Could Your Cosmetic Clinic Website Be Putting You at Risk? Here’s What to Check (2025 Update)
Your 2025 guide for AHPRA and TGA compliance in cosmetic marketing.
In Australia, the cosmetic industry continues to grow rapidly, and so does the scrutiny around how clinics advertise their services. The latest AHPRA and TGA updates make it clear that even small website wording choices or social media posts can now lead to formal investigations and penalties.
Many clinic owners do not realise how easily this can happen. Words such as “safe,” “painless,” “non-invasive,” or “guaranteed results” may seem harmless, but under the National Law they can be considered misleading or imply an outcome, which is not allowed in healthcare advertising.
Before you publish a new page or post a caption, it is worth checking whether your online presence meets the latest requirements.
Why Website Compliance Matters More Than Ever in Healthcare
Advertising non-compliance can lead to serious consequences including warning letters, takedown notices, or formal investigations that damage your reputation and search visibility.
Most breaches happen unintentionally. Content written years ago or copied from international sources often does not align with Australian standards.
For cosmetic clinics in Australia, AHPRA, the TGA, and the ACCC all have overlapping rules that govern what can and cannot be said online. Keeping across these regulations is complex but essential.
A compliant website does more than avoid penalties. It builds trust with patients and demonstrates professionalism and transparency, which are the foundation of ethical healthcare marketing.
The Most Common Traps Cosmetic Clinics Fall Into
At Vividus, we work with healthcare businesses to review their medical websites. Here are the issues we see most often on cosmetic clinic sites:
- Before-and-after galleries without disclaimers
These images must not imply guaranteed results and should include context about individual variation and recovery time.
- Testimonials or reviews mentioning results
Even genuine reviews that discuss treatment outcomes breach AHPRA advertising rules.
- Language implying risk-free treatment
Words such as “painless,” “quick recovery,” “safe,” or “scarless” can suggest unrealistic or guaranteed outcomes.
- Missing risk and recovery information
AHPRA requires clear communication of potential risks, downtime, and limitations for all procedures.
- Staff titles and imagery implying endorsement
Ensure all qualifications are accurate and avoid imagery that suggests unrealistic or cosmetic-only transformations.
What Has Changed for 2025
AHPRA and the TGA have both increased their focus on cosmetic surgery and high-risk aesthetic procedures. Clinics are now expected to:
- Clearly differentiate between registered medical practitioners and non-medical staff.
- Provide factual and balanced information about all procedures, avoiding promotional or persuasive claims.
- Include mandatory risk statements for invasive procedures.
- Avoid influencer or ambassador content that could be seen as misleading.
Social media is now a key area of enforcement. Even a caption or hashtag that promises “amazing results” can be considered a breach under the updated guidance.
Your Quick 2025 Compliance Checklist
If your clinic offers cosmetic injectables, skin treatments, or surgery, take a moment to check these key points:
- No words or images that promise or guarantee results
- Clear explanation of risks, recovery, and downtime
- No patient testimonials or reviews about results
- Staff credentials displayed accurately
- Before-and-after galleries include appropriate disclaimers
- All copy aligns with the current AHPRA and TGA guidance
If any of these raise concerns, it may be time for a professional review.
How a Compliance Review Protects Your Clinic
A Website Compliance Review identifies where your current website or social media may breach regulations and provides a clear, clause-referenced report to fix it.
Vividus’ specialised Compliance service includes:
- A detailed audit of each page on your website
- References to the exact AHPRA or TGA clauses involved in any breaches
- A risk-rated report with examples
- Optional compliant rewriting and legal sign-off
You will know exactly what is safe, what needs adjustment, and what must change.
Take the Next Step
Even a single sentence can be the difference between confidence and compliance.
Start with a FREE Quick Compliance Check.
It only takes a few minutes and provides an overview of your website’s current risk areas.
Or, book a Comprehensive Website Compliance Review to receive a detailed, actionable report.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is current as of October 2025 and general in nature. Always seek independent legal or regulatory advice for your specific circumstances.
