Why You Don’t See Us Advertising Injectables — And Why That’s a Good Thing
In Australia, the advertising of cosmetic injections is tightly regulated. And for good reason — these are medical treatments that carry real risks, and promoting them like beauty products can be misleading and unsafe.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we believe in transparency, safety, and staying well within the ethical and legal boundaries that govern our industry. So if you’ve ever wondered why we don’t use terms like “anti-wrinkle injections” or “filler packages” in our marketing, here’s the honest answer — and why it matters for your safety.
Why Injectables Can’t Be Advertised in Australia
Many substances used in cosmetic injections — like botulinum toxin products and certain dermal fillers — are classified as Schedule 4 (S4) prescription-only medicines. Under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), it is illegal to advertise these medications directly or indirectly to the public.
This means clinics cannot:
Use terms like “wrinkle-relaxing injections” or “anti-wrinkle treatments”
Mention specific product names
Use hashtags, abbreviations, or nicknames that imply prescription medicines
Share before-and-after images that suggest a specific medical treatment was used
Even if the product isn’t named, any post that implies a prescription-only medicine was involved is considered unlawful promotion.
What Are Clinics Allowed to Say?
Ethical clinics can talk about facial aesthetic concerns in general terms and promote consultations, where a qualified health professional can assess your needs and determine whether a prescription treatment is appropriate.
Instead of promoting results or products, compliant advertising should focus on:
The consultation process
Patient education
General information about facial aging or skin concerns
Book a consultation to learn what options may be appropriate for your skin — no pressure, no guesswork.
Why These Rules Exist
These laws protect consumers. Cosmetic injectables are not suitable for everyone, and they require a full medical consultation to ensure they’re safe, appropriate, and aligned with your goals.
Advertising that creates hype or suggests guaranteed results can:
Encourage people to seek treatments they may not need
Create false expectations
Undermine the patient-clinician relationship
The TGA’s restrictions ensure decisions are made in a medical setting — not driven by social media trends.
The Issue With Before-and-After Images
One of the most misunderstood aspects of advertising restrictions is the use of before-and-after photos. If those images imply that a Schedule 4 medication was used — such as an injectable — they’re not allowed under Australian law.
For example, a post that says:
“Look at this incredible result after one wrinkle-relaxing treatment!”
— even without naming the product — could be considered unlawful.
Why? Because it leads the viewer to believe a prescription medicine was involved. This is considered indirect advertising and a breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act.
Why This Matters for You
When a clinic uses these tactics, it should raise red flags. Here’s why:
Results may be exaggerated or unverified
Marketing pressure replaces proper consultation
Non-compliance in advertising may reflect broader clinical risks
A trustworthy clinic won’t promise results online — they’ll offer a consultation, listen to your concerns, and guide you toward safe, evidence-based options.
What Ethical Clinics Do Instead
At Platinum Cosmetics, we:
Emphasise thorough consultations
Avoid referring to Schedule 4 medicines in any marketing material
Focus on educating clients rather than selling to them
Provide personalised, honest advice during one-on-one assessments
Final Thoughts
In a fast-growing industry, it’s important to stay grounded in ethics, safety, and respect for the law. If a business is using terms, images, or claims that imply injectables — ask why they’re willing to bend the rules.
Choose clinics that put your safety and informed decision-making first — not just clever marketing.
Book a consultation to speak with a qualified practitioner who will help you explore safe, ethical treatment options that truly suit you.