In 2023, the Medical Board of Australia issues updated guidelines where a person is considering cosmetic surgery, to undergo an assessment/evaluation prior to their procedure.

According to APS Practice Guide: Psychological evaluation of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures:

“it is important for a psychologist to conduct a thorough
psychological and psychosocial evaluation, attending to all aspects of the client’s mental health, risk factors, and other factors relevant to understanding the client’s motivation for
the cosmetic procedure, expectations about the psychosocial impact of the procedure, and comprehension of the risks and emotional/ physical recovery associated with the procedure”.

The process for this assessment includes:

• Client/caregiver interview: to discuss concerns, developmental, medical, social and other relevant history.

• A series of questionnaires to be completed which may include the school or others (depending on age of person being assessed).

• Discussion with the client about the outcome of the assessment.

• Short report to the referring practitioner of the outcome of the assessment.