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They have been dubbed "cosmetic cowboys" and now the federal government is reigning them in.
Key points:
- Health ministers have agreed to several reforms to regulate the industry
- Doctors will be banned from using patient testimonials for cosmetic procedures, including on social media
- The Australian Medical Association has welcomed the move but flagged some concerns
Numerous patients have spoken out in painful detail about permanent damage they have suffered due to poor practices in Australia's cosmetic surgery industry.
And their stories have not been in vain.
Health ministers across the country have now agreed to a series of reforms to clean up the sector to ensure doctors providing cosmetic procedures are appropriately qualified and working to the highest health and safety standards.
Doctors will be prohibited from describing themselves as a cosmetic "surgeon" unless certified to do so and will be banned from using patient testimonials, including on social media.
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said work would begin to implement the reforms immediately.
"Australians deserve to have confidence in the safety and quality of the cosmetic surgery industry and these changes will provide that," he said.
"These cosmetic cowboys have been riding unchecked for years, and the previous government simply didn't act to clean up an industry that has come to resemble the Wild West."
"I thank the brave women and men who have spoken about their experiences and shed light on this appalling behaviour."
In addition, the Medical Board of Australia will act to clarify the credentials of cosmetic surgery providers by adding an "area of practice" to medical registrations.
A hotline will also be set up for complaints.
AMA welcomes move but says changes 'open to interpretation'
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the commitment but flagged it was "open to interpretation."
AMA president Steve Robson said the body was ready to work with health regulators to apply the changes.
"After prevaricating for more than four years on this, health ministers have finally seen the light and taken the action we've been calling for," Professor Robson said.
"It's a shame it took media exposure of some of the horrific outcomes for patients we've seen happen under the misleading term 'cosmetic surgeon'."
But the AMA has raised concern about the potential impact of introducing an "area of practice" to general registration.
The commission and the medical board have been asked to report back to the health ministers within two months.