Procedure guide · 63 listed FRACS surgeons
Breast augmentation in Australia: cost, recovery and surgeon checklist
Breast augmentation enlarges or reshapes the breasts using silicone or saline implants, fat transfer, or a combination. It is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure in Australia, with around 8,000 to 12,000 cases performed each year per ASPS data. Following the 2018 textured-implant recall (linked to BIA-ALCL lymphoma) the Australian market is now almost entirely smooth implants.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Breast augmentation enlarges or reshapes the breasts using silicone or saline implants, fat transfer, or a combination.
- ✓Typical Australian cost: $11,000 to $20,000 all-inclusive (Medicare not rebated).
- ✓63 FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in our directory list breast augmentation among their specialisations.
- ✓Source: ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, Medicare Benefits Schedule. Last updated 17 May 2026.
What it is
What breast augmentation actually involves
Modern Australian breast augmentation uses smooth round or smooth anatomical (teardrop) implants, placed either subglandular (under the breast tissue), submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle) or dual-plane (subglandular at the bottom, submuscular at the top). Each placement has trade-offs for animation deformity, palpability, and the appearance of natural breast slope. Your surgeon should walk you through which makes sense for your tissue thickness and chest wall anatomy.
Incision choices: inframammary (under the breast fold - most common, best access, scar usually well-hidden), periareolar (around the nipple - higher risk of altered sensation), or transaxillary (through the armpit - implants only). All are valid. Inframammary is the workhorse approach in Australia because it gives the best visualisation for accurate pocket placement.
Implant longevity: the TGA does not consider implants lifetime devices. Manufacturer warranty is typically 10 years, but most implants outlast that. Realistic expectation: you may need an implant exchange or removal at some point in your life. Allow $5,000 to $12,000 for future revision in your long-term financial planning.
BIA-ALCL is a rare T-cell lymphoma associated with textured implants (now largely off the Australian market). All implants are recorded in the Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) - this is mandatory and you can request your registry record from your surgeon at any time.
Who is a candidate
- Skeletal maturity reached (typically 18+ for primary augmentation)
- Stable weight for 6 months and not actively trying to conceive in the next 12 months
- BMI within healthy range and no active smoking (4 weeks cessation pre-op minimum)
- Realistic expectations - breast augmentation does not lift sagging tissue (that requires a separate mastopexy)
- Understanding that implants are not lifetime devices and may need revision
- Two-week minimum cooling-off period observed (mandatory under 2023 Medical Board reforms)
Typical recovery timeline
Day 0-3
General anaesthetic, day stay or overnight. Surgical bra worn 24/7. Sleep on back, head elevated. Significant chest discomfort + tightness; prescription pain relief for 3-5 days.
Week 1
Most return to desk work at 5-7 days. No lifting more than 2kg. Surgical bra continued 24/7.
Week 2-4
Light walking encouraged. No upper body exercise, no lifting children. Implants still settling - position may look high.
Month 1-3
Surgical bra transitioned to soft sports bra. Light cardio resumed at 4 weeks; upper body strength training at 6-8 weeks. Implants softening + dropping into final position ("drop + fluff" phase).
Month 3-6
Final position settled. Sensation around nipple often takes 3-6 months to fully return. Some women report partial loss of sensation lasting longer.
See the full day-by-day timeline: Breast augmentation recovery timeline
Cost in Australia 2026
All-inclusive: $11,000 to $20,000. Surgeon $5,500-$8,500 + anaesthetist $1,500-$2,200 + hospital $2,500-$4,500 + implants $1,200-$3,500. Cosmetic augmentation never Medicare-rebated. Post-mastectomy reconstruction is rebated under MBS items 45528 / 45530.
Questions to ask at consultation
- What implant brand will you use and what is the warranty? (Mentor, Allergan-Natrelle, Motiva are common AU brands)
- Smooth or textured? (Smooth strongly preferred in 2026 due to BIA-ALCL link with textured)
- What placement do you recommend for my tissue thickness, and why?
- Have all my implants been registered in the ABDR? Can I request a copy of my registry record?
- What is your capsular contracture rate and how do you manage it?
- Is the hospital National Safety and Quality Health Service accredited?
See our complete guide: 10 questions to ask any plastic surgeon
Red flags to walk away from
- ✗ Promotion of textured implants without clear discussion of BIA-ALCL risk
- ✗ No Australian Breast Device Registry mention
- ✗ Will not name the implant brand or model in writing
- ✗ Pushes oversized implants beyond what tissue can support
- ✗ Combines augmentation with anything else (mastopexy, abdominoplasty) without discussing combined-risk increase
- ✗ Office-based theatre rather than accredited hospital
Regulatory note
AHPRA s133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law restricts cosmetic procedure advertising. We do not display before-and-after images or testimonials on this site. Verify any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au and cross-check ASPS membership at plasticsurgery.org.au before booking any procedure.
