Learning about the costs of your breast augmentation mammoplasty will be one of the important steps of preparing for your surgery.

While costs can vary quite a bit between different surgeons and locations, there are some common factors that influence the overall cost.

If you’re looking into undergoing a breast augmentation, it helps to understand what you’re actually paying for, and what may need to be considered when preparing the quote that you’ll be provided with.

In this blog, we’ll go over the factors that can influence costs and the other main aspects of covering the fees of a breast augmentation procedure.

What’s typically included in breast augmentation mammoplasty costs?

Generally, most quotes for a breast augmentation procedure will cover the main components of the surgery.

The cost is generally made up of a few key components, which include the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, hospital or day surgery fees, and more detailed factors like the cost of the implants themselves.

How is the surgeon’s fee calculated?

The surgeon’s fee usually makes up a significant portion of the total cost. It’s based on the complexity of the procedure, the time it takes to perform the surgery, and the surgeon’s level of qualifications and experience.

Surgeons with more experience, additional qualifications, or specialised training in cosmetic breast surgery may charge higher fees, which is typical in any medical field. If the surgery is more complex, for example, if you are combining a breast augmentation with another procedure, this can also affect the cost.

What do hospital or facility fees cover?

Hospital or day surgery fees are another significant part of the overall cost. These cover the use of the operating theatre, any required equipment, nursing staff, recovery room facilities, and (in some cases) an overnight stay.

The type of facility your surgeon will use can influence this cost. For example, private hospitals generally have higher fees, while accredited day surgery centres can sometimes provide you with a somewhat more cost-effective option. No matter where the procedure is performed, they should be highly regulated and provide you with the right care. We recommend asking your surgeon about where the procedure will be performed during your consultation and researching more information about the facility.

For hospital and facility fees, the length of the procedure will also influence the costs. The length of a breast augmentation procedure will depend on the complexity, and factors like if other procedures will be performed at the same time (such as a breast lift).

Time in recovery can also be an influencing factor, which can depend on how well you recover from the anaesthesia, if any complications have occurred and other factors that may extend the length of time that you’ll need to be monitored after your surgery.

Anaesthesia and the anaesthetist’s fee

Breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia, so the services of a qualified anaesthetist are required. Their role is not just to administer the anaesthetic, but to monitor you closely during surgery and manage your recovery immediately afterwards.

The anaesthetist’s fee is usually based on the duration and complexity of the procedure, as well as their qualification and experience level.

The costs of breast implants

The costs of the breast implants themselves are another factor in the total cost.

The price can vary depending on the type, size, and shape of the implant chosen, as well as the materials used. We recommend asking about the specific costs during your consultation so that your surgeon can explain any important details.

The choice of implant is usually made during your consultation, based on your body shape, goals, and the surgeon’s recommendations. These decisions will factor into the total costs, but it’s important not to choose based on cost alone, as each type of implant is suited to different needs.

Considering aftercare and recovery-related expenses

Not every clinic includes the costs of aftercare in the initial breast augmentation procedure quote. Sometimes, you may need to cover some additional costs of certain garments, pain relief and any other items you may need to support your recovery.

Some surgeons may also require additional costs for follow-up appointments during recovery, but this will always depend on the clinic. We recommend asking if post-operative costs are included as part of your overall surgical costs, and if they are not, we advise you to get a general idea of what these costs may involve so that you can feel prepared.

Any other possible additional costs to consider

Aside from the main surgical costs, it can also be helpful to think about any additional costs that you may need to cover as part of your surgical journey. These costs will completely depend on your personal situation.

As some examples, part of your consultation process to determine your eligibility for the procedure can include medical imaging, such as an ultrasound or mammogram. If this is the case, you will normally need to cover these costs yourself.

Another example is if you will be travelling from further away and may need to factor in the costs of travel or accommodation.

While these costs aren’t directly related to the procedure itself, we recommend considering every aspect as part of your planning process to help you feel completely prepared.

Does Medicare or private insurance cover breast augmentation?

Most of the time, breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure as it is commonly performed for aesthetic reasons, which means that it isn’t eligible for a Medicare rebate or any private health cover.

That being said, there are some exceptions. If the procedure is being performed for reconstructive reasons, particularly as a reconstructive procedure after a mastectomy or after significant trauma, a patient may be able to claim part of the costs through Medicare and/or their private health insurance provider.

To qualify for any rebate, the reasons for undergoing the surgery will need to meet specific clinical criteria and be listed under an eligible Medicare item number. In these cases, Medicare may cover a portion of the surgeon’s fee, and private health insurance may contribute toward hospital costs, provided you have the right level of cover. Your GP, specialist or surgeon can advise whether your situation qualifies and help with the necessary documentation, if a claim is possible.

Book a breast augmentation consultation with Dr Cope: Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney and North Shore

Before having your breast augmentation procedure, your consultation process with an experienced surgeon will help you to prepare – as well as confirm your eligibility for the procedure.

After you discuss the details of your procedure, a personalised quote will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect and how to budget carefully. You’ll be able to ask about all of the aspects of the procedure costs, including what will be included and how certain fees are calculated.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Charles Cope can perform a variety of surgical procedures, including breast augmentation mammoplasty. He can carefully tailor the procedure to suit your personal preferences and needs, which will then help to

calculate the costs of your procedure.

Please contact our team to schedule your consultation with Dr Cope in Sydney or North Shore.