Plastic Surgeon Consultation in Sydney: What Happens and What It Costs

Quick answer: A plastic surgery consultation in Sydney is a paid specialist appointment. You will generally need a referral from your GP, and for cosmetic procedures that referral requirement exists partly so that a general practitioner has assessed you before you are advised about surgery. A Medicare rebate applies only where the consultation relates to a condition with a valid Medicare item number, so purely cosmetic consultations are usually not rebatable. Expect the appointment to run 30 to 60 minutes and to include examination, a discussion of options, risks and alternatives, and a written itemised quote afterwards.

Do I need a referral to see a plastic surgeon?

For a specialist consultation you will normally need a referral from a general practitioner. Two things follow from that.

First, it is a safeguard. Your GP knows your medical history, your medications and your mental health background, and a referral means someone independent of the surgical practice has considered whether an assessment is reasonable.

Second, a referral is a precondition for any Medicare rebate on the consultation. No referral means no rebate is payable, even where the underlying condition would otherwise attract one.

If you are unsure whether the procedure you are considering is cosmetic or functional, ask your GP to say so in the referral. Our article on the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon explains why the qualification of the person you are referred to matters, and why an FRACS plastic surgeon is a different credential from a general medical registration.

What does a plastic surgery consultation cost?

A consultation is a paid specialist appointment. The fee reflects the surgeon’s time, the examination, and the preparation of a detailed written quote and operative plan afterwards.

What the fee actually buys you is worth stating plainly, because it is often misunderstood as an administrative charge:

• A clinical examination and assessment of your anatomy
• A discussion of the surgical options that apply, and the ones that do not
• A frank account of risks, recovery and limitations
• Discussion of non surgical alternatives where they are reasonable
• A written, itemised quote separating surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees

Current consultation fees are listed on the practice pricing page. PLACEHOLDER: client to confirm the current consultation fee, whether it differs between cosmetic and referred functional consultations, and whether it is credited toward surgery.

Is the consultation covered by Medicare?

Only where the consultation relates to a condition that has a valid Medicare item number, and where you hold a current referral. Purely cosmetic consultations do not attract a rebate.

Where there may be a functional component, for example upper eyelid skin obstructing the visual field, or breast reduction where defined criteria are met, eligibility is assessed against the specific criteria for that item. Nobody can confirm eligibility from a website or over the phone, and any practice that tells you it can is overpromising. It is assessed at the appointment against your examination findings.

What actually happens during the appointment?

Expect four parts.

History. Your medical history, medications, previous surgery, smoking status, allergies and what you want changed. Be honest about smoking and about weight fluctuation. Both materially affect surgical risk and planning.

Examination. Physical assessment of the relevant area. For facial surgery this includes skin quality, tissue descent, asymmetries you may never have noticed, and the underlying bone structure.

Discussion. What can be achieved, what cannot, which technique suits your anatomy, what the alternatives are including doing nothing, and the specific risks and recovery involved.

Documentation. Written information, and an itemised quote issued after the appointment.

Photographs are usually taken for medical records and surgical planning. You should be told how they are stored and who has access to them, and your consent is required. You are entitled to decline any use beyond your own clinical record.

What should I bring and what should I ask?

Bring your referral, a list of your medications and doses, details of previous surgery, and any relevant imaging. Bring a written list of questions, because most people forget half of them once the appointment begins.

The questions that separate a useful consultation from a sales appointment are these. What are my alternatives, including doing nothing? What are the specific risks for me given my history? What is your revision policy and who pays for it? Who is my anaesthetist and where will the operation take place? What does recovery actually require, in days off work?

We have set out a fuller list in questions to ask before a face lift and in what questions you should be asking your plastic surgeon. The procedure checklist is worth reading before you attend.

Will I be asked to decide on the day?

You should not be. Cooling off requirements apply to cosmetic surgery in Australia, and a consultation that pressures you toward a same day decision or a time limited discount is a warning sign rather than a good deal.

A reasonable process looks like this: consultation, written quote, time to consider it, a second appointment or follow up call for the questions that surfaced afterwards, and only then a booking. Seeking a second opinion from another appropriately qualified practitioner is sensible and is not an insult to the first surgeon.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

PLACEHOLDER: confirm the current cooling off period requirements applying to this practice before publication.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a plastic surgery consultation take?

Generally 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of what is being assessed.

Can I get a quote without a consultation?

You can be given general fee ranges, but not a personal quote. Theatre time, technique and hospital requirements vary with your anatomy, so a meaningful quote requires an examination.

Is the consultation fee deducted from the cost of surgery?

This varies between practices. Ask directly, and get the answer in writing. PLACEHOLDER: client to confirm the practice position.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, and it is a good idea. A second person remembers what you do not.

What if I decide not to proceed?

Nothing further is required. You have paid for a specialist opinion and that opinion is yours to act on or not.

Book an assessment

If you are considering facial or body surgery, an in person consultation is the only way to get a technique recommendation and an itemised quote that actually applies to you. You can book a consultation or contact the practice to ask about referral requirements first.