Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) Cost in Newcastle NSW
I perform breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) in 2 ways. The first is a standard bilateral reduction, where I remove breast tissue and skin and reposition the nipple. The second adds VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) to the outer breast and side of the chest at the same operation, which adds around 30 minutes of theatre time. Which version suits you depends on your breast size and shape and where the tissue sits, and I decide that with you at consultation.
In the majority of cases a Medicare item applies to breast reduction. Item 45523 covers a bilateral reduction with nipple repositioning where the criteria are met, and I assess that at consultation.
My surgical fee starts at $10,990 for a standard reduction and $12,990 with VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy). That is my fee only. The anaesthetist and Maitland Private Hospital bill separately and set their own charges. With private hospital cover, where item 45523 applies, the total is approximately $12,000 out of pocket for a standard reduction and around $14,500 with liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy). Without cover, the totals are approximately $23,000 and $26,500. Those figures are for the least complex case: normal BMI, no additional procedures, a day procedure with drains, and no previous breast surgery. 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 and see patients from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, the Central Coast and regional NSW.
Book your appointment online now
What my fee includes
My surgical fee covers more than the operation itself. It includes:
A second consultation at no cost
Including review of your pre-operative blood results. This can be done remotely if you live outside the Hunter.
The operation
performed by me at Maitland Private Hospital.
Drain
In the first 2 weeks you are reviewed closely by my nurse and by me, and this period includes LED light therapy sessions to support early healing. After that, I see you at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
Your surgical bra
Fitted after the operation.
There is no separate charge for these visits, and you are not billed for a review because you have a question or a concern during recovery.
What makes up your total cost
Your total is made up of 4 separate accounts. The figures in the introduction combine them, but each is billed by a different party.
My surgical fee
Set out above. It changes with the complexity of the operation: a larger reduction, a greater degree of skin removal, or previous breast surgery moves the fee, theatre time and stay together.
The anaesthetist’s fee
Billed separately by the specialist anaesthetist. The anaesthetic consultation is by phone in most cases, with examination on the day of surgery.
Hospital and theatre fees at Maitland Private
Theatre time is charged by the hour, and a breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is planned as a day procedure with drains. If your medical history or the extent of the operation means an overnight stay is appropriate, the hospital charges for that night.
Additions that change the quote
VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) at the same operation adds theatre time and is priced as the second version above. A mastopexy (breast lift) is part of every reduction and is not charged separately.
Your written quote lists each of these separately.
Medicare and health funds
The Medicare item for bilateral breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) with nipple repositioning is 45523. Whether it applies to you is assessed at consultation, and the majority of my reduction patients meet the criteria.
Where the item applies and you hold private hospital cover, your fund pays the hospital and theatre charges under the terms of your policy, less your excess, and Medicare and your fund together contribute a set rebate towards my fee and the anaesthetist’s fee. The size of that contribution depends on your policy and its level of cover, which is why the insured figure above is approximate.
Where the item applies but you do not have hospital cover, Medicare still rebates part of my fee and the anaesthetist’s fee, and you pay the hospital directly.
Where no item applies, the operation is treated as cosmetic. 10% GST is then added 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. For a detailed walk through of item 45523, rebates and health fund tiers, read the full breast surgery cost guide.
Book your appointment online now
Your next step
A GP referral is required before I can see you. Your GP documents your history and symptoms, which also forms part of the record needed if item 45523 is being assessed. 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.