The standard describes structural requirements for advice, treatment and outcome review. It is not a clinical treatment protocol or a guarantee of a particular outcome.
The eight requirements
Separate roles
Different individuals are responsible for advice, treatment and independent outcome review. The reviewer is neither the original treating physician nor the initial adviser.
No subsequent treatment business
Independent advisers and outcome reviewers do not provide elective aesthetic treatment to the same patient or benefit through affiliated providers.
Verified qualifications
At least 20 years of relevant clinical experience, procedure-specific competence and current professional capability must be demonstrated.
Separation from treatment competition
Physicians in these independent roles must no longer offer or perform paid elective aesthetic treatments. Relevant financial relationships are assessed.
Transparent remuneration
The service, payer and basis of remuneration are disclosed. Fees do not depend on treatment, provider selection or a desired assessment.
Documented basis for decisions
Goals, alternatives, risks, uncertainties and missing information are documented. No treatment and deferral remain distinct options.
Responsibility and handovers
Each physician is responsible for their work. Aftercare and urgent care must be organised. Governance must not delay necessary help.
Outcome review and complaints
Patient perspectives, clinical findings and uncertainty are distinguished. Disputed decisions can be reviewed by people with no prior involvement.
Methodology and further development
Requirements are published with their rationale, sources and document status. Normative choices, professional consensus and empirical findings are distinguished.
Each new version receives a date and an understandable revision history.
- Professional consultation
- Evaluation
- Adoption
- Application
- Revision
What a standard does not replace
Applying the standard replaces neither the treating physician’s responsibility nor the professional, contractual and legal requirements of a specific engagement.
Documents and print
IAGS governance standard
Principles G1–G8 for independent aesthetic decision-making.
The print view includes the eight requirements, the version and the scope of the standard.