What is the cooling‑off period before breast surgery?

At least seven days must pass after informed consent, and there must be a minimum of two pre‑operative consultations, before you can book surgery or pay a deposit.

How do I choose between augmentation, lift and reduction?

It depends on your goals and anatomy. Augmentation adds volume, a lift reshapes and elevates, and reduction reduces size and weight while lifting. Review our comparisons and bring questions to your consultations.

How long is recovery after common breast procedures?

Many people plan 1–2 weeks of lighter activity, then a staged return to exercise over several weeks. Scar maturation takes months and scheduled follow‑up is important.

Are breast implants lifetime devices?

No. Implants are not lifetime devices. A future revision or removal can be required due to natural changes or complications such as capsular contracture or rupture.

Can Medicare or private health cover breast surgery?

Coverage is limited and linked to medical item numbers (for example, reductions for symptoms, gynaecomastia, or specified implant complications). Confirm eligibility and out‑of‑pocket costs with your fund and provider.

Breast surgery guide for Australia

Breast surgery made clearer: options, safety and recovery.

Understand augmentation, lift, reduction, implant removal and revision with plain‑language guidance on suitability, scars, risks, costs and recovery in Australia. Learn how GP referrals, two consultations and cooling‑off rules work so you can move forward confidently.

Book a consultation Explore procedures Get personalised guidance

2 consults pre‑op consultations are required for cosmetic breast surgery

7+ days mandatory cooling‑off period after informed consent

Accredited ask about hospital accreditation and anaesthesia standards

Breast augmentation

Implants, sizing, placement, risks, longevity and revision planning.

Lift & reduction

Shape change, weight relief, scar patterns and recovery timelines.

Removal & revision

When removal or corrective surgery is considered and how it’s planned.

Safety & referral

GP referral, two consults, cooling‑off and facility standards in Australia.

Breast augmentation

Implant options, sizing, placement and recovery planning.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Reshape and reposition with a focus on scars and suitability.

Breast reduction

Reduce size and weight, relieve symptoms and improve proportion.

Implant removal

When removal is considered and what recovery may look like.

Unsure which option suits you? Ask us

Find the right breast surgery pathway

Compare common procedures and next steps. Each pathway covers suitability, likely scars, risks, recovery and questions worth asking at consultation.

Need help choosing?

Breast augmentation

Add volume and shape using implants, with planning around size, profile and placement.

Explore augmentation

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Improve position and shape without adding volume, or combine with implants if volume is also desired.

Explore lift

Breast reduction

Reduce breast size and weight while reshaping and lifting for comfort and proportion.

Explore reduction

Implant removal & revision

Understand indications for removal or corrective surgery and how revision planning works.

Explore removal & revision

Get a tailored procedure shortlist

Compare common breast procedures

A quick, high‑level comparison to help frame discussion before your consultations. Individual recommendations depend on anatomy and goals.

See lift vs augmentation

Procedure

Common goals

Scars / incisions

Typical downtime

Augmentation

Add volume, shape, upper pole fullness

Inframammary fold, periareolar or transaxillary

1–2 weeks lighter duties; gym restrictions several weeks

Breast lift

Reposition and reshape without adding volume

Around areola, vertical and sometimes horizontal fold

1–2 weeks lighter duties; scars mature over months

Breast reduction

Reduce size/weight, relieve symptoms, improve proportion

Similar to lift; more tissue removal

2+ weeks lighter duties; staged return to activity

Implant removal

Remove implants for preference or complication

Previous incision or tailored approach

1–2 weeks lighter duties; varies by complexity

Implant revision

Address position, size, rupture or capsular contracture

Depends on issue; may include capsulectomy

Similar to augmentation; case‑by‑case

Ask which option may suit you

Your journey, step by step

Breast surgery in Australia follows a regulated process designed to improve safety and decision quality.

Request your next step

Referral & research

Obtain a GP referral and review options, risks, recovery and costs relevant to your goals.

First consultation

Discuss goals, anatomy, scar patterns, facility, anaesthesia, risks and written costs.

