TGA Guidlines on Advertising for Cosmetic Treatments

Okay, so bare with me for a second, because this might be a substantial amount of information to take in, but If anything I am the practitioner who gives you all the information I can.

For a long time, searching for a cosmetic practitioner was easy, you could type into google and ask for injectables clinics or search for the specific treatment you were wanting to have done. Seeing previous results and other information was at your fingertips and it was almost like there was no need for a consultation to find out pricing or promotions that were around for aesthetic treatment that you saw in your social media feed multiple times throughout your day.

This has all changed a great deal, mostly for those who are seeking these services. But for those of us who are performing these treatments, most of the rules have been in place, there is just more regulation around them now and a lot more detail in each of them.

What has changed?

Majority of Injectables treatments are performed using an S4 Medication (requiring a prescription) which is regulated by the TGA (Therapeutic goods administration) and health practitioners are regulated by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioners Register Australia). As health practitioners, we are bound by the rules and guidelines of practice that are framed by these governing bodies in Australia.

The changes we have encountered are in the leniency that is allowed to the cosmetic industry in regard to advertising our services. Before we were provided with terms like anti wrinkle treatments which meant we could discuss specific treatments and the expected outcomes or risks relating to these procedures without referring directly any prescription medication.

Unfortunately, because these terms make it apparent to the public that an S4 Medication is being used to achieve a specific aesthetic result, we have been advised these terms will no longer be acceptable and will be considered advertising of prescription medications.

Other areas you might see some changes in may be pricing of treatments, sharing of client experiences or reviews, before and after images and promotional pricing in relation to the treatments that are performed in the cosmetic industry, which is seen to be enticing consumers to have unnecessary treatments that carry risks.

Why the change?

These changes are difficult for everyone to understand, however, the intention is to provide more safety to the general public. These governing bodies are trying to encourage potential consumers of the cosmetic industry to sit down with practitioners, gain knowledge about the different treatments offered and the risks and outcomes associated, allowing them to make an educated decision in their treatment planning. Social media can make light of these medical procedures that carry risks, especially when referring to them as a “quick fix during your lunch break.”

The aim is to encourage consumers to seek a face to face appointment with someone who has been recommended to you by friends or other health professionals. You should gain professional advice and education from experienced Doctors and Nurses to determine if you are a good candidate for that treatment based on the treatment indications, contraindications, risks, medical history and the suitability for you to proceed with treatment, if it is in your best interests.

So how do you determine the right practitioner for your concerns and treatments?

Consultations! Take your time to sit down and discuss your options with your practitioner, infact, I encourage you to have more than one consultation with more than one company if you don’t feel 100% comfortable after the first. Ask questions, discuss alternative options that could bennefit you and your concerns for your consideration when developing a treatment plan. Then when you have the education you are in the best position to make an informed decision regarding you aesthetic journey. Consultations are your chance to ask for before and after images of previous clients, if your practitioner has any previous experience or advice specifically relating to your concerns and you are able to see the environment that your treatment will be performed in to ensure it is up to standard for health and safety.

In regard to before and after photos, the TGA guidelines for advertising cosmetic injectables allows the use of photos provided there is no description or visual evidence that would lead the general public to believe that an S4 medication has been used to achieve the result. Now this is where it gets confusing, because the guidelines set by AHPRA state when using before and after images, you must be clear and exact about the results and not misleading to the general public about how these results have been achieved.

Thank you!

If you made it to here, firstly, I am impressed. But mainly, I appreciate that you did take the time to understand the reasons why consultations are highly recommended and without, there is no accurate way of recommending a treatment plan that will be beneficial for you.