Many cosmetic procedures are medical procedures. In Australia, the people who perform them should be registered health practitioners, such as registered nurses or medical practitioners. Checking that registration takes about two minutes, and it is one of the most useful things you can do before booking anywhere.

What is Ahpra?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) works with the national boards to register and regulate health practitioners. It keeps a public register so anyone can look up a practitioner and see whether they are currently registered.

How to check, step by step

1. Ask for your practitioner’s full name. A responsible clinic will be happy to give it to you, and often lists it on its website.
2. Go to the register of practitioners on the Ahpra website (ahpra.gov.au).
3. Search by name and profession.
4. Check that their registration is current, and note their profession and registration type.
5. Look for any conditions, undertakings or reprimands listed on their record.

Titles to understand

Some titles are protected by law, such as registered nurse and medical practitioner. Others, like “cosmetic practitioner” or “aesthetician”, are not, which means anyone can use them. That is why the register matters more than the title on a business card or social media profile.

Other questions worth asking

• Who will assess me, and will that same person perform any procedure?
• How does the clinic decide whether a procedure is suitable for me?
• What training and experience does my practitioner have in this area?
• What happens if I have a complication, including outside business hours?

Red flags

• You cannot find out who will be treating you
• Procedures are offered at home, at parties or in non-clinical settings
• You are offered discounts for booking on the spot
• Risks are brushed aside, or you are told results are guaranteed

At Cosmetica Blanc, every consultation is with a registered health practitioner, and their registration details are on our About page. If you would like to talk through your options, book a consultation.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Whether any procedure is suitable for you can only be decided after an individual consultation and assessment with a registered health practitioner. All procedures carry risk.