Fat Grafting at Implant Removal (Explant Surgery) Cost in Newcastle NSW
Fat grafting at implant removal (explant surgery) combines 2 procedures in one operation. I remove the breast implants, then harvest fat by VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy), filter and prepare it, and graft it into the breast at the same operating time. The cost is set mainly by operating time, which depends on whether the capsule is removed with the implants and where the fat is harvested from.
This is a cosmetic operation in most cases. No Medicare item applies to the least complex case, no health fund contribution applies, and 10% GST is added to the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fees. Where an item number applies to the implant removal after assessment, the position changes; see below.
My surgical fee starts at $9,350 including GST for the least complex case: removal of both implants without capsulectomy, fat harvested from the abdomen as the single donor site, grafted into both breasts in one session, normal BMI, day stay at Maitland Private Hospital, no drains and no additional procedure. That operation takes around 2.5 hours. This is my fee only. It covers the single-use fat processing canister and your post-operative garments. The anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill separately and set their own charges, so the total is approximately $21,500 including GST. Capsulectomy, a donor site other than the abdomen, or more than one donor site each change the quote. You receive an individual written quote after your consultation.
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm M.B.B.S B.Sc(Med) FRACS, Specialist Surgeon. I operate at Maitland Private Hospital in the Hunter Valley and see patients 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 more than the time in theatre. For fat grafting at implant removal (explant surgery) it includes:
Your second consultation at no cost
Including review of your blood results. This can be done remotely if you live outside the Hunter.
All post-operative follow-up
Close review over the first 2 weeks with my nurse and me, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
LED light therapy
During the early follow-up visits.
The single-use fat processing canister
Used to filter and prepare the harvested fat.
Your post-operative garments
A compression garment for the donor site and a surgical bra. Both are worn full time for 4 weeks, then during the day only for a further 2 weeks.
There is no separate charge from my rooms for any of these.
What makes up your total cost
Your total is made up of separate accounts from separate providers. For fat grafting at implant removal (explant surgery), these are:
My surgical fee
Covers the implant removal, the fat harvest by VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy), preparation of the fat, and the grafting into both breasts, plus everything listed above.
The anaesthetist’s fee
Billed separately. The anaesthetist charges by operating time, so a longer operation costs more. Your anaesthetic consultation is by phone in most cases.
Maitland Private Hospital fees
Theatre time and your day stay. The hospital charges a higher rate for cosmetic theatre time than for operations with a Medicare item.
Pathology
Only if the capsule is removed and sent for examination. Billed by the pathology provider.
Things that change the quote:
- Capsulectomy. Removing the capsule around the implant, in part or in full, adds operating time and may need drains. It is done where there is a clinical reason for it, which I assess at consultation.
- Donor site. The abdomen is the least complex case. Harvesting from the flanks, thighs or back, or from more than one area, adds operating time.
- A breast lift (mastopexy). If the position of the breast and nipple means a lift is needed at the same time, this is a different operation with its own fee and hours, and it is quoted separately.
- A second grafting session. A further session to add volume is a separate operation with its own quote.
No implant is inserted, so there is no device cost on this page.
Medicare and health funds
Fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic reasons has no Medicare item number, so the grafting part of this operation is always cosmetic. The implant removal may attract item 45548, or item 45551 where the capsule is also removed, depending on the reason for removal. I follow the Medicare rules strictly and assess eligibility at your consultation.
Where no item applies, no Medicare or health fund contribution is available, 10% GST applies to the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fees, and the hospital charges a higher rate for cosmetic theatre time. Where an item does apply to the removal, your health fund contribution depends on your level of cover and your policy, and the grafting component remains a cosmetic charge with GST.
Revision surgery, if ever needed, is charged depending on your insurance position. This is covered in the full breast surgery cost guide.
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Your next step
A GP referral is required before your first consultation. Your GP is also copied on your pre-operative blood results and takes over your longer term care after the 4 week review.
Consultations are held at my rooms in Lorn, Maitland. If you live in regional NSW, the first consultation can be by telehealth. I examine you in person before any surgery is booked.