Removal of Breast Implants (Explant Surgery) Cost in Newcastle NSW
Removal of breast implants (explant surgery) is not a single operation. The 2 versions I perform most often are priced differently because the operating time and what is involved differ.
Removal without capsulectomy
The implants are taken out through the existing scar and the capsule is left in place. This is a 1 hour operation, done as a day stay. Where the implants were placed for cosmetic reasons and there is no complication, Medicare and health funds do not contribute, and 10% GST applies to the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fees. My surgical fee is $4,950 including GST. That is my fee only. The anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill separately and set their own charges, so the total is approximately $11,500 including GST. This figure applies to the least complex case: normal BMI, both implants removed, no capsulectomy, no other procedure, day stay. Where an item number applies after assessment, the position changes; see below.
Removal with capsulectomy for a medical indication
Where there is a medical reason to remove the capsule, I take out the implants together with at least half of the capsule, and the tissue is sent for histopathology. This is a 3 hour operation, done as a day stay, with drains. MBS item 45551 applies where its criteria are met. My surgical fee starts at $9,990. That is my fee only. The anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill separately and set their own charges, so the total is approximately $11,500 out of pocket with private hospital cover where item 45551 applies, or approximately $20,000 without cover. This figure applies to the least complex case: normal BMI, both sides, no other procedure, day stay. An individual written quote follows consultation.
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm, Specialist Surgeon (FRACS), operating at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley. Patients come to me from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
Book your appointment online now
What my fee includes
A second consultation at no cost
Including review of your blood results. This can be done remotely.
All post-operative follow-up
I see you closely for the first 2 weeks, with nurse and surgeon reviews, then at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
LED light therapy
In the early post-operative period.
A surgical bra
Supplied after surgery.
Removal of the implants and, where planned, the capsule
There is no separate fee for the capsulectomy; it is built into the version 2 fee above.
Histopathology of the removed capsule is billed separately by the pathology provider and is not part of my fee.
What makes up your total cost
My surgical fee
For the version of the operation planned for you.
The anaesthetist’s fee
Billed separately by the anaesthetist, who consults with you by phone in most cases before surgery.
Hospital and theatre fees at Maitland Private Hospital
Both versions are planned as a day stay. Theatre time is the main difference between the 2 versions, at 1 hour for removal alone and 3 hours where the capsule is removed.
Drains
Used where the capsule is removed. Not usually needed for removal alone.
Histopathology of the capsule
Billed by the pathology provider.
What changes the quote:
- Removing the capsule where there is a medical indication moves the operation from version 1 to version 2.
- A breast lift (mastopexy) at the time of removal is a separate operation with its own fee, operating time and stay, and is quoted individually.
- Fat grafting to the breasts at the time of removal adds harvest and grafting time and is quoted individually.
- Removing one implant only, or an implant that has ruptured, can change operating time.
- Removal and replacement with new implants (implant exchange) is a different operation with its own cost page.
Medicare and health funds
Two MBS item numbers relate to removal of breast implants (explant surgery) without replacement: 45548 for removal alone and 45551 for removal with capsulectomy. Whether either applies to you is assessed at consultation and depends on the reason for surgery. Medicare does not contribute where implants placed for cosmetic reasons are removed by choice with no complication.
Where an item number applies, Medicare and your health fund contribute to my fee and the anaesthetist’s fee, and your fund covers the hospital according to your policy. Where no item applies, there is no Medicare or fund contribution, 10% GST 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.
Book your appointment online now
Your next step
A GP referral is required before your consultation. Consultations are held at my rooms in Lorn, Maitland. For patients travelling from regional NSW, the first consultation can be by telehealth; I examine you in person before surgery is planned. Bring details of your current implants if you have them, including any imaging reports.