Understanding how your total breast reduction surgery cost will be calculated can help you feel more prepared and know what to expect, before undergoing your procedure.
While it’s natural to want a clear number of how much a breast reduction costs in Australia, it’s important to understand that the cost of breast reduction surgery isn’t a single figure and is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, it’s made up of different components and reflects multiple factors of the procedure.
Why will breast reduction costs vary from patient to patient?
Breast reduction surgery costs can vary significantly from one patient to another, as the procedure generally needs to be performed somewhat differently for each patient.
Variability in costs is generally due to factors like the complexity of the procedure, the length of the surgery, and the specific needs of each patient, which will most likely vary from person to person.
It’s important to have a breast reduction that is specifically tailored to your needs and your own unique features, which means that your surgeon will need to tailor the steps of the procedure to meet your needs and ensure that an approach is taken that will be suitable.
You’ll ultimately need to find out your total cost during a thorough consultation, after discussing all of your needs, your expectations for the results and how the procedure will be performed.
The surgeon’s fee
The surgeon’s fee is usually one of the largest components of your breast reduction surgery cost. Your surgeon’s fee will reflect the time spent planning the surgery, performing the procedure, and more.
The surgeon’s fee will also need to consider the technical nature of the surgery itself. A reduction mammoplasty surgery typically involves removing glandular tissue, fat, and skin while reshaping and repositioning the remaining breast tissue. The complexity of the procedure varies from person to person, which can often influence this part of the cost.
The anaesthetist’s fee
Reduction mammoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, which makes the anaesthetist’s role essential and another component of your total breast reduction surgery cost.
Their fee accounts for their skill and presence in managing your anaesthesia, monitoring you closely during surgery, and minimising risks. Anaesthetists have years of training to ensure this aspect of surgery is handled with precision, and their fee reflects the importance of their work.
The duration of the surgery is often a factor in determining the anaesthetist’s fee, as longer surgeries will require their involvement for an extended period.
The hospital fees
Hospital fees typically cover the cost of the operating theatre, nursing staff, and other resources used during your surgery and recovery in the hospital. These fees can vary depending on the type of hospital, whether it’s private or public, and the length of your hospital stay.
This component of your fees will typically need to be discussed further during your consultation, as it will entirely depend on the location in which your procedure will be performed.
Medicare and breast reduction surgery cost
In Australia, Medicare can reduce some of the costs associated with breast reduction surgery, but eligibility criteria must be met.
To qualify for a Medicare rebate, the procedure typically needs to be deemed medically necessary. This means that the surgery must address a recognised medical condition, such as chronic back pain, shoulder pain, or recurrent skin infections caused by excessively large breasts.
You’ll typically require a referral from your GP, who will assess if your situation meets the relevant criteria and can clearly document the medical necessity of the procedure.
If Medicare deems your surgery eligible for a rebate, it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by covering a portion of the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees. However, Medicare generally does not cover hospital fees unless you are treated in a public hospital under the public system, which may not always be an option for this type of procedure. Private health insurance may then be able to help, depending on the details of your cover.
How private health insurance cover may help
If you’re covered, private health insurance may also help to reduce the cost of breast reduction surgery – particularly if you have a policy that covers procedures in the category of plastic or reconstructive surgery.
If Medicare has deemed your surgery medically necessary, some private health funds will cover the hospital and theatre fees, leaving you responsible only for the gap between what they pay and what the hospital charges.
It’s highly important to check the details of your policy to understand the extent of your cover, and whether there’s a waiting period you’ll need to complete before your surgery. Knowing what’s included can help you plan for any additional costs you may need to cover yourself.
Considering any out-of-pocket costs
Apart from the costs that will be on your quote, you may have some additional costs to consider that can be associated with your procedure – but this entirely depends on your personal circumstances.
For example, it’s possible that you may need to budget for pre-surgical tests or imaging, if your surgeon will need to assess your suitability for the procedure beyond the initial consultation process.
When you have your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss the entire process of your procedure from start to finish, so that you can consider any additional costs that may be involved.
Book a breast reduction consultation in Brisbane with Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Perron
With a dedication to providing his patients with a high level of care in a comfortable and supportive environment, Dr Justin Perron performs plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures, including breast reductions.
As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Perron has years of training and experience, gaining skills and refining advanced surgical techniques. He personalises each procedure to align with each patient’s individual needs, regarding both health and personal expectations.
To discuss your breast reduction procedure costs according to your individual needs and circumstances, you’ll need to have a consultation with Dr Perron.
To arrange your consultation, please feel free to get in touch with our Brisbane team.
