Love Handles Liposuction in Republic of Korea — AUD Costs, Best Clinics 2026

How it works

We've transformed the clinic search process, making it simple, fast, and personal.

Answer a few questionsTake a short quiz to share your Love handles liposuction goals.

Get personalised offers3 clinics, handpicked based on your answers, provide tailored treatment plans and quotes.

Choose the best optionCompare offers and choose the clinic that suits you best.

You can also browse all 16 clinics below.

820К+ patients have got assistance since 2014

50 countries

1,500 clinics

6K+ reviews

3K+ qualified doctors

How Much Does Love handles liposuction Cost in Republic of Korea in AUD?

Love handles liposuction in the Republic of Korea typically costs from AUD $3,474 to AUD $7,227. Prices depend on the fat volume, chosen technique, and clinic location within Seoul. Australians save approximately 37% compared to average local costs of AUD $8,617. Standard inclusions often cover surgeon fees, anaesthetic, compression garments, and initial post-operative follow-up care.

360-degree midsection sculpting: Typically adds a 50–70% premium for full torso contouring.
Vaser technology: Usually costs 20–30% more due to specialised ultrasound-assisted equipment.
Gangnam district premium: Facilities in this central Seoul hub often charge 15–20% more.
International VAT refund: Patients can reclaim 7–8% tax at the airport before departure.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While South Korea is famous for sculpting, the smartest value lies in multi-speciality centres. For example, JK Plastic Surgery Center has performed over 85,000 procedures and holds KAHF accreditation. This government-led certification identifies top clinics for international patients. Choosing such high-volume hubs frequently includes luxury recovery suites and airport transfers that smaller boutique clinics might charge extra for.

	Republic of Korea	Thailand	Turkey
Love handles liposuction	from AUD $3,474	from AUD $969	from AUD $2,268

Data verified by Bookimed as of August 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 192 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.

Best Love handles liposuction Clinics in Republic of Korea for Australians: 16 Verified Options and AUD Prices

VG Plastic Surgery

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Im Young Min

20 years of experience

accreditations :

Clinic is certified :

VG Plastic Surgery holds KOIHA accreditation – meeting international healthcare standards. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is offered there to speed recovery. The clinic's multilingual team manages patients from 47 countries. Dr Im Young Min, an ASAPS member and recipient of Korea’s 2022 ‘100 Good Doctors’ award, is chief physician. Love handles liposuction may cost around A$3,500 based on standard rates.

Price on request

SAERO Plastic Surgery

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Park Young Kyu

25 years of experience

SAERO Plastic Surgery treats around 700 patients annually from five continents, including regular Australian visitors. Dr Park Young Kyu specialises in body contouring and is a board-certified plastic surgeon and adjunct professor. Surgery may cost around A$6,500–A$6,700. The Gangnam-based clinic offers online consultations and full language support for international planning.

Price on request

Ad

AB Plastic Surgery

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Clinic is certified :

AB Plastic Surgery is a KAHF-certified clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. It has an anesthesiology specialist ratio double the industry average. Specialties include rhinoplasty, eye surgery, facial contouring, anti-aging, and body procedures.

24,000 patients treated per year, with 30+ specialists in plastic surgery and dermatology.
Approved for advanced regenerative medicine by South Korea's Ministry of Health.
Recognized by the Ministry of Justice as a top institution for foreign patients.
Multilingual services in 9 languages, plus airport transfers and hotel assistance.
3D CT diagnostics, in-house lab, and 24-hour CCTV monitoring in all operating rooms.

Price on request

JK Plastic Surgery Center

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Kwon Soon-hong

18 years of experience

Clinic is certified :

JK Plastic Surgery Center maintains a record of zero medical accidents over 20 years. Dr Kwon Soon-Hong has performed 1,100 body contouring procedures. Love handles liposuction may cost around A$25,200. This package typically covers preoperative tests, anaesthesia, and postoperative care. An interpreter assists throughout the stay. The facility is KAHF-accredited and treats 6,000 international patients annually. A full-time anaesthesiologist and 24-hour nursing team manage patient safety. High-volume expertise is evident with 85,000 plastic surgeries completed at this Gangnam clinic.

