Breast surgery at Me Clinic

Me Clinic's plastic surgeons perform a range of breast procedures, from breast augmentation through to breast reduction, breast lift and breast implant revision surgery. The clinic has over 35 years of plastic and cosmetic surgery experience.

The most commonly performed procedure is breast enlargement or augmentation with breast implants, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty.

Procedures offered

• Breast augmentation with implants - increasing breast size, or restoring shape affected by age, breastfeeding or genetics.
• Breast augmentation with fat transfer - fat grafting that repurposes the patient's own fat to enhance breast size.
• Hybrid breast augmentation - combining implants with fat transfer.
• Breast lift - removal of excess skin around the areola and nipple to lift and reposition breasts affected by ageing or breastfeeding.
• Breast lift with implants - combining enlargement and lifting in one procedure.
• Breast reduction - reducing breast size by removing excess tissue and skin.
• Breast reduction and lift - reducing size and lifting sagging tissue together.
• Breast implant removal - extraction of existing implants.
• Breast implant removal and replacement - removing existing implants and replacing them.
• Inverted nipple surgery.
• Breast asymmetry correction.
• Breast enhancement without implants.

Reasons people consider breast surgery

• Restoring or replacing volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss, ageing, or health-related issues such as breast cancer.
• Achieving a more symmetrical and proportionate appearance.
• Increasing breast size for proportion and shape.
• Lifting sagging breasts caused by volume loss, genetics, loss of skin elasticity or ageing.
• Reducing breast size where size or weight contributes to posture or other health problems.
• Removing or replacing existing breast implants.
• Correcting the results of previous breast surgery.

Outcomes vary depending on individual anatomy, skin quality and the procedure performed. Individual results may vary, and your expectations may not be fully met.

Implant options

Where implants are used, your surgeon will discuss the types available and the benefits and limitations of each in your circumstances.

• Saline or silicone. Saline implants allow final volume adjustment during surgery; silicone is generally described as having a more natural feel. If a saline implant ruptures it typically deflates noticeably, whereas a silicone rupture can be silent.
• Round or teardrop (anatomical). Round implants provide more fullness at the top of the breast. Teardrop implants give a more gradual slope.
• Placement. Implants are positioned either above or below the muscle, depending on your anatomy and the result being sought.

Every implant type carries potential risks and complications, which are covered in detail during the consultation process. Implants do not last a lifetime - replacement is commonly considered around the ten-year mark.

Implant revision and corrective surgery

Revision surgery may be considered to replace unsuitable or mismatched implants, to address capsular contracture, to revise a previous unsatisfactory result, or to correct asymmetry or irregular breast shape. Your surgeon will assess your circumstances and make a recommendation.

The consultation process

Arrive about 15 minutes early to complete paperwork for your medical record. Your general medical history is established - health, medications, allergies and previous operations - and a physical assessment is performed before the appropriate options are discussed.

To get the most from the appointment, send your registration form and any requested photos in early, prepare a list of questions, and consider bringing a support person, as a lot of information is covered.

Consultation fees are due at the time of booking.

Anaesthesia and where surgery is performed

All major surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in accredited private hospitals around Melbourne. Small skin procedures may be performed in clinic under local anaesthesia. Some procedures require an overnight stay for safety; where same-day discharge is possible your surgeon will discuss it at consultation.

Me Clinic surgeons have operating rights at Masada Private Hospital (St Kilda East), Epworth Geelong (Waurn Ponds), St Vincent's Werribee, Sir John Monash Private Hospital (Clayton), Peninsula Private Hospital (Langwarrin) and Linacre Private Hospital (Hampton). Hospital costs differ between facilities, which is one reason quoted prices vary between patients.

Your surgeon visits you in hospital after the operation and sees you again at the clinic about a week later.

