Check your doctor's credentials before having cosmetic procedures - even minor ones.
This is the advice from NSW Health which has received reports that some unregistered people are offering surgical and other cosmetic procedures from their homes in Sydney suburbs.
"While investigations into these complaints are ongoing, we are concerned there may be unregistered people carrying out these risky procures in the community," said Dr Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Acting Chief Medical Officer.
"I find this very concerning as it places people at greater risk from poor surgical outcomes, severe infections and even nerve damage or disfigurement."
NSW Health recommends that cosmetic procedures involving surgery (such as eye lid surgery) and injections of Botox and dermal fillers should only be performed by a practitioner registered in Australia.
Dr McAnulty said unregistered practitioners who may offer services at a cheap rate were unlikely to have appropriate training in how to properly perform the procedures and avoid infection; or have insurance if something goes wrong.
"If people do choose to undergo surgical or cosmetic treatments, they should seek the advice of their family GP and check the credentials of the person before undergoing any procedure," he said.
Anyone with concerns about a medical treatment they have received can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission on 1800-043-159.
To check if a medical practitioner is registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency visit: http://bit.ly/1flaIX5