Directory · FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeons
63 listed surgeons who include breast augmentation in their specialisations
Cross-referenced against AHPRA Specialist Register and ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory. We list FRACS-qualified specialists only.
Melbourne · Hawthorn East
FRACSDr Patrick Briggs
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery
Trained in plastic surgery in the USA and Ireland. Passed the UK / Ireland Intercollegiate Board Examination in Plastic Surgery in 1991.
Sydney · Miranda
FRACSProf Anand Deva
Macquarie Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Director of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery at the Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University. Internationally cited for breast implant biofilm r…
Sydney · Pyrmont
FRACSA/Prof Tim Papadopoulos
Sydney Plastic Surgery (Dr Tim)
Head of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Westmead Private. Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Notre Dame Sydney.
Sydney · Double Bay
FRACSDr Kourosh Tavakoli
Dr Tavakoli Plastic Surgery
Master of Surgery in Plastic Surgery from UNSW. Reported to have performed over 10,000 breast procedures.
Sydney · Bella Vista
FRACSDr Eddy Dona
Bella Plastic Surgery
Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2007. Bella Plastic Surgery opened Bella Vista 2009.
Melbourne · Berwick
FRACSDr Rebecca Wyten
Dr Rebecca Wyten Plastic Surgery
Female specialist plastic surgeon focused on post-pregnancy and post-weight-loss body restoration. Mentors female plastic surgery trainees.
Sydney · Woollahra
FRACSDr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Jeremy Hunt Plastic Surgery
Spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children's Hospital. Fellowship trained at Univers…
Sydney · Sydney CBD
FRACSDr Pouria Moradi
Dr Pouria Moradi Plastic Surgery
Microsurgical reconstruction fellowship at Charing Cross / Imperial College London. Aesthetic fellowship under Dr Per Heden at Akademikliniken, Stockholm.
Sydney · Mosman
FRACSDr Nicholas Lotz
Dr Nicholas Lotz Plastic Surgery
Australian-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising on Sydney's Lower North Shore.
Melbourne · East Melbourne
FRACSProf Mark Ashton
Ashton Plastic Surgery
Past President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (2017-19). Clinical Professor at the University of Melbourne. Chair of Plastic Surgery at Epworth F…
Melbourne · Brighton
FRACSA/Prof Ramin Shayan
Brighton Plastic Surgery
Director of the O'Brien Institute at St Vincent's. PhD in lymphatic biology. Published in Nature, Cancer Cell and Nature Reviews.
Sydney · Gordon
FRACSDr Shagun Aggarwal
Mode Plastic Surgery
Mode Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery practice based in Sydney’s north shore and inner west, founded by Dr Shagun …
Sydney · Frenchs Forest
FRACSDr Chris Ahn
Northern Beaches Hospital Specialist Suites
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in Frenchs Forest, Sydney.
Sydney · Westmead
FRACSDr Harith Alani
Dr Harith Alani
Dr Harith Alani is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in the field of Plastic Surgery.
Brisbane · South Brisbane
FRACSMr James Allan
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Dr James Allan is a respected Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with Australia’s highest level of surgical training, Fellowship of the Royal Austral…
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Dirck Martin Ananos Flores
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dirck completed his medical training at the Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, South America in 2002, graduating with degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bach…
Melbourne · Bulleen
FRACSDr Namrata Anavekar
Dr Namrata Anavekar Plastic Surgery
Ms Namrata Anavekar is a qualified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Melbourne · East Melbourne
FRACSProfessor Mark Ashton
The Epworth Freemasons Hospital
Specialty Elected Councillor
Sydney · St Leonards
FRACSDr Richard Atkinson
North Shore Private Hospital
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in St Leonards, Sydney.
Newcastle · Newcastle
FRACSMr Gary Avery
Avery Reconstructive & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Dr Gary Avery is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who completed his medical, surgical, and specialty training in Australasia, working in various …
Perth · Murdoch
FRACSDr Sandeep B.
Plastic Surgery Department
Dr Sandeep is a fully accredited specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Perth.
Melbourne · Essendon Fields
FRACSMr Mark Baldwin
Horizon Plastic Surgery
Dr Mark Baldwin graduated at the top of his clinical school on 1992.
Sydney · Macquarie Park
FRACSMr Anthony Barker
MQ Health PRS
Dr Anthony Barker is an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon with expertise in: Breast Reconstruction and Enhancement Body Contouring Facial Aesthetics, and H…
Brisbane · Greenslopes
FRACSDr Paul Belt
Nicholson Street Specialist Centre
Dr Paul Belt completed his undergraduate medical studies in Oxford University.
Brisbane · South Brisbane
FRACSDr Theo Birch
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Dr Birch is a fully qualified plastic surgeon and a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Melbourne · Malvern
FRACSMr William Blake
Cabrini Medical Centre
I am a locally trained and educated plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSMr Lewis Blennerhassett
Subiaco Plastic Surgery
Dr Lewis Blennerhassett has been a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2000.