Price on request

View Plastic Surgery Hospital

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Kim Do Hyung

21 years of experience

View Plastic Surgery Hospital is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Seoul, South Korea. The hospital specializes in plastic surgery, aesthetic medicine, cosmetology, maxillofacial surgery, and regenerative medicine. View Plastic Surgery Hospital treats adult patients only. The clinic is popular among international patients, particularly those from Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, and Oceania.

diagnostics
Mammography	AUD $556 - AUD $1,112
treatment
Love handles liposuction	AUD $4,169 - AUD $8,339

You’ve viewed 4 of 16 clinics

Love handles liposuction Overview in Republic of Korea

Takeaways

Related procedures & Costs

How it works

Benefits

Payment

patients recommend -

85%

Surgery Time - 2 hours

Stay in the country - 3 days

Rehabilitation - 1 day

Anaesthesia - Local anaesthesia

Requests processed - 110449

Verified patient reviews - 21

Bookimed fees - $0

Types of Love handles liposuction

Liposuction - from AUD $1,737
This therapy removes excess fat, reshapes body, offers quick recovery, minimal scarring, and improves self-esteem.
Tumescent liposuction - from AUD $5,281
This therapy removes fat using a local anesthetic, reducing blood loss and pain, and promotes quicker recovery.
Body Jet liposuction - from AUD $5,281
The procedure uses water jets for safe fat removal, ensuring natural skin tightening and less recovery time.
Chin Liposuction - from AUD $1,390
The procedure removes surplus fat around the jawline, providing a sculpted, youthful look using minimally invasive techniques.
Vaser liposuction - from AUD $6,254
The procedure is a body contouring operation that breaks down and removes fat using ultrasound technology, for a smoother look.
Abdominal Liposuction - from AUD $8,255
The procedure removes excess fat from the stomach area, enhancing body shape with minimal scarring and quicker recovery.
Liposuction of the Thigh - from AUD $3,266
This operation reduces fat from thigh areas, slimming and reshaping for a smoother, firmer look.
Love handles liposuction - from AUD $3,474
The procedure eliminates excess fat from waist sides, contouring the body, offering an attractive silhouette.
Calf Liposuction - from AUD $3,752
The operation removes excess fat from lower legs, enhancing their shape and contour.
Knee Liposuction - from AUD $3,058
A minimally invasive procedure to remove excess fat removal from the knee area.
Back Liposuction - from AUD $2,780
This therapy removes excess fat from the back area, resulting in a flat, refined profile.
Neck liposuction - from AUD $1,037
The operation removes excess fat in the neck area, enhancing your body with minimally invasive techniques for fast recovery.
Belt Lipectomy - from AUD $14,593
The operation removes excess skin around the waist, enhancing body contour. It"s a quick process, boosting self-esteem.
Liposuction 3 body areas - from AUD $6,671
The procedure targets three different sections, removing excess fat for a more sculpted appearance with lasting results.
Liposuction (5 body areas) - from AUD $10,006
The operation targets five body areas, removing excess fat, enhancing contours, and improving overall shape.
360 Liposuction - from AUD $7,227
A procedure when excess fat is removed from the entire midsection—front, sides, and back—creating a smoother, more contoured body shape while generally requiring a short recovery period.
Face Liposuction - from AUD $884
This cosmetic surgery removes excess fat from specific areas of the face, enhancing contours and definition, with minimal recovery time for a rejuvenated appearance.
Liposuction for Men - from AUD $5,281
Removeing stubborn fat deposits from areas like the abdomen and chest, enhancing body contour and typically allowing a swift recovery.
Laser liposuction - from AUD $4,864
The operation uses focused light to break down fats, making their removal easier for body contouring and toning.
Armpit Liposuction - from AUD $2,641
A minimally invasive surgery removes excess fat from the underarm area, enhancing contour and appearance, with a typically short recovery period for patients.
Double Chin Liposuction - from AUD $3,058
This cosmetic surgery removes excess fat from under the chin to create a more defined jawline, typically involving a quick recovery and minimal scarring.

