The cost of Cosmetic Surgery in Australia

Understanding the costs associated with plastic surgery is an essential step in planning your aesthetic journey. Below, we provide insights into the factors influencing plastic surgery prices to help you make informed decisions.

How much is a Consultation with Mr Snell?

The initial Consultation is $300 – $350 (inc GST) 

Why do Plastic Surgery prices vary so much?

The cost of cosmetic surgery can vary for several reasons. While price is a consideration, it is essential to prioritize the surgeon’s qualifications and reputation to ensure a safe and satisfactory outcome. Some factors contributing to the differences in cosmetic surgery prices include:

Surgeon’s Experience

The level of experience and specialized expertise of the surgeon can impact the cost of the procedure. Surgeons with a high reputation and qualifications may charge higher fees.

Procedure Complexity

The complexity of the surgery is a key determinant of the price. More intricate procedures that require advanced techniques or longer operating times may be priced higher.

Geographic Location

The cost of living and healthcare market in a specific area can influence cosmetic surgery prices. Major cities and regions with higher living costs may have higher prices.

Facility and Operating Costs

The expenses related to running a surgical facility, including rent, staff salaries, equipment, and supplies, can contribute to the overall price of the surgery.

Anesthesia and Sedation

The type of anesthesia or sedation used during the procedure can affect the cost. General anesthesia, involving an anesthesiologist, is typically more expensive than local anesthesia or IV sedation.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care

The overall price may include pre-operative consultations, laboratory tests, imaging, medications, and post-operative care, including follow-up appointments.

Additional Fees

Certain services, such as surgical garments, compression garments, or specialized post-operative care, may incur additional fees.

Surgical Facility Accreditation

Surgeons operating in accredited surgical facilities that meet safety standards may charge higher fees to cover the costs of maintaining accreditation.

Patients should discuss the cost of their specific procedure with their surgeon and carefully consider their budget and financial situation when making a decision about treatment.

Why do prices differ so much between Surgeons?

As above, the cost of cosmetic surgery can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, the complexity of the case. The experience and qualifications of the surgeon also play a large role in the overall cost. How long they studied and what qualifications they have play a large role in the costs they charge.

Another thing that can affect how much they charge is their skill level, if a surgeon preforms a specific surgery with regularity then they will refine their skills in that surgery and the result will likely reflect that. As with most jobs, those of a higher knowledge level (experts in their field) reflect that in their prices.

It is important for patients to discuss the cost of their specific procedure with their surgeon and to carefully consider their budget and financial situation when making a decision about treatment.

Keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is not typically covered by health insurance, so patients will need to pay for the procedure out of pocket.

Pricing Factors and Considerations

Pricing/quote differences in cosmetic surgery can vary significantly, and they often indicate important factors to consider:

• Inclusion: Some lower-priced options may not include all necessary components of the procedure.
• Expertise: Lower costs might be associated with non-specialist practitioners, not expert specialist plastic surgeons.
• Anesthesia: Be cautious of backroom clinics offering procedures under local anesthesia, as opposed to accredited hospitals using general anesthesia.
• Qualifications: Choose a genuinely qualified surgeon who is recognized by AHPRA as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, not just a cosmetic doctor with different training and education levels.
• Hospital Rights: Specialist Plastic Surgeons typically have hospital operating and admitting rights, ensuring a higher standard of care.

Your Plastic Surgery Quote

During a confidential consultation with Dr Snell, you will receive a fully personalized quote for your plastic surgery procedure. This quote, (which we provide as part of a fully informed financial consent), will outline the specific costs of your surgery, including:

• Hospital costs (depending on theatre time and length of stay)
• The surgeon’s fee
• The anaesthesiologist’s fee
• Assistant’s fee (if applicable)
• The cost of implants (if applicable),
• And any applicable Medicare codes

A consultation with Dr Snell is the first step in your journey. It is at this point you will receive additional procedure information and a cost estimate for the procedure.

Please call the clinic on 03 8849 1400 to get a rough quote or estimate for your procedure.

Will Medicare cover my procedure?

Most cosmetic surgery procedures are not eligible for cover by Medicare. However, there are a few exceptions in cases where the surgery is medically necessary, such as to correct a deformity, improve vision or improve quality of life.

It is always best to speak with a patient coordinator or surgeon to determine whether Medicare may cover some or all of the costs.

Medicare does not cover cosmetic surgery procedures that are only for aesthetic purposes, such as a breast augmentation.

Read more about Medicare Rebates for Plastic Surgery here.

Private Health Funds – Are you insured?

Private health insurance in Australia generally does not cover cosmetic surgery procedures. However, there are a few exceptions for cases in which the surgery is medically necessary. This includes surgeries to correct a deformity, improve vision (like an upper blepharoplasty) or a surgical procedure that will significantly improve the patients quality of life. If you are unsure whether your private health insurance will cover your procedure, it is best to contact your insurer for more information.

It is important to make sure that your health insurance plan covers the right level of coverage for the type of surgery you are considering. There are different levels of coverage available, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans, which vary in cost. It is generally recommended to wait at least 12 months before having any procedures done after changing health insurance plans.

Further Reading – About pricing, payments and insurance coverage

• For more information on how to pay for your surgery you can visit our payment plan and finance options page.
• Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) – Item Numbers
• Medibank Hospital Cover and Health Insurance

Disclaimer
Please note that any content provided on our website is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this website. The author and publisher do not guarantee the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the information presented herein. All actions taken based on the information in this article are at your own risk.