Understanding TGA Compliance in Aesthetic Advertising: What You Can (and Can’t) Say
When promoting aesthetic services in Australia, it’s essential to follow the advertising guidelines set out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These rules are in place to protect public safety, prevent misleading claims, and ensure transparency — especially when discussing cosmetic treatments that may involve Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines.
If you're a clinic, practitioner, or even a curious client wanting to understand why certain words are avoided in marketing, this guide is for you.
What is TGA Compliance?
The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) regulates how therapeutic goods — including medicines, medical devices, and some cosmetic treatments — can be advertised to the public in Australia.
For aesthetic clinics, this includes strict rules around how treatments like anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and even skin devices (like RF, IPL, or LED) are described on websites, social media, brochures, and advertisements.
What Can’t You Say?
The TGA restricts:
Naming Schedule 4 Medicines
You cannot name prescription-only substances like:
Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®
Hyaluronic acid (in the context of injectable fillers)
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
Even if it’s legal for you to administer these as a practitioner, you cannot mention them in any public-facing marketing.
2. Making Therapeutic or Medical Claims
You can't claim to:
“Treat acne, rosacea, or scarring”
“Stimulate collagen”
“Cure hyperhidrosis”
“Dissolve fat cells”
Even if true in a clinical setting, such claims can only be discussed in a one-on-one consultation, not in advertising.
3. Using Before & After Photos for S4 Medicines
You cannot post before/after images that show results from treatments involving Schedule 4 medicines.
4. Using Terms That Promise or Imply Results
Be cautious with terms like:
“Anti-aging”
“Look and feel your best”
“Guaranteed results”
“Safe and effective” (unless using ARTG-registered wording)
So, What Can You Say?
The good news is — with the right language, you can still market your services beautifully and ethically. Here’s how:
Use Descriptive, Appearance-Based Language
“Supports a smoother-looking appearance”
“Helps refine skin texture”
“Promotes a more refreshed look”
“May assist with a clearer-looking complexion”
2. Talk About the Experience, Not the Outcome
“Personalised care tailored to your goals”
“Private consultation to explore suitable treatment options”
“Designed to support a natural-looking result”
3. Focus on Your Team and Technology
“Led by qualified Registered Nurses”
“We use TGA-registered devices”
“Our clinic combines advanced skin technology with personalised care”
Key Reminders:
Never advertise the name of an S4 drug
Avoid promising results, medical benefits, or psychological outcomes
Always include a disclaimer when showing images not related to S4 medicines
Use soft, appearance-based language
Highlight your credentials, consultation process, and care
Conclusion:
TGA compliance isn't about limiting your message — it’s about protecting clients, building trust, and marketing responsibly. At Amanda Fritz Aesthetics, we proudly follow these guidelines to ensure our communication is safe, ethical, and transparent.
By focusing on individualised care, professional experience, and natural-looking results, aesthetic clinics can still deliver beautiful, compelling content — without crossing compliance lines.