Our Trusted Doctors for Australian Patients

View all Doctors

Park Young Kyu

25 years of experience

Professor Park Young Kyu is a board-certified specialist who graduated summa cum laude and received the Top Resident Award from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Full member of the Korean Fat Plastic Surgery Research Society
Former Professor at Gangnam Sungsim Plastic Surgery Hospital
International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Researched ultrasound utility for assessing tissues before and after aesthetic procedures
Serves on the steering committee for the Anti-aging plastic surgery research society

Im Young Min

20 years of experience

Professor Im Young Min is a Ph.D. certified plastic surgeon and CEO of VG Plastic Surgery, recognised as one of Korea's 100 Good Doctors.

Specialises in abdominal contouring and full body lifts for balanced physical silhouettes
Uses 3D-CT scanning technology to precisely plan soft tissue and bone adjustments
Former Associate Professor at St. Mary's Hospital – one of Seoul's premier medical institutions
Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Awarded the Top Brand Award for excellence in beauty and aesthetic surgery

Kim Do Hyung

21 years of experience

Dr. Kim Do Hyung is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Kyung Hee University Hospital. He completed a plastic surgery internship at the same hospital. He later served as an adjunct professor of plastic surgery.

His professional memberships include the Korean Medical Association; the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (lifetime member); the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; the Korean Association for Maxillofacial Contouring Surgery; the Korean Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery; the Korean Society for Microsurgery; IPRAS; MIPS; and the Korean Society for Lipoplastic Surgery.

Son Yoo Sung

21 years of experience

Dr. Son Yoo Sung is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He was educated and trained at Seoul National University. He graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine. He completed an internship and a plastic surgery residency at Seoul National University Hospital. He obtained board certification there.

His professional memberships include the Korean Medical Association. He is an active member of the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons (KAPS) and the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the Korean Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Skye

Premium clinic, top-notch transfer, a sweet hotel stay. And I saved 24 grand!

Procedure: Liposuction

Mіla

Sure, I was nervous but that’s totally normal. The all-inclusive package was a game changer.

Procedure: Brazilian Butt Lift

Valentina

Traveling from Spain to Istanbul for a liposuction was a life-changing experience.

Procedure: Liposuction

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

Michal • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid correction)

United Kingdom

16 May 2026

Verified review.

The surgeon and staff were excellent throughout

My biggest worry going into this was how visible the scars would be after my lower eyelid correction. Even though I’m still in the early stages of healing, the traditional incision lines are already barely noticeable, which is a huge relief. The surgeon and staff were excellent throughout. Based on the care I received and the initial results, I am very pleased with my choice of clinic. Gia my coordinator was lovely and very helpful. Huge thank you to all the medical, nursing and admin staff. 🙏🙏🙏🫰🫰

Anonymous • Facelift

16 Nov 2024

Verified review.

The experience for me, in general, was excellent, I would go back to the Dr

I was very pleased with the attention I received from the first day I arrived at the clinic. The interpreter was able to communicate perfectly to the surgeon what I wanted to be done and what my expectations were. I loved the hospitality of the Medical Team, all very attentive, very concerned about whether I was feeling well or not, reminding me of my check-ups, cleaning, suture removal, giving me all the information for the post-operative period, giving me light and oxygen therapy sessions to improve and accelerate the results of my recovery. The clinic is located in a very central place in Gangnam, it is easy to get there. It is very close to the flat that the clinic provides during your stay until the first check-up. The clinic is spacious, well-lit, very clean, with flexible opening hours for post-operative care. The real estate is very comfortable, they have coffee and tea so that you can help yourself. And, they don't keep you waiting. Everything works as scheduled. And, additionally, they provided me with help on how to get around the city, how to get to the tourist attractions, to the shops where they sell skin care products, etc. The experience for me, in general, was excellent, I would go back to the Dr. and I recommend him 100% to those people who are looking for a good clinic where they can have surgery with the full confidence that everything will go very well.

