The reporters felt that half of the consultations were poor. One doctor claimed "'Almost anything you want, I can do it, and that's a guarantee. it's fact, not fiction". It was later discovered that this doctor is being investigated for misconduct after complaints from patients.
At another clinic one of the reporters was left waiting 50 minutes before being charged £100 for a five minute discussion. She was told: 'Botox® is a quick, painless, simple injection. You don't need a consultation.'
One doctor tried to sell the reporter cosmetic treatments she did not want. In addition to £480 for four chemical peels she was advised to spend £250 on Botox injections and £450 on dermal fillers.
Most of the practitioners didn't fully explain the risks or side effects or overlooked them completely, and some even gave incorrect information.
At one clinic the researcher who requested a chemical peel was told: "You only need to use sun block when it's hot, but you'll be starting in the winter so you'll be fine." High strength sun block should be used every day to prevent damage from UV rays whatever the time of year.
Practitioners should also take a thorough medical history to find out whether the treatment is suitable. For example,if you're taking light-sensitising medications, you should avoid lasers.
Choosing a clinic
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is recognised by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons as the legitimate professional body representing the field of cosmetic surgery in Australia. They have a search box to find qualified plastic surgeons in your area.
However there is little regulation of non surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox so you should do your research and choose carefully. Visit a few clinics and find out about their quality standards and checks made on staff, and ask to see the complaints procedure.
The Treatment
Always read as much as you can about the treatment you want and look at websites such as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). What results do you want from your treatment? Can you afford any time off work to recover. How much can you spend? If there's something you're not sure about ask at the consultation.
Your Consultation
Write down all the questions you want to ask about your treatment, how it works, what preparation can you do, is there pain, risks or side effects, what results cab you expect and how long will the effects last, and what could happen if the treatment goes wrong. Other sample questions you can ask your cosmetic practioner can be found here
Questions to ask your cosmetic practioner
Always be wary of a clinic's patient co-ordinator. They usually have no medical training and may not be able answer any questions adequately. Never be pressured into having any cosmetic treatment immediately.
If Something goes Wrong
If you're not happy with the results, complain to the practitioner or the clinic. If their response isn't satisfactory you can pursue the complaint through official channels and you may be due compensation claim.
In Australia each State and Territory has a complaints procedure. See below.
Australian Capital Territory - (02) 6205 2222
www.healthcomplaints.act.gov.au
New South Wales - (02) 9219 7444
www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
Northern Territory - (08) 8999 1969
www.nt.gov.au/omb_hcscc/hcscc
Queensland - (07) 3234 0272
www.hqcc.qld.gov.au
South Australia - (08) 8226 8666
www.hcscc.sa.gov.au
Tasmania - 1300 766 725
www.healthcomplaints.tas.gov.au
Victoria - (03) 8601 5222
www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc/
Western Australia -(08) 9323 0600
www.healthreview.wa.gov.au
Serious matters can be referred by these Government sponsored complaints body to the individual State or Territory Medical Board, which can force a medical practitioner to cease practicing.
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