Removal and Replacement of Breast Implants (Implant Exchange) Cost in Newcastle NSW
Removal and replacement of breast implants (implant exchange) comes in 2 versions, and the cost differs between them. In the first, the existing implants are removed and new implants of a different size are placed in the same pocket, with no work on the capsule (the layer of scar tissue that forms around every implant). In the second, part or all of the capsule is removed, or the pocket is reshaped, before the new implants go in. The second version takes about twice as long in theatre, and where it follows a complication such as rupture or symptomatic capsular contracture, a Medicare item may apply.
Exchange without capsule work
Is cosmetic surgery. No Medicare or health fund contribution applies and 10% GST is charged. My surgical fee starts at $6,050 including GST for the least complex case: normal BMI, no capsule work, no additional procedures, day surgery at Maitland Private Hospital. That is my fee only. The anaesthetist and the hospital bill separately and set their own charges, so the total comes to approximately $14,000 including GST, plus the cost of the new implants, which are billed as a separate item. You receive an individual written quote after consultation.
Exchange with capsule work
Carries a surgical fee that starts at $9,990 for the least complex case: normal BMI, no lift or other procedure, day surgery at Maitland Private Hospital. Where a Medicare item applies after assessment, the out of pocket cost with private hospital cover is around $11,500. My fee makes up most of that figure, with the anaesthetist’s gap and your hospital excess making up the rest, and the new implants are covered under your policy in this position. Without cover, the total is around $20,000 plus the cost of the new implants. Where the complication criteria are not met, this version is charged as cosmetic surgery with GST, which I go through at consultation.
I am Dr Bernard Beldholm, 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.
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What my fee includes
My surgical fee covers the operation itself and the care around it, for either version of implant exchange:
Your second consultation at no cost
Including review of your blood results. This can be done remotely if you live some distance from Maitland.
LED light therapy (Healite II)
The first 2 weeks after surgery, with nurse and surgeon reviews and Healite II LED light therapy sessions at my rooms.
Milestone reviews
At 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
A surgical bra
Supplied after surgery, with the wear schedule explained before you go home.
What makes up your total cost
The figures above are built from several separate accounts. For implant exchange these are:
My surgical fee
Which moves with the version of the operation: an exchange in the existing pocket sits at the lower figure, and capsule removal or pocket work moves the fee and the theatre time together.
The anaesthetist’s fee
Billed separately. Your anaesthetic consultation is usually by phone, with examination on the day of surgery.
Maitland Private Hospital’s theatre and day surgery fees
The hospital charges a higher rate for theatre time when no Medicare item applies.
The new implants
Chosen at consultation and billed separately from my fee.
Where the capsule is removed
The pathology account for examining the tissue.
Drains are not routine for implant exchange
If they are needed, the hospital supplies them.
Additional procedures change the quote. The most common are a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same operation, a change of implant position from above to below the muscle, and fat grafting (autologous fat transfer) to add cover over the implant. Each adds theatre time and its own fee, and each is quoted individually after consultation.
Medicare and health funds
Two Medicare items cover removal and replacement of breast implants (implant exchange) after a complication: 45553 and 45554. Whether either applies is assessed at consultation and depends on your history, imaging and what is found at surgery. Where an item applies, your health fund’s contribution depends on your policy and your level of hospital cover.
Where no item applies, the operation is cosmetic surgery and 10% GST is charged on the surgical, anaesthetist and hospital fees.
Implants are not lifetime devices. Replacement implants can need further surgery in the future, and that surgery carries its own cost. 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. If you have imaging of your current implants, bring it, as it shapes both the surgical plan and the Medicare position. Consultations are held at my rooms in Lorn, Maitland. For patients in regional NSW, the first consultation can be by telehealth, with an in-person examination before surgery is booked. Your written quote follows that consultation.