About Bookimed service

Bookimed made it easy for me to have a person who speaks my language to assist me whenever I had questions about the different alternatives of plastic surgery clinics that I could ask to evaluate me and give me a quote. When I had already decided on the clinic I wanted to go to, the person who assisted me very kindly answered all the questions I had after I had made my choice. She sent me all the information I asked for about the clinic, the background of the Dr. who was going to operate on me, health permits, health registration of the Dr., validity of his professional title, etc. Everything I needed to make sure I made a very informed decision and knew everything about the clinic, the Dr, the place where I would be operated on, where the clinic was located, where I would be staying from the day of the surgery until a week later and, obviously, how much I was going to be charged. There was only one difference with respect to the initial budget, but it was because once I was in the clinic I added a part of my face that had not been contemplated before. But even so, the final price did not increase too much compared to what I was charged at other clinics in South Korea.

Tat'yana Yamagami • Breast augmentation

Turkey

10 Sept 2024

Verified review.

The competence, careful attitude and attention to every little detail is what I really liked

I would like to thank my doctor for his careful attention to my difficult situation. The competence, careful attitude and attention to every little detail is what I really liked. Now I am still recovering and the final result is still far away, but I believe that everything will be fine. I would like to mention my coordinator-translator Jena. She is a very nice girl who helped me during my stay. Kind, nice, responsible and competent. She made me feel very comfortable. Thank you very much to the doctor, Jena and the clinic staff for everything. I will definitely recommend to my friends.

About Bookimed service

Great app that helped me find a good clinic. Thank you.

Виктория • Plastic Surgery Consultation

Thailand

7 June 2026

Verified review.

I can confidently recommend it to anyone planning to have moles, growths or other unwanted skin lesions removed

I am very pleased with Bookimed’s service. A coordinator supported me over several months, helping me choose a clinic. That’s how we chose Saero Clinic in Seoul. Before the operation, I had a video consultation with the doctors, during which we discussed all the details at length.The clinic itself turned out to be modern and comfortable, and the staff were very attentive and friendly. The operation went smoothly, and afterwards I attended regular check-ups to monitor the healing process. I went to this clinic to have a growth removed from my face and was very pleased with the result. I can confidently recommend it to anyone planning to have moles, growths or other unwanted skin lesions removed.

I am very happy with my experience with Bookimed. They supported me throughout the entire process and stayed in touch for months while I was planning my trip and choosing a clinic. Thanks to their help, I found an excellent clinic in South Korea. I had a video consultation before the surgery, where everything was explained clearly. The clinic was modern and clean, the staff were wonderful, and the surgery went very smoothly. I had regular follow-up checkups every two days, and I am very happy with the results. I truly appreciate all the care and support I received.

Anonymous • Rhinoplasty (nose job)

United States of America

1 July 2026

Verified review.

Seeing the computer imaging of my expected result during the consultation was a key moment

Seeing the computer imaging of my expected result during the consultation was a key moment. The surgeon was direct and honest about what was realistic, and I appreciated that he personally handled both the consultation and the open rhinoplasty surgery for my full nose reshaping. The clinic staff has been easy to reach, and their aftercare guide is clear. I’m still healing. Be prepared for additional expenses like Ubers, hotel, recommended post-op meds, and lots of supplies like gauze, tape, and dry mouth spray. My advice for others is to bring a guardian; the first 3 days are very difficult and you will need help. Also, make sure to coordinate your arrival and departure dates so you don't leave before all your post-op care is finished.

The entire process was very organized, efficient and full of all necessary details. Communication responses are quick. Questions are answered with details and lots of backup information. The coordination between ALL the different departments is fantastic. The Clinic is immaculate. The Doctor is so professional and experienced and he has empathy and confidence. Top-notch all-around. And the Clinic is in a very good location. Everyone makes you feel like you matter and they want to make sure you feel happy and satisfied throughout the entire process.

