Implant revision is quoted the same way as any other surgery here: five separate parts, itemised, with the Medicare benefit shown against each where an item applies. There is no package price, because whether an item applies changes the figure substantially.
The five parts
| Part | Who bills it | What offsets it |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | Dr Kumar | Medicare benefit where an item applies |
| Anaesthetist’s fee | The anaesthetist directly | A separate, smaller rebate |
| Surgical assistant | The assistant directly | A rebate where required |
| Hospital and theatre | The hospital | Private health cover, where you hold the right category |
| New implants, garments, aftercare | Included in the quote | Not rebatable |
The Medicare items, and what they require
| Item | Covers |
|---|---|
| 45548 | Implant removal as an independent procedure |
| 45551 | Removal with excision of at least half the capsule, no new prosthesis |
| 45558 | Bilateral mastopexy, where criteria are met |
Two conditions decide most of this. Item 45551 is intended for capsular contracture, a mass within the capsule, or evidence of BIA-ALCL or other malignancy, with the capsule sent for histopathology — so removal for symptoms alone does not meet it. Item 45558 requires at least two-thirds of the breast tissue including the nipple to lie below the inframammary fold with marked phot ographic evidence, and is claimable once per lifetime.
What moves the number most
- Whether a Medicare item applies. The largest single variable on the medical fees.
- Your health fund. Funds only pay hospital benefits where an MBS item applies. No item means no hospital benefit and a considerably larger bill. Health fund cover.
- Whether new implants are used. Devices are a real cost.
- Whether a lift is done at the same time, and whether the capsule is removed — both add operating time. One operation or two.
- Whether it is staged. Two operations means two hospital admissions and usually two excesses.
The consultation and the quote
The consultation is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88. You leave with an itemised quote once the hospital has checked your fund — not before, because the fund check is what makes the hospital figure real.
A deposit is paid when surgery is booked, which can only happen after the seven-day cooling-off period has ended, and the balance is due one month before the operation. Dr Kumar’s practice offers an in-house instalment plan with no finance company involved. Paying for surgery.
On superannuation: early release is decided by the ATO. Dr Kumar’s team can discuss whether a procedure may genuinely meet the requirements, but it is ultimately a decision between you, your financial planner and the ATO.
Common questions
Why is there no price on the website? Because whether an item applies, and what your fund covers, can only be established after examination and a fund check.
Is removal cheaper than replacement? Usually, since there is no device cost — but a lift at the same time adds operating time.
Will my fund cover it? Only where an MBS item applies and your cover and waiting periods allow.
Is a cheaper quote comparable? Ask what it includes — assistant, garments, and twelve months of follow-up are often left out.
Can it be done publicly? Where there is a clinical indication, through a public outpatient referral, with long waits.
Next step
Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar — and your implant cards. Call 1300 267 726. More about explant surgery, revision after weight loss and costs.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
