosmetic surgery/procedures.
- When is Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025) due?
- Continuous from 2024.
- What is the maximum penalty for Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)?
- AHPRA disciplinary action; registration consequences; civil penalties
- What evidence is required for Cosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)?
- Advertising compliance review; before-publication legal sign-off; influencer briefing.
Source: https://www.medicalboard.gov.au. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.