In July 2023, new guidelines were introduced for medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgeries and procedures. These guidelines acknowledge that, for some individuals, cosmetic surgery may not be the most suitable option, and practitioners are required to routinely screen for and support individuals with psychological vulnerabilities. A particular focus is on identifying Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and appearance-related anxiety. If these concerns arise during the cosmetic consultation, a patient may be referred for a cosmetic readiness assessment. This assessment helps practitioners meet their ethical responsibilities while also ensuring patients feel prepared, supported, and confident in their decisions-making.

The assessment is designed to explore your motivations, expectations, and emotional wellbeing in relation to a cosmetic procedure. It looks at both strengths and potential areas of concern to help assess psychological readiness and support informed decision-making.

The assessment takes a holistic approach to ensure you feel supported, prepared, and confident, while also identifying any areas where additional guidance or care may be required.

The assessment will typically follow the following steps:

• Psychometric assessment: this involves questionnaires to help identify any underlying mental health concerns that could influence your experience with the cosmetic procedure.

• Clinical interview (in person or via video Telehealth): this session aims to explore your psychological and social wellbeing, personal and family history, education and work experiences, health, relationships, coping skills, support networks, motivations, and understanding of the procedure. During this session, we will also discuss your suitability for surgery, any potential risk factors, and recommendations for support or management.

• Summary cosmetic surgery letter: based on the results, a summary letter will be sent to you and the referring practitioner/surgeon.

The assessment aims to understand your psychological readiness and capacity to undergo the cosmetic procedure, identify and address any potential risks, and evaluate whether there are any factors that may make the procedure unsuitable. It also considers whether psychological support prior to the procedure could be beneficial, with the overall goal to reduce the likelihood of negative psychological outcomes and ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

As a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), all Cosmetic Readiness Assessments are conducted in accordance with the APS Practice Guidelines, ensuring a professional, ethical, and evidence-based approach.