The only thing is to just communicate more the post-op care during the initial phase. That it’s important to not book a flight home too soon after surgery. And that departure is coordinated based upon the surgery type. Also, a “care” bag that includes an emollient lip balm and dry mouth spray, as well as the gauze and tape needed for rhinoplasty. Having these things would help sooooo much with the recovery. My daughter had to go and buy these things separately and I suffered the first night until she was able to buy these items for me. Other than that —- everything else was just great

Irina Ardhana • Revision rhinoplasty

Indonesia

6 May 2025

Verified review.

I would highly recommend this clinic for its quality service and professionalism

I am very pleased with my choice of this clinic. From the very beginning the communication with the clinic staff was fast and of high quality. I chose from 3 clinics. It was in this clinic that I got the best price and quality service before and after the procedure. I had a second rhinoplasty. The doctor did just a jewellery work with my nose. Very carefully, without much interference, he corrected the flaws from the first surgery I had a couple of years ago in Turkey. I am very happy with the result. My nose is now straight and neat. I was also very pleased with the service at the clinic after the operation. I had all the necessary procedures to reduce the swelling immediately after the operation and then during the week I still came a couple of times for procedures, so the recovery took literally a week. Special thanks to the assistant Joan. She was always in touch and very supportive throughout my stay in Korea. I would highly recommend this clinic for its quality service and professionalism.

About Bookimed service

I am very satisfied with my experience of co-operation with Bookimed. They provided me with a very fast and quality service in choosing the right clinic. The choice of clinic was perfect. I am very grateful!

Anonymous • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid correction)

8 Feb 2024

Verified review.

Now two months after surgery, I am quite happy with the shape of my new eyelids

The medical team members are so friendly and helpful. Although I speak zero Korean, I can sense their passion and empathy, which dramatically reduced my anxiety to go through the surgery. They are very supportive from the right beginning to the end when I left Seoul. And big thanks to the assistance from Yena, who provides detailed before and after care instructions rather than just working as an interpreter. Now two months after surgery, I am quite happy with the shape of my new eyelids. They look much younger and alert.

About Bookimed service

Very friendly and supportive medical team although I don't understand Korean at all. Two months after surgery, I am quite happy with the result.

Arnaud Henry Salas-Perez • Mini Facelift

France

5 Dec 2025

Verified review.

Cannot recommend enough of SAERO, so much so that I am already planning to come back next year and talked about it to all my friends!!!

SAERO Clinic team is the best! From Jennie who helped every step of the way, making sure that everything was perfect, to the Nurses and Front desk people; everybody was super helpful, pro and kind. Dr Park is wonderful! Cannot recommend enough of SAERO, so much so that I am already planning to come back next year and talked about it to all my friends!!!

About Bookimed service

Easy, clear and fast!

Anonymous • Breast lift

Belgium

20 May 2026

Verified review.

The support from the surgeon and staff has made all the difference

My biggest worry was how the incision lines would heal and what the final result would be. I'm still in the early stages, but I feel so relieved and grateful. The team achieved a really good lift, and my nipples are already in a good position. The healing itself is progressing—there is some scabbing along the lollipop incision lines, which is to be expected. Honestly, the biggest challenge by far has been sleeping upright. It's tough. But the support from the surgeon and staff has made all the difference. I feel I made the right decision coming here.

The staff is really attentive to your needs. And now that I am home they are still very responsive and concerned about my healing.

Žaneta Majringer • Facial Fat Transfer

Canada

26 Apr 2025

Verified review.

By far the most attentive care I have EVER gotten in medicine—again, thanks especially to Joanne, who even walked me back to my hotel across the street post-op

One would fear that flying to a foreign country where you don’t know the language would be stressful and scary. Not only did the staff (Joanne <3!) make that all a cakewalk, the clinic’s aftercare was top notch, they really went above and beyond for me. And I am NOT an easy patient—I need to know every chemical in the anesthesia, I negotiate different antibiotics, make them go over my 21 daily supplements, etc—I kept them BUSY and was shown nothing but continual grace and warmth, and was always responded to promptly. By far the most attentive care I have EVER gotten in medicine—again, thanks especially to Joanne, who even walked me back to my hotel across the street post op. As for the surgery outcome, I didn’t even need a Tylenol it was that painless, I was able to walk around and enjoy Seoul every day after my mini lift, and although I’m still swollen at just under two weeks out, I already look ten years younger and am loving what I’m seeing. Dr. Park knows what he is doing, he’s done 3000+ facelifts (yes I asked), he has superb attention to detail, a true artist’s hand, and is a friendly and gentlemanly doctor!

