What Informed Consent Really Means

The legal and ethical requirement for patients to be fully informed before treatment.

What Is Informed Consent?

Informed consent means you fully understand the treatment before agreeing to it. It’s not just about signing a form, your practitioner must ensure you understand what you're agreeing to.

Before any cosmetic procedure, your provider should explain:

  • What the treatment involves
  • The expected benefits
  • Possible risks and side effects
  • Alternative options
  • What to expect during recovery

You should be allowed to ask questions and consider your decision carefully. Consent must be given freely, without pressure, and can be withdrawn at any time.

Why is Informed Consent Important?

Informed consent is essential to protect your rights and safety. It ensures that you are fully aware of what to expect, including any potential risks, and that you’re making an informed decision about your treatment. It also helps build trust between you and your provider. If the consent process isn’t followed properly, it may violate your rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.
Is Informed Consent a Legal Requirement in Cosmetic Medicine?
Yes, informed consent is a legal obligation under New Zealand law, including for cosmetic injectables. The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights guarantees your right to make an informed choice before receiving any treatment. This applies regardless of whether the procedure is medical, surgical, or cosmetic.
Cosmetic medicine practitioners must meet the same legal standards as any other healthcare practitioner. This means:

  • Consent must be obtained before treatment begins
  • The process must be documented appropriately (often in writing for cosmetic procedures)
  • The information provided must be accurate, relevant, and in plain language
    Ensuring informed consent is not only a legal requirement, it’s an important part of safe, ethical care. That’s why NZSCM-accredited doctors are trained to uphold these standards and ensure informed consent is a meaningful, it's not just administrative, it's part of your care.