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Advertising (non-surgical) cosmetics: new rules

Karen Stephens

by Karen Stephens

Female patient having a cosmetic consultation

New Ahpra guidelines will come into effect on 2 September 2025 for advertising cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, thread lifts, PRP and dental veneers. The guidelines set out the types of advertising that will breach the National Law and the professional expectations of the National Boards.

To comply with the guidelines, websites, social media and other advertising will need to be reviewed, including factors such as:

  • information on registration details, risks, recovery times, and warnings
  • not using terms such as ‘world renowned’, safe’, painless’, happier you’ or ‘restore self-esteem’
  • images (before & after and single images)
  • the use of influencers
  • avoiding testimonials, including not liking or sharing patient comments or reviews on a third-party website
  • not using automated tools to predict post-procedure appearance
  • not targeting under-18s.

 

For further information see:

 

In addition to these new guidelines, there are existing guidelines for advertising cosmetic surgery:

 

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This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters. The MDA National Group is made up of MDA National Limited ABN 67 055 801 771 and MDA National Insurance Pty Ltd ABN 56 058 271 417 AFS Licence No. 238073.

 

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