Quick answer: A breast augmentation quote in Sydney has five components, not one: the surgeon’s fee, the implants themselves, the anaesthetist, the day facility or hospital, and post operative care. Purely cosmetic breast augmentation attracts no Medicare rebate and generally no health fund contribution toward the hospital. The number most patients miss is the lifetime cost. Implants are not permanent devices, and a proportion of patients will need further surgery at some point, which should be priced into the decision rather than discovered later.
What makes up a breast augmentation quote?
Ask for the quote itemised in writing.
Surgeon’s fee. Reflects the operation planned. Augmentation alone is a different operation from augmentation combined with a lift, and the second takes materially longer.
Implant cost. A separate line, and one worth reading. Implants vary by manufacturer, shell, filler, shape and size, and the cost differs between them.
Anaesthetist’s fee. Billed separately, generally by theatre time.
Facility fee. Theatre, nursing, consumables and any overnight stay. A fully accredited facility with appropriate cover costs more than the cheapest available option, and that difference is part of what you are paying for.
Post operative care. Reviews, dressings and a support garment. Ask what is included and for how long.
Current fee bands are published on the practice pricing page and the procedure is described on our page covering breast augmentation surgery with Dr Kevin Ho.
Does Medicare or private health insurance cover breast augmentation?
Cosmetic breast augmentation, performed to change breast size or shape for appearance, attracts no Medicare rebate. Without a Medicare item number, your health fund will generally not contribute to the hospital component either.
There are narrow reconstructive situations assessed differently, including breast reconstruction after cancer surgery and correction of significant congenital asymmetry or developmental abnormality, where item numbers may apply against defined criteria. These are clinical assessments made on documented history and examination, not something that can be established from a website. Reconstructive breast surgery is a separate pathway and is discussed on our breast reconstruction page.
What is the lifetime cost of breast implants?
This is the part of the decision that a single quote does not show you, and it is the most useful thing on this page.
Breast implants are medical devices with a finite life. They are not designed to be replaced on a fixed schedule, but they are also not intended to remain in place indefinitely without review. Over time, some patients will require further surgery for reasons including capsular contracture, implant rupture, malposition, rippling, changes in the breast tissue with age, pregnancy or weight change, or simply a wish to change size or remove the implants altogether.
That means an honest budget includes three things beyond the first operation.
Ongoing surveillance. Implants require long term follow up, and imaging may be recommended periodically to assess implant integrity. Ask what surveillance is recommended and who pays for it.
The cost of a future operation. If implants are exchanged or removed in ten or fifteen years, that is a second surgeon’s fee, a second anaesthetist, a second facility fee and, if replaced, a second set of implants. Cosmetic revision generally attracts no rebate.
The cost of a complication. Ask directly and in writing what the practice’s policy is on fees if a complication requires a return to theatre in the early period, and what applies later.
The history of the PIP implant recall is a useful illustration of why device provenance and record keeping matter, and it is covered in what happened with PIP implants. Keep your implant identification details. Our update on breast augmentation covers how thinking on devices has developed.
Why do breast augmentation quotes vary so much?
The operation is not the same. Augmentation alone, augmentation with a lift, and revision of a previous augmentation are three different operations. A patient with significant breast tissue descent may not achieve what she wants from implants alone, in which case a lift may be discussed, which is a longer procedure with additional scars. That is a clinical judgement, not an upsell, and it is worth reading deciding between a breast reduction or a lift and our page on mastopexy or breast lift surgery alongside the augmentation information.
The implants are not the same. Different devices, different costs, different warranty arrangements.
The facility is not the same.
The list is not the same. A quote that excludes the implants, the anaesthetist or the facility looks cheaper because it is describing less.
A quote that is materially below every other quote you have received is worth understanding rather than celebrating. Ask what has been excluded.
What are the risks?
Breast augmentation is surgery involving an implanted medical device, and the risk discussion is longer than for many procedures.
Risks include bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, implant malposition or rotation, rippling or palpability of the implant, asymmetry, changes in nipple or breast sensation which may be permanent, interference with breastfeeding, scarring, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, adverse reaction to anaesthesia, effects on the interpretation of mammography, and the need for further surgery. Textured implants have been associated with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare condition, and there is ongoing discussion of breast implant illness. Both should be raised and discussed at consultation rather than researched alone. No outcome is guaranteed and results vary between individuals.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
How should I compare two quotes?
Ask both practices the same six questions. Are all five fee components listed, implants included? Which implants, from which manufacturer, and is the device documentation provided to me? Is it the same operation, augmentation alone or with a lift? Which facility, and is it accredited? What post operative care is included and for how long? What is the written fee policy for revision and for complications?
If one quote answers all six and the other answers three, you are not looking at a price difference.
Frequently asked questions
How much does breast augmentation cost in Sydney?
There is no single figure, because implant choice and whether a lift is required change the operation. Fee bands are published on the pricing page, and a personal quote follows an examination.
Is breast augmentation covered by Medicare?
Not when it is cosmetic. Narrow reconstructive situations are assessed separately against defined criteria.
Do breast implants need to be replaced?
They are not on a fixed replacement schedule, but they are not lifetime devices either. A proportion of patients require further surgery, and that should be part of your budget from the outset.
Is a cheaper quote a problem?
Not necessarily, but it should be explained. Compare the itemised lists rather than the totals.
Will I still be able to have a mammogram?
Yes, and you should tell the radiographer you have implants so that appropriate views are taken. Discuss ongoing screening at your consultation.
Can I get a firm quote by phone?
General fee ranges yes. A personal quote no, because it depends on examination and on which operation is appropriate.
Get an itemised breast augmentation quote
An accurate quote follows an assessment that establishes which operation suits your anatomy and your goals, and what the long term picture looks like. You can book a consultation or contact the practice.
Dr. Kevin Ho – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kevin Ho is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His expertise includes breast surgery, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and skin cancer reconstruction, delivering tailored solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Renowned for his precision and patient-centred approach, Dr Ho combines advanced surgical techniques with a commitment to achieving natural, lasting results. He is dedicated to ongoing education and innovation, ensuring his practice remains at the forefront of modern plastic surgery.
With a reputation for excellence and a compassionate manner, Dr Kevin Ho is a trusted name in plastic surgery, helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
