Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 12, 2025
1. Introduction
Tummy Tuck NZ ("we," "our," or "us") operates tummytuck.co.nz as a cosmetic surgery referral and information service. We are NOT medical practitioners, doctors, or surgeons. We are a referral service that connects potential patients with qualified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgery clinics in New Zealand.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and relevant health sector regulations.
Important Notice
We share your personal information with registered medical practitioners. By submitting your information through our website, you explicitly consent to us sharing your details (including name, contact information, medical history, and photos) with qualified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgery clinics for the purpose of providing you with consultation and treatment options.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
When you use our referral service, we may collect:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, city/location
- Medical Information: Health conditions, medical history, current medications, previous surgeries, body measurements, weight, pregnancy history
- Procedure Information: Desired procedure type, goals, expectations, budget range
- Photos: Body photographs you voluntarily provide for assessment purposes
- Demographics: Age, gender, location
- Financial Information: Payment preferences, financing interests (we do NOT collect credit card details)
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, referring URLs
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
- Cookies: We use Google Analytics to track website usage (see Section 6)
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:
- Provide Referral Services: Match you with qualified plastic surgeons and cosmetic clinics based on your location, procedure type, and requirements
- Facilitate Consultations: Forward your information to selected surgeons who can provide consultations
- Communicate with You: Respond to inquiries, send appointment reminders, provide cost estimates, share educational content
- Improve Our Service: Analyze website usage to enhance user experience and content
- Marketing: Send promotional emails about tummy tuck procedures, surgeon profiles, and special offers (you can opt-out anytime)
- Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
4. Information Sharing & Disclosure
WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH THIRD PARTIES. By using our service, you consent to the following disclosures:
4.1 Medical Practitioners (PRIMARY DISCLOSURE)
We share your complete information (including name, contact details, medical history, photos, and consultation requests) with registered plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgery clinics in New Zealand who:
- Are registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand
- Hold FRACS (Plast) certification or equivalent qualifications
- Operate accredited surgical facilities
- Match your location and procedure preferences
These surgeons may contact you directly via phone, email, or SMS to arrange consultations and provide quotes.
4.2 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us:
- Email Services: For sending communications (we use secure email providers)
- Analytics: Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
- Hosting: Website hosting providers (Netlify/Vercel)
- CRM Systems: Customer relationship management platforms
5. Your Rights Under NZ Privacy Act 2020
Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of all personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time
- Restrict Processing: Ask us to limit how we use your information
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@tummytuck.co.nz
6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Google Analytics (GA4): Track website usage, page views, session duration, user demographics
- Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and calculator inputs
- Marketing Cookies: May be used for retargeting campaigns (you can disable these in your browser)
You can disable cookies in your browser settings. However, some features of our website may not function properly without cookies.
7. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure cloud storage with access controls
- Regular security audits and monitoring
- Employee training on data protection
- Confidentiality agreements with service providers
However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for:
- Active Inquiries: Until consultation is completed or you withdraw consent
- Marketing Database: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Legal Requirements: 7 years for medical referral records (as required by NZ health sector regulations)
- Anonymized Data: We may retain anonymized usage statistics indefinitely for research purposes
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are NOT intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If you are under 18, do not use this website or provide any personal information.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information is primarily stored in New Zealand. However, some service providers (e.g., Google Analytics, email platforms) may process data internationally. When data is transferred overseas, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by the NZ Privacy Act 2020.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates the most recent revision. Material changes will be notified via email or prominent website notice. Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, complaints, or to exercise your rights, contact us:
Email: privacy@tummytuck.co.nz
General Inquiries: info@tummytuck.co.nz
Response Time: We aim to respond within 5 business days
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Consent Acknowledgment
By using tummytuck.co.nz and submitting your personal information, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy, including:
- We are NOT medical practitioners
- We will share your information with registered plastic surgeons
- Surgeons may contact you directly for consultations
- You consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described