Regulations for Vaser Liposuction on the Gold Coast, QLD

Thinking about getting Vaser liposuction on the Gold Coast in Queensland? It’s crucial to be aware of the regulations that aim to ensure your safety and quality care. On the Gold Coast, liposuction and other cosmetic procedures follow strict guidelines set by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) also has a code of conduct that all liposuction doctors must adhere to. In this article, we’ll explain these regulations so you know what to look for and what to expect when exploring your liposuction options on the Gold Coast.

Regulations for Surgeons, Doctors & Nurses

When considering liposuction on the Gold Coast, surgeons and doctors must meet strict qualifications and training standards to ensure your safety and the best possible outcomes¹https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx.

Surgeon Qualifications and Experience

• Board Certification: Surgeons should be certified by reputable professional bodies like the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Extensive Training: They must undergo comprehensive training in liposuction techniques and patient safety protocols.
• Ongoing Education: Continuous professional development is crucial to stay updated with the latest advancements and safety practices.

Liposuction Doctor Regulations

On the Gold Coast, various types of medical practitioners can perform liposuction procedures. However, anyone performing liposuction must be a registered medical practitioner and meet one of the following criteria²https://www.surgeons.org/about-racs/position-papers:

• Have completed at least 100 supervised liposuction procedures, including at least 5 on the specific body part they will treat.
• Be a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or another relevant specialty, or a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists trained in liposuction.

Anaesthesia and Sedation

When you undergo liposuction surgery, you’ll be given anaesthesia or some other form of sedation. Here are the regulations for the person administering these drugs:

• Specialist Anaesthetists: Should be a Fellow of the Australian New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
• GP Anaesthetists: In some cases, qualified GP anaesthetists with specific training in anaesthesia can perform these roles, especially in remote areas.

Nursing Staff

Nurses involved in your care must have recent and relevant experience in surgical care, including post-operative care. They must also be skilled in recognising any signs of complications.

Health Practitioner Registration

All health practitioners involved in your liposuction procedure must³https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/legislation/Pages/cosmetic-surgical-procedures.aspx:

• Be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
• Not have any restrictions that would affect their ability to provide care.
• Be trained and certified in resuscitation.
• Continuously update their knowledge and skills through professional development.

Regulations for Facility Standards

When it comes to liposuction surgery, the facility where the procedure is performed plays a significant role in ensuring your safety and the quality of care you receive. Here’s what to look for⁴https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2017-0483:

• Accreditation: The facility should be accredited by recognised organisations such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. This accreditation ensures the facility meets high standards for patient care and safety.
• Sterile Environment: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial to prevent infections. The facility should follow strict hygiene protocols and have regular cleaning schedules to keep everything spotless and safe for your procedure.
• Advanced Equipment: The facility should be equipped with up-to-date medical equipment to handle any emergencies that might arise during the procedure. Having the right tools ensures that any complications can be managed quickly and effectively.

How Patient Safety is Regulated

Before the Surgery

Health Checks: Before undergoing liposuction, you’ll need a thorough health check. Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and any allergies to ensure you’re fit for the procedure.

Understanding the Risks: It’s important to understand both the risks and benefits of liposuction. You’ll need to give written consent to show you’re aware of these, including any costs involved.

After the Surgery

Follow-Up Care: After your surgery, follow-up appointments are essential. These help monitor your recovery and manage any potential issues.

Liposuction Limits on the Gold Coast

When considering liposuction on the Gold Coast, it’s important to be aware of certain limits and guidelines that are put in place to keep you safe, such as:

• Clinic Registration: Any clinic performing more than 200 ml of liposuction must be registered with the Department of Health.
• Maximum Fat Removal: The maximum amount of fat that can be safely removed at one time is 5 litres. If the technique used leaves fluid in your body, this fluid counts towards the 5-litre limit.
• Smaller Patients: For smaller patients, the safe amount of fat removal is even less than 5 litres.
• Different Techniques: The 5-litre limit mainly applies to the tumescent technique, which is commonly used. Other techniques, like dry liposuction, have lower safe limits.
• Fluid Considerations: For methods like water-assisted liposuction, the maximum amount removed should be reduced further. Doctors must not cut down on the fluid used in tumescent liposuction just to increase the amount of fat removed, as this can be dangerous. If too much fat needs to be removed, it should be done in separate sessions.

When to Postpone Your Liposuction Procedure

Your liposuction surgery should be delayed if you have any of the following⁵https://www.health.vic.gov.au/guideline-for-providers-of-liposuction:

• Infections, especially in the skin
• Symptoms like the flu, respiratory issues, or possible COVID-19
• Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c >75mmol/mol or 9%)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath on the day of surgery
• New or unexplained heart rhythm issues
• High blood pressure without a clear cause
• Recently taken blood thinners
• A recent vaccination or one planned within 2 weeks of surgery
• Had COVID-19 in the past 8 weeks or have ongoing symptoms
• Uncontrolled psychiatric or psychological conditions

Assessment of Patient Suitability for Liposuction

Step 1: Getting a Referral

Before considering liposuction, you’ll need a referral from an independent doctor who doesn’t perform cosmetic procedures. This ensures you get an unbiased opinion about whether you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery.

Step 2: Understanding Your Motivation

Your surgeon will discuss with you why you want the surgery. It’s crucial to ensure your reasons are healthy and your expectations are realistic. Knowing what liposuction can and cannot achieve is important before moving forward.

