Understanding the New Rules: Why You Might Notice Changes in the Way We Talk About Cosmetic Injectables

If you’ve visited the Dr. Jodie Clinic website or our social media pages recently and felt that something looked a little different, you’re not imagining it. Over the past year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has introduced stricter guidelines around how medical professionals and cosmetic clinics across Australia can advertise and communicate about certain treatments—particularly cosmetic injectables.

We know it can be confusing when familiar terms disappear or when previously common content like before-and-after photos are no longer available. In this blog, we aim to break down these regulatory changes in plain English, explain why they exist, and help you feel informed and confident about your treatment journey with us.

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Why the TGA Stepped In

The TGA is Australia’s regulatory body responsible for ensuring the safety and ethical promotion of therapeutic goods, including prescription-only medicines like those used in cosmetic injectables. Their goal is to protect consumers from misleading, exaggerated, or unsafe advertising practices.

In recent years, the popularity of cosmetic procedures has surged, as has the volume of online advertising surrounding them. The TGA identified a need to tighten the rules to ensure that promotions are not only compliant with medical ethics but also that they don’t trivialise medical procedures, create unrealistic expectations, or target vulnerable consumers.

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The Major Changes Introduced in 2024

In 2024, a significant overhaul of the TGA’s advertising code took effect. Here’s what changed and how it affects what we can share with you:

• No More Common Treatment Names: Terms like “anti-wrinkle injections,” “dermal fillers,” are now considered off-limits in public-facing advertising. Why? Because they refer to Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines, which legally cannot be promoted to the general public.
• Before-and-After Photos Are Banned: Previously, these images were a popular way to show real treatment results. However, the TGA now prohibits their use in advertising, as they can create unrealistic expectations or be seen as misleading.
• No Implying Social or Emotional Benefit: We can no longer suggest that a treatment might improve your confidence, happiness, or social life. While we know many patients experience these benefits, advertising them is now seen as potentially exploitative.
• No Promotions, Discounts, or Giveaways: Advertising that uses time-limited offers, discounts, or promotional language to encourage booking is no longer allowed.
• No Testimonials: Even if a patient shares their positive experience, we cannot feature testimonials about prescription-based cosmetic procedures.

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What This Means for Our Communication

At Dr. Jodie Clinic, we’ve always been committed to honest, ethical, and patient-centred care. These new regulations align with our values, even if they make communication a little more complex.

We now focus on educating rather than promoting. That means you’ll see more about the causes of cosmetic concerns, the science behind skin ageing, and the importance of consultation over any mention of specific treatments or results. We also direct most clinical discussions to your private consultation, where your medical history and goals can be thoroughly assessed.

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Further Clarifications Released in June 2025

To help practitioners navigate the grey areas, the TGA released further clarification in June 2025. These updates reinforced the earlier changes and provided additional guidance:

• Disguised Advertising is Prohibited: Educational content that subtly promotes a treatment still counts as advertising. If something includes a call to action, encourages booking, or indirectly references a prescription medicine, it must follow all advertising rules.
• No Visual Cues Suggesting Treatment Type: Even showing a syringe, treatment animation, or facial mapping image can imply a prescription procedure. These visual hints are now treated as promotional.
• Language Must Be Strictly Informative: Words like “freeze movement”, while medically descriptive, are restricted if used in a promotional context.
• Links to Booking Pages Are Regulated: If an educational post links directly to a booking page, it could be deemed promotional. Instead, general contact pages are preferred.

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How We Are Adapting at Dr. Jodie Clinic

We believe transparency and education are key. That’s why:

• We focus on sharing information about underlying skin concerns and what causes them.
• We avoid using restricted terms and instead encourage you to book a personalised consultation to explore suitable treatment options.
• We use clinical imagery, diagrams, and analogies—not before-and-after photos—to explain skin structure, ageing, and the treatment process.
• We invest in ongoing training to ensure all content remains compliant with the latest TGA updates.

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Why This Still Benefits You

Although the changes may seem restrictive, they’re designed to protect your wellbeing. You deserve:

• Accurate, balanced, and ethical information.
• A safe space free from high-pressure marketing.
• Time and support to make informed decisions about your body.

By removing exaggerated claims, emotional triggers, and overly polished images, these guidelines aim to bring integrity back into aesthetic medicine.

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A Controversial Downside: Less Transparency for Patients

While the spirit of the TGA’s regulations is to protect the public, the changes have raised some valid concerns. For many patients, especially those new to cosmetic injectables, the removal of commonly used terms and before-and-after images can make it harder to understand what treatments are available and what realistic results might look like. The restrictions may inadvertently reduce transparency and limit your ability to research and compare clinics or treatment options ahead of time. There’s also concern within the industry that well-intentioned, educated consumers are now being left in the dark, forced to rely entirely on consultations rather than being able to gather information independently. As clinicians, we’re adapting, but we understand the shift can feel frustrating when all you want is clarity and honest information.

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How You Can Still Learn About Treatments

While public advertising is restricted, your private consultation remains the ideal place to:

• Discuss treatment options tailored to your goals.
• Ask questions about risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
• Understand how different technologies and products work.

We can legally and ethically provide you with detailed information once you’re in a clinical setting and under the care of a medical professional.

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In Summary

The TGA’s advertising regulations for cosmetic injectables have undergone significant changes since 2024, with further refinements in June 2025. These rules aim to create a safer, more ethical environment in which patients can seek care without undue influence.

At Dr. Jodie Clinic, we are committed to complying fully with these guidelines while continuing to offer warm, expert, and personalised service. If you ever feel unsure about a treatment or simply want to know more, we’re here to have that conversation—openly and honestly.

Because your trust means everything to us.

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To book a confidential consultation and discover what might be suitable for your needs, please reach out to our friendly team today.