01Regulatory update · Medical Board of Australia
New guidelines for —
higher-risk non-surgical procedures.
The Medical Board of Australia released revised advertising guidelines for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, in effect from September 2025. The aim is to protect patients — especially those who may be vulnerable — from misleading or unsafe advertising. RevAesthetic welcomes the changes.
02Why this matters
Patient-centred care —
by design, not by claim.
The new guidelines apply to higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures — for example botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, sclerotherapy and thread lifts. The intent is to ensure public safety is prioritised, professional integrity is upheld, and advertising supports informed decision-making rather than promotion that may mislead.
At RevAesthetic, our approach has always been to prioritise the assessment over the procedure. That includes a comprehensive non-surgical consultation covering medical and psychological factors, lasting at least forty minutes for an initial appointment, conducted personally by the responsible medical practitioner rather than delegated.
More on the potential risks of cosmetic procedures is available on our risks page.
— Dr Kishen Nara, RevAesthetic Melbourne.
03Key points in plain English
What the guidelines —
actually require.
The guidelines are detailed and worth reading in full. The summary below is intended for patients, not for practitioners; the official document remains the authoritative source.
- 01Patient safety comes first. Advertising must not exploit vulnerabilities, including those related to body image or psychological conditions.
- 02Claims must be accurate. Words such as 'safe', 'comfortable' or 'considered' are discouraged unless backed by clear evidence.
- 03Patient testimonials and influencer endorsements about regulated treatments are restricted under the National Law.
- 04Imagery must be genuine, unedited and respectful — not sexualised or lifestyle-idealised.
- 05Realistic outcomes only. Claims of emotional transformation or lifestyle improvement need clear evidence, and individual results vary.
- 06Content must not be targeted at people under 18.
- 07Practitioner qualifications must be displayed accurately and transparently.
- 08Risk disclosures must be clearly linked to the treatment being advertised.
04Who the guidelines apply to
A wider scope —
by intention.
The guidelines apply broadly to anyone advertising higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, not only to registered medical practitioners. Patients sometimes encounter promotional material from a beautician, a salon or an unregistered operator; the same standards now apply there too.
Applies to
- Registered health practitioners.
- Individuals who are not registered health practitioners.
- Businesses, partnerships and corporate entities involved in the advertising.
05About the practitioner
Dr Kishen
Nara.
Dr Kishen Nara is a registered medical practitioner. He sees patients across Melbourne, Tasmania and Adelaide. The team at RevAesthetic includes practice manager Cate, Patient Liaison Jenny, and registered nurses, all involved in supporting your enquiry.
All assessments are conducted in line with Medical Board of Australia guidelines. A second medical opinion is encouraged at any stage.
- MBBSBachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery — Monash University
- FACCSM(Surg)Surgical Fellow, Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine
- AHPRARegistered medical practitioner — General Registration MED0001201549
06Enquire
Begin a
conversation.
Consultations are conducted personally by Dr Nara across Melbourne, Tasmania and Adelaide. We respond within one business day. There is a written reflection period before any decision, and a second medical opinion is encouraged at any stage.
07Continue reading
More from
the journal.
- 2025 NSW Health: Suspected Unregulated Anti-Wrinkles
NSW Health update on suspected botulism cases linked to unregulated anti-wrinkle injections. - 2025 Cosmetic Injectables — Beauty Treatment Update
Cosmetic injectables regulation in Australia and what patients should know. - 2024 TGA Update on Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatments
TGA findings on energy-based devices for vaginal rejuvenation.
Disclaimer: This article is a plain-language summary of regulatory guidance. The Medical Board of Australia documents remain the authoritative source. All cosmetic procedures have inherent potential risks and complications. We encourage you to seek a second opinion from a qualified medical professional before any procedure. Material on this page is educational in nature and is not generalisable.