Step 3: Checking Your Mental Health

A psychological assessment is necessary to identify any underlying issues like body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is done using validated tools. If significant psychological concerns are found, you’ll be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

Step 4: Exploring Alternatives

Your surgeon should talk to you about all your options, including non-surgical treatments and the option of not having surgery at all. Considering these alternatives helps you make the best decision for your health and well-being.

Step 5: Surgeon’s Ethical Responsibility

Your surgeon has an ethical duty to refuse surgery if they believe it’s not in your best interest. This ensures that your safety and health are always prioritised.

Patient Consultation Type and Timing

Before your liposuction procedure, you’ll need to have at least two consultations. One of these must be an in-person meeting with the surgeon who will perform the procedure. The second consultation can be either in person or via video call.

You shouldn’t feel rushed into making a decision. You won’t sign any consent forms during your first consultation. You can only give your consent after you’ve had an in-person consultation with your surgeon. This ensures you have all the information you need and can ask any questions face-to-face.

After your two consultations and giving informed consent, there’s a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period. This gives you time to think about your decision before you can book the surgery or pay a deposit.

Informed Consent Regulations

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent means making sure you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your surgery. Your surgeon is responsible for explaining everything clearly and ensuring you understand the details, risks, and costs involved.

Getting the Right Information

Your surgeon will discuss the surgery with you and provide written information in plain language. If English isn’t your first language, they’ll ensure you get the information in a language you understand. They should give you realistic information about the surgery without making it sound simpler or more glamorous than it is.

Details About the Surgery

You’ll learn exactly what the surgery involves, including the type of anaesthesia and pain management you’ll need. The surgeon will tell you where the surgery will take place and if the procedure is new or experimental. You’ll also get an idea of the possible outcomes, both short-term and long-term, and the risks and complications that might arise.

Considering Your Health

The surgeon will discuss how your current health conditions might affect the surgery and recovery. They’ll also talk about the possibility of needing further treatment or revision surgery in the future.

Knowing Your Surgeon

You’ll be informed about your surgeon’s qualifications, training, and experience. If other practitioners will be involved in your surgery, you’ll learn about them too.

Understanding the Costs

You’ll get a clear breakdown of the total cost of the surgery, including any implants or devices, fees for other medical practitioners, and facility costs. The surgeon will explain payment details, including deposits, payment dates, and refund policies. You’ll also be advised that cosmetic surgery isn’t covered by Medicare.

Implant Information

If your surgery includes an implant, you’ll receive an information leaflet before the surgery and an implant card afterward, both approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Photos and Videos

If the surgeon wants to take photos or videos of you, they’ll need your consent. They’ll explain how these images will be used, stored, and who will have access to them. You have the right to view the images before giving consent for their use in advertising and can refuse their use if you’re not comfortable.

Timing of Consent

You must give your informed consent at least seven days before the surgery during a consultation, which can be in person or via video. On the day of the surgery, the surgeon will reconfirm your consent. You’ll receive a copy of the signed consent form for your records.

Patient Management Regulations After Surgery

Your surgeon is responsible for your care after the surgery, ensuring you recover well and managing any issues that may occur.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

If your surgery is performed away from your surgeon’s main office, they must be available for at least 24 hours after the procedure to address any immediate concerns. The facility where you have your surgery should have plans in place to handle any complications or emergencies that might come up during or after the procedure.

After You Go Home

On the night after your surgery, you need to have a responsible adult with you who can contact your surgeon if needed or take you to the emergency department. If you live alone or don’t have someone to stay with you, it’s not advisable to have liposuction at a day procedure centre.

Contact and Follow-Up

Your surgeon or a designated person must be reachable for the first 24 hours after your surgery. Ideally, your surgeon should have admitting rights to a local hospital or an arrangement with a doctor who does, ensuring you can be admitted quickly if necessary.

If complications arise and you need to be admitted to a hospital, your surgeon will coordinate your care until the hospital takes over. If your surgeon doesn’t have admitting rights, they must have a clear plan for managing any issues promptly. Should your care need to be transferred to another doctor, your surgeon should directly communicate with them before the transfer to ensure a smooth handover.

Post-Surgery Check-Ins

Your surgeon should be available for an in-person review on the night of the surgery in case of any major issues. They will check on your progress 1-3 days after the surgery to ensure you’re healing well, with another follow-up after one week to monitor your recovery.

Patient Rights: Complaints

If something goes wrong during or after your surgery, these issues must be reported and dealt with quickly to improve patient safety.

Your Rights as a Patient

You have several rights to ensure you receive proper care and can voice any concerns:

• Speak Up: If you’re unhappy with your treatment, you can talk directly with your surgeon to resolve the issue.
• Clinic Complaints Process: You can also use the clinic’s complaints process.
• Health Complaints Entities: You can make a complaint to the health complaints body in your state or territory.
• Regulatory Bodies: Additionally, you can complain to organisations like the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Health Care Complaints Commission, or the Medical Council of NSW.

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

If you sign an NDA, it must state that you can still file a complaint with the appropriate health authorities.

Speak with Levant Cosmetic Surgery for More Information

Liposuction surgery is a big decision, and Queensland has strict regulations designed for your safety. It’s important to choose a clinic and surgeon who follows these rules closely and can answer all your questions.

If you want to know more or have any concerns, reach out to Levant Cosmetic Surgery. We’re here to make sure your liposuction journey is safe and successful, giving you all the information you need for the best possible outcome.

Email [email protected] or call us on 1300 323 772. 

References:

• 1. https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx
• 2. https://www.surgeons.org/about-racs/position-papers
• 3. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/legislation/Pages/cosmetic-surgical-procedures.aspx
• 4. https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2017-0483
• 5. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/guideline-for-providers-of-liposuction