Removal of Breast Implants with a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Cost in Newcastle NSW
This page covers removing breast implants and performing a breast lift (mastopexy) in the same operation. I do this as a single operation only when the implant capsule can be left in place. Where the capsule needs to be removed as well (a capsulectomy), the implants and capsule come out first and the breast lift (mastopexy) is planned as a separate operation once the tissue has settled. That is the appropriate path for those patients, and the 2 stages are quoted separately.
The 2 parts of a single-stage operation sit in different Medicare positions. Implant removal usually carries an MBS item number, assessed at consultation. The breast lift (mastopexy) with it does not, so it is treated as cosmetic and 10% GST applies to that part of the fee.
My surgical fee for removal of breast implants with a breast lift (mastopexy) starts at $14,389 including GST for the least complex case: normal BMI, no capsulectomy, no fat grafting, no other procedure in the same operation, day stay, and no drains. That is my fee only. The anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill separately and set their own charges. With private hospital cover and an item number applying to the removal, the total out of pocket is approximately $17,000. Without cover, the total is approximately $26,500. Where no item number applies at all, the position changes and the figures are higher; see below. You receive an individual written quote after your consultation.
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm, Specialist Surgeon (FRACS), and I perform this operation at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley. My patients come from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
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What my fee includes
My surgical fee covers the operation itself and the care around it.
A second consultation at no cost before surgery
Including review of your blood results. This can be done remotely.
All follow-up with me and my nurse
Close review over the first 2 weeks, then appointments at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
LED light therapy sessions
During the early follow-up period.
Your surgical bra
Supplied after the operation and worn full time for 4 weeks, then for half of each day for a further 2 weeks.
Removed implants are sent for pathology where indicated. Pathology is billed separately by the laboratory, and Medicare covers this in most cases.
What makes up your total cost
My surgical fee
Covering both the implant removal and the breast lift (mastopexy).
The anaesthetist’s fee
Billed separately. Your anaesthetic consultation is by phone in most cases, with examination on the day of surgery.
Hospital and theatre fees at Maitland Private Hospital
For a 4 hour operation as a day stay.
Hospital excess
Where you have private hospital cover and an item number applies to the removal.
Pathology on the removed implants
Billed by the laboratory.
Adjuncts that change the quote:
- Capsulectomy. Where the capsule needs to come out, the work is staged and each operation is quoted on its own.
- Fat grafting (autologous fat transfer) to the breast in the same operation adds liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) at a donor site and operating time.
- Drains, if needed on the day, add drain care to the recovery but not a material cost.
- BMI outside the normal range, or longer operating time, moves the fee, hours and hospital charge together.
Medicare and health funds
Item 45548 covers removal of breast implants as an independent procedure, and in most cases it applies to the removal part of this operation. Whether it applies to you is assessed at consultation. Where it does, and you hold private hospital cover, your fund contributes to the hospital and theatre charges. The size of that contribution depends on your policy and your excess.
No item number applies to the breast lift (mastopexy). That part of the surgical fee attracts 10% GST and no Medicare or fund rebate.
Where no item number applies at all, the whole operation is treated as cosmetic. GST then applies to the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fees, and the hospital charges a higher rate for cosmetic theatre time.
Revision surgery, if ever needed, is charged depending on your insurance position; this is covered in the full cost guide. See how much does breast surgery cost in Australia for item numbers, health fund tiers and worked examples.
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Your next step
A GP referral is required before your consultation. Bring the details of your existing implants if you have them, including the brand, size and date of insertion. Your consultation is 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.