A cosmetic surgical procedure, such as breast augmentation, requires some budgeting. As a result, it is common for potential patients to contact us and ask about prices for surgery.
That’s understandable. In my opinion, however, putting the low cost at the top of your criteria in selecting a surgeon to perform breast augmentation surgery is a bad idea. In this post, I’ll explain why.
If you’re interested in breast augmentation, you can book a consultation at Form & Face to discuss the details of your procedure and receive a personalised quote outlining your procedure costs.
Expected Factors that Influence Breast Augmentation Cost
“The cost of the surgery can be between $8000 and $20,000, so it pays to shop around.” – The Daily Telegraph.
What accounts for such a range in cost? The fee for breast augmentation can vary enormously depending on:
- The Person Holding the Scalpel Unfortunately, many people who perform surgery with implants are not well-trained. The only surgical qualification recognised in Australia is FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons), and a doctor who has earned that recognition will be more costly than one who has not. When it comes to choosing a surgeon with the right level of experience and knowledge to perform a breast augmentation, making sure that a surgeon is qualified is highly important and worth the associated costs.
- The Person Holding the Mask The qualifications and experience of the person administering anaesthesia can affect the cost, too. You can see your anaesthetist’s fees in your personalised quote.
- The Type of Implants You Choose Implants themselves range in price from $660 to $3300 a pair. In my opinion, when putting something into your body, you want to go with high quality. You will have various implant options to choose from for breast augmentation, which we can discuss during your consultation.
- The Geographic Location of Your Procedure Differences in regional taxes, property values, and other factors can influence costs. We can discuss these factors in further detail during your consultation so that you can better understand how your location will influence your procedure costs.
- The Hospital Where Your Surgery Is Performed A reputable surgeon performs breast augmentation surgery in a hospital or a dedicated operating theatre to reduce risk. Different hospitals charge different fees, some offering more white-glove service than others. The facility fees will be mentioned in your personalised quote.
Buyer, Please Beware
Since cosmetic surgery in Australia is unregulated, many general practitioners and other non-plastic surgeons are legally entitled to label themselves as cosmetic surgeons and perform invasive cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation with breast implants.
Unfortunately, existing controls are weak and ineffective, and they do little to stop unqualified practitioners or protect patients.
Currently, in Australia, anyone who is a doctor can be a cosmetic surgeon, while qualified plastic surgeons need to undergo much further training to achieve their title. Plastic surgeons may even go on to specialise in a certain area of cosmetic surgery, advancing their knowledge.
If you are quoted an exceptionally low price for breast augmentation surgery, proceed cautiously! Some practitioners may unrealistically deflate the price they offer and just quote you their fees for the operation and not tell you what the other costs are until you’ve committed to surgery with them. Beyond that cost, you’ll likely be asked to pay additional fees for
- Anaesthetist
- Surgical assistant
- Anything beyond a “standard” breast implant— addressing breast symmetry, correcting skin laxity, etc.
- Follow-up visits
Medical Tourism – The Potential for Skyrocketing Costs
Like many people worldwide, many Australians seek medical care in Asia and other countries overseas, hoping to save money.
The results can be catastrophic.
“The patient would be liable for all corrective surgery costs if something were to go wrong.” – Peter Callan, President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The bottom line: cheap does not equal good. Focus instead on getting the best value for your money with a skilled surgeon, with extensive experience and skills in the area of cosmetic surgery. Budgeting for your surgical procedure will be worth it when it comes to managing a successful recovery and raising the chances of achieving satisfactory results.
Your Consultation at Form & Face
For an accurate, personalised quote for your breast augmentation cost, you’ll need to come into the clinic for a consultation.
During your consultation, we will discuss personal factors that can influence the overall cost of your breast augmentation.
We will assess your existing breast tissue, size, shape, and procedure goals to determine the type of implant, incision technique, and surgical approach most suitable for you. We will ask about the size and type of implants you prefer and your preferences regarding the incision location, implant placement, and other procedure details. Your personal goals and preferences will impact the type of materials and techniques required for your surgery, ultimately influencing the cost estimate. Your unique anatomy can play a pivotal role in determining the complexity of the surgery, which can also influence the total costs of the procedure.
With the above information, we can create a personalised quote outlining the details of your procedure costs. Your quote will include details of each fee, and we can explain the reasons behind your total breast augmentation cost so that you have a clear understanding.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Benjamin Norris at Form & Face
With a particular focus on cosmetic surgery and over 20 years of training, Dr Norris is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
While working internationally, Dr Norris performed cosmetic breast procedures using short-scar and minimal-scar techniques, furthering his skills in breast surgery.
Dr Norris is also a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association.
Recognised internationally, he is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has trained extensively in Auckland and the United Kingdom.
Choosing a surgeon at the experience level of Dr Norris will provide you with the experience and knowledge needed for an individually tailored breast augmentation.
Would You Like to Know More?
If you have questions about breast implants, breast augmentation, or anything mentioned in this post, please call us at the Form and Face office 1800 376 677 or ask us a question using the form below.
To learn more about your breast augmentation cost, you can also contact us to organise a breast augmentation consultation at our Bondi Junction or Bella Vista clinics and receive a personalised quote.