About Bookimed service

Bookimed staff checked in on me several times via text ensuring that everything was going well with Saero, which it was.

Brittany Le • Otoplasty (ear surgery)

United States of America

28 Mar 2025

Verified review.

I give Saero Plastic Surgery a 5 because they exceeded my expectations

Dr. Pak is very knowledgeable and professional. It has been over a week sonce my surgery and see.s that everything is healing well. He prescribed a pack of antibiotics and pain killers for me to take for 5 days. The medication worked great because I was at a very minimal pain. His staff walked me through everything I needed from the US to Korea. I felt confident that I was in good hands and I was. The interpreter did a great good Interpreting everything I needed to ask the doctor and addressed all my concerns. I give Saero Plastic Surgery a 5 because they exceeded my expectations. Definitely recommend to everyone.

About Bookimed service

Bookimed was very good with communication and support.

Tina Richardson • Lip lift

United Kingdom

4 May 2026

Verified review.

I felt I was in good hands throughout the entire process

If you're considering this procedure, my main advice would be to find a team you genuinely feel comfortable with. For me, that made all the difference. The surgeon and staff were so supportive and the clinic itself has a very professional, calming feel. I'm still in the early stages of recovery, but I can already see the outcome I wanted—the perfect amount of tooth show. The surgeon used a bullhorn incision, and the scar is already barely visible. It’s been a little challenging to eat carefully, but that's a temporary inconvenience. I felt I was in good hands throughout the entire process.

From the beginning to the end of my treatment amazing

Nothing it was perfect

Viktoria Sirenko • Lipofilling (Fat Grafting)

Belgium

13 Mar 2024

Verified review.

You are the best

I'm in love! Wonderful doctor and hospital staff. Everything needed for someone undergoing surgery in another country to be reassured and have all questions answered. I received all this. It's too early to talk about the results as my face is still swollen, but I already like what I see. Thank you to the doctor, staff, and bookimed. You are the best.

About Bookimed service

I am satisfied and will reach out and recommend you.

Anonymous • Liposuction (5 body areas)

25 May 2025

Verified review.

I’m so touched by their attitude and thoughtfulness, especially after my surgery

All medical staff and the doctor were wonderful throughout my treatment journey. Nurses were very kind, attentive and very thoughtful. I’m so touched by their attitude and thoughtfulness, especially after my surgery. Nurse Joanne and Nurse Jenny accompanied me back to the hotel, bought necessities for me and even gave me an umbrella because it was going to be a rainy weekend. Kept in touch with me even in the weekend to check up on me. Thank you!

About Bookimed service

Good. A good platform for foreigners to start the potential treatment journey.

Anonymous • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid correction)

France

10 Apr 2026

Verified review.

The support from the team and the surgeon has been unfailing

My biggest fear was that the result would look unnatural. Fortunately, that’s not the case at all. Even though it’s only been 15 days since the operation, my eyes look natural and smooth when I smile, which is very encouraging for the future. My biggest challenge at the moment is that the bruising isn’t fading as quickly as I’d imagined; patience is key. The support from the team and the surgeon has been unfailing. I really understand now why choosing a good surgeon is so important; it made all the difference to my confidence throughout the process.

The medical staff are very professional. They’re always there to listen to you.

I couldn’t find anything negative

Share this content

Twitter X Linkedin Facebook WhatsApp Email

Get link

Updated: 01/07/2026

Authored by

Head of Content Marketing Team

A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.

Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor

Medical Editor & Data Scientist

General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.

This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.