If you are looking for a way to change the size or shape of your breasts, you may be considering breast augmentation. Year after year, breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Australia and around the world.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s annual report, breast augmentation was the third most common cosmetic surgery, with 1,658,615 surgeries performed in 2024. With so many patients interested in aesthetic breast enhancement and so many surgeons providing it, the cost of breast augmentation can vary considerably.
Learning about the factors that affect the cost of breast augmentation in Sydney can help you make informed decisions and better prepare for the journey to come.
What Costs Are Involved in Plastic Surgery?
The total amount paid for any surgical procedure is made up of a variety of smaller costs. Whether you’re interested in breast augmentation, facelift, rhinoplasty or any other surgical procedure for the face, breast or body, these are some of the costs that may factor in:
Surgeon
The surgeon’s fee usually includes the entire cost of preoperative care, the surgery and postoperative care (including follow-up visits). The wide range of fees in this category reflects differences in surgeons’ qualifications, experience, expertise in certain procedures, professional recognition, geographic location and popularity.
Anaesthetist
As with surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees vary based on education, training and experience. General anaesthesia requires more expertise and therefore comes with a higher fee than local anaesthesia. Most local anaesthetics can be administered without an anaesthetist.
Surgeon’s Assistant
An assistant may be necessary if the procedure(s) or the patient’s condition are complex. The assistant surgeon actively supports the primary operating surgeon and is usually trained in the same specialty.
Hospital
Hospital fees differ significantly from facility to facility. Fees are generally higher for facilities in major metropolitan areas and for procedures that require an overnight stay. It is essential to choose an accredited facility with high safety standards and well-trained staff.
Postsurgical Garments
Special garments are recommended following certain surgical procedures to minimise swelling, protect the area and improve aesthetic results. Examples include special bras worn after breast surgeries and compression garments worn after liposuction or abdominoplasty.
Medications
Medications may be prescribed preoperatively and/or postoperatively, including antibiotics, analgesics, anticoagulants and symptom-reducing medications.
When Is Breast Surgery Considered a Medical Necessity?
While breast augmentation is commonly performed for aesthetic reasons, there are situations in which breast surgery may be classified as medically necessary rather than elective. In these cases, the surgery is performed to solve a functional problem, treat a congenital condition or resolve a complication from a previous surgery that requires surgical correction. You may be a candidate for medically necessary breast surgery if you experience:
- Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction: Following the surgical removal of one or both breasts due to cancer or prophylactic indications, reconstructive surgery can restore the shape and appearance of the breast. This is considered a reconstructive procedure rather than a cosmetic one and may be carried out either immediately after mastectomy or in a staged approach.
- Congenital Breast Deformity: Conditions such as tuberous breast deformity, Poland syndrome or severe developmental asymmetry can be reasons to seek surgery.
- Implant Complications Requiring Revision: Problems such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition or suspected BIA-ALCL can make revision surgery medically necessary.
- Trauma or Reconstructive Need Following Injury: In some cases, surgery is required to reconstruct the breast following an injury, burn or other trauma that has affected the breast tissue or surrounding structures.
If you believe your breast concerns may be functional or reconstructive rather than purely cosmetic, Dr Choy can assess your condition during a consultation and help you take the next steps.
Does Medicare Cover Breast Augmentation in Australia?
Most breast augmentations are not covered by Medicare because they are considered cosmetic. However, if your surgery falls into one of the reconstructive or medically necessary categories above, you may qualify for partial Medicare coverage. The procedure will need to be supported by the proper clinical documentation.
The procedure also needs to be performed by a surgeon like Dr Choy with the proper qualifications. They need to be a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). The surgeon must provide evidence that the procedure is medically necessary and not just for cosmetic purposes. This may include photographs, diagnostic imaging and medical history.
What Medicare Item Numbers Are Relevant for Breast Surgery?
The following MBS item codes may be applicable for breast surgery when it is performed for reconstructive or medically necessary reasons:
Breast Reconstruction Post-Mastectomy
Medicare item numbers 45528, 45530 and 45531
To qualify, you must:
- Have undergone a mastectomy or be scheduled for one as part of your treatment
- Have documentation from your treating specialist supporting the need for reconstruction
- Meet conditions outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule
Correction of Significant Breast Asymmetry/Developmental Deformity
Medicare item numbers 45522, 45523 and 45524
To qualify, you must:
- Have a documented developmental abnormality or significant asymmetry between the breasts
- Have photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for the procedure
- Meet conditions outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule
Implant Revision for Complications or Congenital Deformity
Medicare item numbers 45551 and 45060
To qualify, you must:
- Have a documented complication related to an existing breast implant, such as capsular contracture, rupture or malposition, or have a congenital breast deformity that meets the MBS criteria
- Have clinical evidence, including imaging where appropriate, to support the need for revision or reconstruction
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Breast Augmentation?
Private health insurance may cover part of your breast surgery if you qualify for one of the above Medicare item numbers. In these cases, your health fund may contribute to the hospital fees and a portion of the surgeon’s fees and anaesthetist’s fees. However, you will still likely have out-of-pocket expenses since insurance is unlikely to cover all of the costs.
Make sure to contact your insurer and go over all of your policy documents ahead of time to learn as much as you can about your expected coverage.
