About breast augmentation
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure in Australia that increases breast size or changes breast shape, usually with implants. People consider it for reasons such as breast size, volume change after pregnancy or weight loss, or asymmetry. Results vary between individuals, and implants are not lifetime devices, so further surgery is often needed over time.
Patients can choose from various implant types, shapes and placement options, and the right choice depends on your anatomy, tissue coverage and goals. Your surgeon should explain the trade-offs of each option, the risks, and what the procedure can and cannot change, so you can discuss your expectations before deciding.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Australia
CostDoc's 89 patient reports put the median out-of-pocket cost of breast augmentation at $8,897, with the middle half of reports between $7,500 and $8,897 and a full range of $7,500 to $17,590. These are patient-reported out-of-pocket figures, not specialist quotes, and specialist fees often run higher, particularly where hospital, anaesthetist and implant costs are included. Implant type and brand, surgeon, and whether a lift is added all move the price. Purely cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered by Medicare.
Recovery from breast augmentation
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons says augmentation can be done under general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or twilight sedation, and that you should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sport until your surgeon advises. Most patients need several days off work and return to desk work within about one to two weeks, and your surgeon will set the timing for a surgical bra and for exercise. Implants sit either between the breast tissue and the chest muscle or behind the pectoralis major, and placement affects how comfortable early recovery is.
Safety and risks of breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is surgery and carries risks. In Australia any registered medical practitioner can legally perform cosmetic surgery, so check whether your doctor holds specialist registration in plastic surgery on the AHPRA register, and confirm the operation will be done in an accredited hospital or day surgery.
Common post-operative effects include temporary swelling, bruising, pain and changes in nipple sensation. Complications include capsular contracture (firm scar tissue that tightens around and distorts the implant), which is one of the more common reasons for further surgery, as well as implant rupture, infection, haematoma and implant malposition. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare cancer linked mainly to textured implants. Many people with implants need further surgery at some point. The TGA monitors implant safety, and your surgeon should discuss all risks during consultation.
Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation
How much does breast augmentation cost in Australia?
CostDoc's 89 patient reports give a median out-of-pocket cost of $8,897, with the middle half between $7,500 and $8,897 and a full range of $7,500 to $17,590. These are patient-reported figures, not specialist quotes, and specialist fees often run higher.
Does breast augmentation cost differ by city?
The figures on this page are national patient-reported out-of-pocket costs. Fees vary between practices and regions, so ask each surgeon for an itemised quote covering surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and implants.
Do breast implants last forever?
No. ASPS says breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery to replace one or both is often required. Ask your surgeon about revision costs and record your implants in the Australian Breast Device Registry.
What are the risks of breast augmentation?
ASPS lists capsular contracture, where firm scar tissue forms around the implant and distorts it, and implant rupture or deflation. Implants may also affect breastfeeding, and ASPS refers to BIA-ALCL and other implant-associated cancers.
Which incision is used for breast augmentation?
ASPS describes three options: under the breast (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar) or through the armpit (transaxillary). Your surgeon will recommend one based on your anatomy and the implant.
Does Medicare cover breast augmentation?
Medicare covers breast reconstruction after mastectomy and may provide rebates for significant asymmetry (difference of 2+ cup sizes). Cosmetic augmentation is not covered.
How to choose a surgeon for breast augmentation in Australia
- Look for FRACS (Plast) or an equivalent surgical fellowship and check AHPRA registration. Only doctors with specialist registration in surgery may call themselves a surgeon.
- Ask to see breast augmentation results on patients with a starting point similar to yours, and which complications the surgeon sees and how they are managed.
- Meet two or three surgeons. Ask about technique, experience, realistic results, recovery, and total cost.
- Cosmetic surgery needs a GP referral, two consultations and a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the second consultation and signed consent before you can book or pay a deposit.
General information
This page is general information for prospective patients researching breast augmentation in Australia. It is not personal medical advice. Clinical timing, eligibility, risks and outcomes vary: discuss your specific case with an AHPRA-registered practitioner at consultation.