Risks & Results
The information on this page is general in nature and is provided to help you make an informed decision about cosmetic surgery. It is not personalised medical advice and does not take account of your individual circumstances.
Reading this page does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Any decision about a procedure should be made only after an individual consultation with Dr Jassim Daood, where the risks, benefits and alternatives relevant to you are explained in full.
How cosmetic surgery is regulated in Australia
Cosmetic surgery in Australia is regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia. Several safeguards are in place to protect patients.
- GP referral required. Since July 2023, a referral from your general practitioner is required before a cosmetic surgery consultation. The referring practitioner must not perform the cosmetic procedure themselves.
- Cosmetic-surgery endorsement scheme. The Medical Board operates an endorsement scheme for medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery, setting standards for training and practice.
- Cooling-off period. A mandatory cooling-off period of at least 7 days applies between giving informed consent (after two consultations) and booking a procedure or paying a deposit.
For more detail on the regulations that apply to cosmetic surgery, visit the AHPRA website.
Risks common to all surgery
All surgery carries risk. The following can occur with any surgical procedure, regardless of type. They are discussed in detail, in the context of your individual circumstances, before any decision is made.
Infection
Any surgical procedure can lead to infection, which may require antibiotics or, less commonly, further treatment.
Bleeding & haematoma
Bleeding during or after surgery, including a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma), can occur and may need to be drained.
Scarring
All surgery leaves scars. How a scar heals varies between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
Nerve changes
Temporary or, less commonly, longer-lasting changes to sensation or movement can occur near the treated area.
Anaesthesia risk
General and local anaesthesia carry their own risks, which the anaesthetist discusses with you before surgery.
Blood clots
Surgery carries a risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) that can, rarely, travel to the lungs.
Prolonged pain
Discomfort is expected after surgery, and in some cases pain can persist longer than anticipated.
Psychological & emotional impact
Recovery and results can affect wellbeing. Outcomes may not match expectations, which can be emotionally difficult.
Risks vary by procedure
Each procedure carries its own specific risks in addition to the general risks of surgery. The notes below are a short summary by category. Full, procedure-specific information is on each procedure page.
Face
Facial surgery such as facelift, neck lift and rhinoplasty carries risks including haematoma, nerve changes affecting movement or sensation, visible scarring and asymmetry, with swelling that can take months to settle.
Read about facial procedures →Breast & Chest
Breast and chest surgery can involve changes in nipple or skin sensation, asymmetry and scarring. Implant-based procedures carry additional risks such as capsular contracture, rupture and the likely need for further surgery over a lifetime.
Read about breast & chest procedures →Body
Body contouring such as liposuction, tummy tuck and arm or thigh lift can involve contour irregularities, fluid collection (seroma), changes in sensation, scarring and, for some procedures, a raised risk of blood clots.
Read about body contouring procedures →Buttock
Buttock augmentation carries risks of asymmetry, contour irregularity and scarring. Gluteal fat transfer (Brazilian butt lift) carries a recognised, rare but potentially life-threatening risk of fat embolism.
Read about buttock procedures →Intimate
Intimate surgery such as labiaplasty and hymenorrhaphy can involve changes in sensation, scarring, asymmetry, wound healing problems and over- or under-correction, with results that settle over time.
Read about intimate procedures →Hair
Hair transplantation (FUE) can involve swelling, temporary numbness, inflammation of the follicles (folliculitis) and scarring at the donor and recipient areas. Transplanted hair commonly sheds before regrowth, and more than one session is sometimes required.
Read about hair transplant →Before you proceed
Verify the practitioner
You can confirm any practitioner’s registration, and any conditions on it, on the public AHPRA Register of practitioners before proceeding.
Realistic expectations
No result can be guaranteed. Individual outcomes vary, some results take months to settle, and revision surgery is sometimes required.
TGA-approved devices & products
Medical devices and products used, such as implants, are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia.
You can verify a practitioner on the AHPRA Register of practitioners.
Dr Jassim Daood is a registered medical practitioner (registration MED0000952762), medical practitioner with general registration, consulting from Bankstown, Sydney. He provides a range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures within his scope of practice.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Any surgical or cosmetic procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion if you wish and ensure you understand the risks, recovery and costs involved.