Fat Grafting to the Breast During Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Cost in Newcastle NSW
This page covers the added cost of fat transfer breast augmentation (autologous fat grafting) performed at the same operating time as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The fat is harvested by liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) from the abdomen during the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), filtered and prepared for grafting, then placed into the breasts. It uses tissue that would otherwise be discarded.
The figures below are for the grafting component only. The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) itself is quoted on its own cost page [applicable abdominoplasty cost page]. There is no combined figure here, because the two procedures are assessed, quoted and, where an item number applies to the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), billed on different bases.
The fat grafting component is cosmetic. No Medicare item number applies to it, no health fund contribution applies, and 10% GST is charged on the added fees.
My added surgical fee for fat grafting to the breast during abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) starts at $4,400 including GST. That is my fee only. The grafting adds approximately one hour to the operation, and the anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill their own additional time separately and set their own charges. There is also a single-use fat processing canister for each operation. Taking those into account, the addition comes to approximately $8,500 including GST on top of the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) quote. This starting figure applies to the least complex case: one grafting session to both breasts within a planned abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), normal BMI, no other additional procedures, and no change to the planned hospital stay. A written quote for your operation follows consultation.
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS, Specialist Surgeon, operating at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley. Patients travel from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
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What my added fee includes
The fat grafting component sits inside the same episode of care as your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), so most of what you receive is already covered by that operation’s fee. My added fee for the grafting covers:
Planning the grafting at consultation
Including assessment of the breasts, the volume of fat likely to be available from the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) harvest, and whether you are suited to the procedure
Pre-operative breast imaging referral where required
The imaging itself is billed by the imaging provider.
The fat harvest by liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy)
The fat harvest by liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) during the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), processing of the harvested fat, and the grafting to both breasts.
Breast review
At every follow-up visit already scheduled for your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): close review with the nurse and me over the first two weeks, including Healite II LED light therapy, then reviews at four weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.
A surgical bra
To wear after the operation, with the wear schedule explained before you go home.
Your second consultation, including review of your blood results, is at no cost and can be done remotely. That consultation is part of the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) pathway and is not charged again for the grafting.
What makes up your added cost
The fat grafting adds to three of the accounts you already receive for your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). It does not add a new hospital stay, and it does not add implants or drains.
My added surgical fee
Covers the harvest by liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy), processing of the fat, the grafting, and the breast follow-up described above. Starts at $4,400 including GST.
Anaesthetist’s added time
The grafting adds approximately one hour to the operation. The anaesthetist bills this separately and sets their own fee. In most cases your anaesthetic consultation is by phone before surgery.
Hospital and theatre added time at Maitland Private Hospital
The added operating hour is charged by the hospital on its own account. There is no added overnight charge, as the grafting does not change the planned stay for your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Fat processing canister
A single-use canister is used to filter and prepare the harvested fat for grafting. This is charged for each operation.
Pre-operative breast imaging
A mammogram or breast ultrasound, depending on your age and history, is arranged before surgery and billed by the imaging provider. A Medicare rebate may apply to the imaging.
Things that change the quote:
- A second grafting session later, if more volume is wanted, is a separate operation with its own quote
- Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) of additional areas beyond the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) harvest for contouring
- Any breast procedure alongside the grafting, such as a breast lift (mastopexy), which is assessed and quoted on its own basis
Medicare and health funds
No Medicare item number applies to fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic purposes, so no Medicare rebate and no health fund contribution applies to the grafting component. Because no item number applies, 10% GST is charged on my added fee, the anaesthetist’s added time and the hospital’s added charges, and the hospital charges a higher rate for cosmetic theatre time.
This does not change the Medicare or health fund position of your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Where an item number applies to the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) after assessment, the rebates for that operation are worked out on its own cost page and in your written quote. The grafting is added to that quote as a separate, cosmetic component.
Revision surgery, if ever needed, is charged depending on your insurance position; this is covered in the full cost guide grouped breast cost article.
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Your next step
A GP referral is required before any consultation. At consultation I assess the abdomen and the breasts together, work out whether fat grafting at the time of your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is suited to you, and explain what volume change is realistic from the fat available. Retention of grafted fat varies between patients and cannot be promised. You then receive a written quote that sets out the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and the grafting component separately.
Consultations are held at my rooms in Lorn, Maitland. For patients in regional NSW the first consultation can be by telehealth, with examination in person before surgery is booked.