Understanding the TGA Cosmetic Medicine Advertising Changes
- Consultation and Safety Uncategorized General
- July 30, 2024
On 7 March 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) updated the advertising guidelines for cosmetic medicine in Australia. These changes affect how nurses and doctors can communicate about treatments, pricing, and outcomes.
What the TGA Changed
Previously, practitioners could use indirect terms such as “anti-wrinkle injections” and “dermal fillers” to refer to prescription-only medications used in non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Direct references to brand names or ingredients were never permitted. The new TGA guidance removes the allowance for indirect terms.
The TGA also changed:
- Advertising price lists for prescription-only medications is not permitted
- Sharing before-and-after photos publicly is no longer allowed
- Posting product testimonials or claims about medications is prohibited
- Patients cannot self-select treatments online; prescribing decisions are solely made by the practitioner
The TGA states: “Decisions about treatments that involve the use of prescription medicines should only be made by a health professional in consultation with each individual patient.”
Business Name and Booking System Changes
The TGA also clarified that business names can be considered advertising. This is why the clinic name is now “MD Cosmetic Nurse”. Booking system labels for treatments must also be general consultations (e.g., Wrinkle Reduction, Volume Loss, Skin Hydration) rather than naming specific medications.
What This Means for Patients
Although public information about treatments, pricing, and before-and-after images is restricted:
- Consultations remain available for all the same treatments I have provided for over 12 years
- All treatment details, suitability, and options can only be discussed during a consultation
- Reception staff cannot provide this information due to legal requirements; please do not be frustrated with them
- If you have questions about bookings or consultations, you can contact me directly for guidance
These changes are designed to protect patients and ensure treatment decisions are personalised, and medically appropriate.
Why Book a Consultation
A consultation with MD Cosmetic Nurse ensures:
- Individual assessment is tailored to your facial anatomy
- Your facial concerns will be addressed
- To identify expected treatment outcomes
- Evidence-based recommendations, if deemed suitable
- Risks, pricing and aftercare of treatments are thoroughly explained
- Your make informed decisions to have a medical procedure
Book a Consultation today to discuss your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TGA removed the allowance for indirect terms like “anti-wrinkle injections” and “dermal fillers” for cosmetic prescription-only medications. This means public advertising of product names, prices, before-and-after photos, and claims about prescription-only medications is no longer permitted.
No. Before-and-after photos for prescription-only treatments can now only be shared during a consultation to comply with TGA regulations.
No. Patients can now only book a general consultation, such as Wrinkle Reduction, Volume Loss, Skin Hydration, or Rejuran, because the prescribing decision is made by the practitioner during your consultation.
The TGA considers business names as a form of advertising. To remain compliant, the clinic is now named MD Cosmetic Nurse, removing references to “injections” in the title.
No. Consultations remain fully personalised and evidence-based. You will receive tailored treatment recommendations based on your anatomy, goals, and suitability.
Only the Registered Nurse or practitioner during a consultation can discuss prescription-only medications. Reception staff cannot give this information due to legal restrictions.
They only affect treatments involving prescription-only medications. Non-prescription treatments or general advice can still be discussed freely such as Rejuran.