Cooling‑off & second consult

At least seven days after informed consent and a second pre‑op consultation are required before booking.

Surgery & aftercare

Accredited facility surgery, structured reviews, scar care and longer‑term follow‑up planning.

See consultation & safety rules

Why a careful, safety‑first breast surgery pathway matters

Thoughtful planning helps align results with goals and reduces risk. Look for clear explanations, accredited facilities, written costs and responsive aftercare.

Safety GP referral, two consults and cooling‑off before booking

Clarity Realistic expectations on scars, downtime and probable outcomes

Support Written aftercare timelines and scheduled follow‑up

Transparency Itemised fees for surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital where applicable

Talk to us about your plan

What affects breast surgery costs

Inclusions Surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, garments, implants (if used), aftercare and reviews.

Breakdown

Procedure complexity Primary vs revision, lift patterns, capsulectomy, combined procedures and time in theatre.

Factors

Medical item numbers Possible for reductions, gynaecomastia or implant complications. Check eligibility with your provider and fund.

Eligibility

Facility & anaesthesia Accredited hospital or day surgery fees and anaesthetist charges vary by time and setting.

Setting

Revision policy Ask what is included if a touch‑up or implant‑related revision is required in future.

Planning

Breast augmentation cost guide Breast reduction cost guide Breast implant removal cost guide General costs & finance options

Get a personalised quote range

Surgeon choice and safety checks

Before you book, verify training and registration, understand consent requirements and know the red flags.

How to choose a surgeon

What to verify, what to ask and how to compare options.

Rules you should know

GP referral, consultation steps and cooling‑off periods.

Risks and second opinions

Know the risks and when to seek another view.

Ask a question about safety

Consultation‑focused guidance

Arrive prepared. Use these prompts to get answers that apply to you, not just general marketing claims.

Download the consultation checklist

Who it may suit

Self‑check before you book to make the consultation more productive.

Goals align with what surgery can realistically achieve
Stable weight and health; non‑smoker or willing to stop as advised
Recovery time fits with work, family and activity needs

Recovery and timing

Plan for downtime, support at home and follow‑up appointments.

1–2 weeks lighter duties for many procedures
Avoid heavy lifting and high‑impact exercise for several weeks
Scar maturation takes months; reviews are important

Read recovery & aftercare guide See the recovery timeline

Questions worth asking

Bring this list to both consultations and get answers in writing.

Who performs each part of my surgery and where?
What scars, risks and trade‑offs apply to my anatomy?
What’s included in the quote and how is aftercare handled?

Ask us to review your questions

Find help near you

Information and referral support across Australia.

New South Wales

Victoria & Queensland

WA, SA & Gold Coast

Get help near you

Breast surgery FAQs

Key questions patients often ask before booking consultations.

Still unsure? Ask your question

Do I need a GP referral?

Yes. A referral from a GP or other non‑cosmetic medical specialist is required before cosmetic breast surgery consultations with the operating practitioner.

What is the cooling‑off period?

At least seven days after informed consent, and a minimum of two pre‑operative consultations, are required before you can book or pay a deposit.

How do I decide between augmentation, lift or reduction?

It depends on your goals and anatomy. Review our comparisons and discuss personalised options at consultation.

How long is recovery?

Many patients plan one to two weeks of lighter activity, then a staged return to exercise. Written aftercare will outline timelines for your procedure.

Are implants lifetime devices?

No. Implants may require revision or removal over time due to aesthetic change or complications. Ongoing follow‑up is important.

Will Medicare or private health cover my surgery?

Coverage is limited and tied to medical item numbers (e.g., reductions for symptoms, gynaecomastia, certain implant complications). Confirm eligibility and out‑of‑pocket costs.

Where can I read more on safety?

See our pages on consultations & safety and risks & complications.

Confidential consultation request

Book a breast surgery consultation.

Ask about suitability, scars, risks, costs, recovery and timelines for augmentation, lift, reduction or implant removal/revision. Your enquiry is confidential.

Consultation support

Procedure guidance, planning questions and next‑step clarity.

Australia‑wide

Information and referral support across all states and territories.