Recovery - general guidance

Recovery varies by procedure, and your surgeon will give you instructions specific to your case. As general guidance across breast surgery:

• Going home. You cannot drive yourself. You need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
• Medication. Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed. Take pain relief as directed.
• Garments. A supportive surgical garment or bra is used after many breast procedures to aid comfort, reduce bruising and control swelling.
• Work. Most people return after two to three weeks, earlier or part-time if you can work from home. Medical certificates can be provided for work or to suspend a gym membership.
• Exercise. Gentle walking for the first week or two, increasing distance and pace over the following two to four weeks. Most people are back to their regular routine by six to eight weeks.
• Flying. Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks. Wait six to eight weeks before international or long-haul travel.
• Swimming. Wait six to eight weeks, so incisions are well healed.
• Follow-up. Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Wound care and signs of a problem

Clean hands before touching the wound area. Clean gently with mild saline or as directed, pat rather than scrub, keep the area dry, and change dressings as advised. Do not apply ointments or creams unless prescribed.

Contact your medical team immediately if you notice increased redness or warmth around the wound, persistent or worsening pain, discharge or pus, a foul smell, or fever and chills. Early detection of infection prevents complications.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications. These are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

General risks of cosmetic surgery include infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, nerve damage, anaesthesia complications, blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism), psychological impact, and unsatisfactory results requiring further surgery. Haematoma occurs in up to 6% of breast augmentation procedures. Most women experience some change in sensitivity after breast augmentation, and around 15% experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.

Breast implants are associated with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer of the immune system. This is a recognised risk and should be discussed with your surgeon, along with the specific implant proposed for you, before you decide to proceed.

Wherever an incision is made there will be a scar. A well-placed incision sutured in fine detail typically fades over time, though how a scar heals varies with the procedure and your genetic makeup.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. A valid referral is also needed if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on medically essential surgery.

For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

Costs

Prices vary with the type of surgery, its complexity, the hospital used and individual patient needs. You receive a tailored quote after your consultations, covering surgeon fees, anaesthesia, hospital costs and post-operative care such as garments and medications.

As a guide:

• Breast augmentation with implants - $14,000 to $18,000.
• Breast lift - $15,000 to $22,000.
• Breast augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) - $28,000 to $32,000.
• Breast reduction - $16,000 to $27,000.
• Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) - $9,000 to $12,000.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350 and a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150. A partial Medicare rebate may be available for some consultations if you have a valid GP referral and meet the criteria.

Payment for major surgery is due four weeks before the procedure. Cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit and major credit cards are accepted, with surcharges applying to cards. Medical clinics cannot provide finance directly, but independent medical finance companies are available.

Medicare and private health insurance

Purely cosmetic surgery is not covered by Medicare. Medically necessary breast surgery may qualify for a rebate where it meets the strict criteria attached to a Medicare Benefits Schedule item number. Relevant item numbers include:

• 45523 - breast reduction for symptomatic relief, which requires evidence of functional problems such as rashes, back pain or posture issues.
• 45558 - breast lift (mastopexy).
• 45553 and 45554 - breast implant removal and replacement after a complication.
• 45548 - breast implant removal.
• 31525 and 31526 - gynaecomastia, unilateral and bilateral.
• 104 and 105 - medical consultations and patient reviews.

Item numbers are updated periodically, so confirm the current numbers and criteria with your surgeon and on MBS Online. Without meeting the criteria, surgery is considered elective and no rebate applies.

If you are eligible for an item number and hold the right level of cover, your health insurer may subsidise part of the cost. Note that Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider, so a significant out-of-pocket payment remains.

Who performs the surgery

The title Specialist Plastic Surgeon applies only to a recognised specialist who has completed the training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) in plastic surgery. In Australia the title Surgeon is protected and may only be used by a fellow of the College. Only then can a plastic surgeon become a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

See the Me Clinic team, or our guidance on choosing the right cosmetic practitioner and the risks of overseas cosmetic surgery.

Clinic details

Me Clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm. There is free parking under the building and in nearby streets. The nearest station is Caulfield, about a five-minute walk, or take an outbound tram to the corner of Burke and Waverley Roads.