How Does the Type of Breast Augmentation Affect the Cost?
Breast augmentation is a highly individualised procedure. In the consultation phase, many decisions are made that influence the ultimate cost of the surgery.
If you opt for a breast augmentation with implants, the type of breast implant you choose will affect the cost of the procedure. Saline-filled implants are the least expensive option, while silicone gel implants tend to be a “medium” option. Structured saline or cohesive gel (“gummy bear”) are the most expensive breast implants.
The shape of the implants is also a factor. Teardrop-shaped implants are usually more expensive than round implants.
If you opt for breast augmentation with fat grafting, the procedure will include two distinct steps: liposuction to harvest fat from one or more areas of your body, then injection of the fat into your breasts. This technique typically costs more than using implants because it takes longer, requires more skill on the part of the surgeon and essentially involves two procedures.
For the most customised outcome, you may decide on a hybrid breast augmentation. This technique combines breast implants with fat grafting for a significant increase in cup size as well as precise contouring and a soft look and feel. Hybrid breast augmentation generally requires the largest financial investment.
How Does the Choice of Surgeon Affect the Cost of Breast Augmentation in Sydney?
Women seeking breast augmentation in Sydney must consider the qualifications of their surgeon. In this city and throughout Australia, any doctor with a basic medical degree is legally allowed to perform surgery. This means that any doctor can advertise themselves as a ‘cosmetic surgeon’ — even if they do not have specialist training in plastic surgery.
A Specialist Plastic Surgeon is a Commonwealth Government-accredited plastic surgeon who has completed specialised training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. The title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon can only be used by RACS-approved surgeons in the recognised specialty of plastic surgery.
One of the most critical things you’re paying for with any cosmetic surgery is the expertise of your surgeon. The best plastic surgeons in Sydney are educated by well-respected institutions, fellowship-trained, members of professional organisations and exceptionally experienced in their field. This is not to say that the most expensive surgeons are always the best, but it is common to see surgeons set fees that align with their level of expertise. The value of a good Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with the skill set you need and an aesthetic sensibility you like, is priceless.
The Final Tally: What Is the Cost of Breast Augmentation in Sydney?
Breast augmentation with implants in Sydney costs between $9,000 and $15,000. Fat grafting breast augmentation procedures range from $10,000 to $20,000, while hybrid surgeries range from $14,000 to $25,000. Breast augmentations that are straightforward may be on the lower end of this spectrum, while surgeries with higher-end implants or more complex techniques will cost more. Other factors will also impact this cost, including coverage, anaesthesia used, surgeon and the location of the surgery.
Remember that these are estimated costs. The only way to get an accurate quote for your surgery is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr Choy. He will give you a Cost/Payment Schedule that details all of your costs.
Meet With Dr Ellis Choy to Discuss Breast Augmentation
Dr Ellis Choy performs a variety of breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction and breast fat grafting. Please call 02 8503 9883 or book a consultation online to learn more about the cost of breast augmentation in Sydney and Coffs Harbour.
Breast Augmentation Cost FAQs
How much does a breast augmentation consultation cost?
The consultation fee at our practice is $350 and will be paid when you book your appointment. During this visit, Dr Choy will examine your breasts and talk about what results you are hoping to see from the surgery. He will recommend the implant type and placement to find a surgical approach that is suited to your body. If you have obtained a referral from your GP ahead of the appointment, you may be entitled to a partial Medicare rebate. Your consultation fee is non-refundable if you cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your appointment time.
Can I get my breast augmentation quote over the phone?
When you call us, we can give you a general estimated figure to help you start budgeting. However, breast augmentation is individualised, and an accurate quote is only possible once you meet with Dr Choy in person.
When is payment due?
Once you have confirmed your surgery date with Dr Choy and the Practice Director, we will ask for a deposit within seven to ten days to lock the date into the calendar. At this time, you will sign a Terms & Conditions document, and will be provided with your detailed Cost/Payment Schedule that will outline every part of your surgical fee. Those who book their surgery a month or more out will be able to divide the remaining balance into scheduled payments leading up to the procedure.
Can I finance the cost of breast augmentation?
Yes, we offer instalment plans for breast augmentation and other surgeries. Because breast augmentation is often an elective procedure rather than a medical one, we always encourage patients to think carefully before taking on debt to fund the surgery. Your financial comfort matters just as much as the clinical outcome, and we’d rather you feel confident and unpressured about your decision than rush into a timeline that doesn’t suit your circumstances.
What additional costs should I budget for during recovery?
The fees listed on your Cost/Payment Schedule account for the surgery itself, but there are some recovery-related expenses that are outside of the scope of this document. These include:
- Time off work: Most patients need between one and two weeks away from work, with physical jobs generally requiring longer. If you don’t have paid leave available, factor this loss of income into your overall budget.
- Post-surgical bras: You will wear a medical-grade support bra during the initial healing phase. You may need more than one to rotate through, and you may need to replace your existing bras once you have settled into a new shape.
- Scar care products: Silicone-based gels or strips are popular with patients wanting to soften the appearance of their incision lines as they mature.
- Help at home and transportation: You won’t be cleared to drive immediately after surgery, and it helps to have someone available in the first week or so for errands, childcare, cooking and general household tasks.
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