Sydney · Sydney
FRACSDr Catherine Boorer
Dr Catherine Boorer Plastic Surgery
Dr Catherine Boorer is a specialist plastic surgeon based in Macquarie St, Sydney.
Melbourne · Brighton
FRACSMr Alan Breidahl
Melbourne Plastic Surgery
Patient safety and satisfaction are Dr Breidahl’s highest priorities and he is dedicated to communicating clearly and openly to discuss your needs and expectati…
Brisbane · Newstead
FRACSDr Andrew Broadhurst
Enhance Plastic Surgery
“I pride myself on the individual care and support I provide each of my patients.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Adrian Brooks
Dr Adrian Brooks Plastic Surgery
Special interest in body contouring, weight loss and breast surgery, including explant, as well as all aspects of melanoma and complex tumor surgery..
Hobart · East Launceston
FRACSDr Daniel Bunker
Dr Daniel Bunker Plastic Surgery
Daniel is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with the Royal Australian College of Surgeons.
Melbourne · Kew
FRACSDr Jonathan Burge
Niche Plastic Surgery
Jonathan Burge completed his plastic surgical training in New Zealand then undertook a further two years of subspecialty training in craniomaxillofacial surgery…
Melbourne · Melbourne
FRACSDr Miguel Cabalag
Dr Miguel Cabalag Plastic Surgery
Mr Miguel Cabalag is an Australian trained Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic surgeon with international fellowship experience.
Adelaide · Adelaide
FRACSDr Alex Cameron
Waverley House
Dr Cameron grew up on the Yorke Peninsula before completing his schooling in Adelaide.
Sydney · Potts Point
FRACSDr David Caminer
The Larmont Building
Dr David Caminer is committed to excellence.
Brisbane · Brisbane
FRACSDr David Campbell
Dr David Campbell Plastic Surgery
Dr David Campbell is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a special interest in breast surgery, rhinoplasty surgery, laser surgery and skin cancer surgery.
Adelaide · Glenelg
FRACSDr Yugesh Caplash
Advanced Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Dr Caplash is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Melbourne · Warrnambool
FRACSDr Robert Capstick
Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Rob Capstick is a specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, joining the Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in March 2022.
Adelaide · Henley Beach
FRACSDr Bernard Carney OAM
Western Specialist Centre
Bernard is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with broad interests in both plastic surgery and life.
Sydney · Mosman
FRACSDr Alice Chang
Dr Alice Chang Plastic Surgery
Dr Ling-Yun Alice Chang has multiple appointments in both public and private adult hospitals, catering for both adult and paediatric patients.
Brisbane · Auchenflower
FRACSDr Ajay Chauhan
Alexandra
I am a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, trained and experienced in all aspects of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.
Brisbane · Auchenflower
FRACSDr Eddie Cheng
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Dr Eddie Cheng is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with registration in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through the Medical Board of Australi…
Brisbane · Fortitude Valley
FRACSDr Matthew Cheng
Valley Plastic Surgery
Dr Matthew Cheng is an Australian trained specialist Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon based in Brisbane, Queensland.
Gold Coast · Southport
FRACSDr Paul Cheng
The Layt Clinic
Dr Paul Cheng is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, now practicing on the Gold Coast, QLD and in Ballina, NSW.
Sydney · Northbridge
FRACSDr Ellis Choy
Zilver Lining Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Dr Ellis Choy is a renowned Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Perth · West Leederville
FRACSMr David Colbert
David Colbert Plastic Surgery
My aim is to provide safe, compassionate, and comprehensive treatment to each patient I meet.
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSMr Tony Connell
Mr Tony Connell Plastic Surgery
Dr Connell is a Perth based Specialist Plastic Surgeon..
Perth · Subiaco
FRACSDr Brigid Corrigan
Western Australian Plastic Surgery Centre
Dr Corrigan is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon trained in Western Australia with additional post fellowship training in Oxford, UK and Melbourne, Australia.
Gold Coast · Southport
FRACSDr Drew Cronin
The Coastal Clinic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Dr Drew Cronin is a Queensland trained and fully certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Perth · West Perth
FRACSDr Mark Duncan-Smith
CosMedicWest
Private practice is primarily cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
Sunshine Coast · Maroochydore
FRACSDr Grant Fraser-Kirk
Fraser-Kirk Plastic Surgery
Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, and is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with an interest in skin and…
Gold Coast · Benowa
FRACSDr Dilipkumar Gahankari
Pindara Specialist Suites
Dr Dilip Gahankari (FRACS) is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon with over 31 years’ experience in Plastic Surgery.
Gold Coast · Benowa
FRACSDr Isolde Hertess
Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery
As a female I can relate to female concerns and expectations.
Sunshine Coast · Birtinya
FRACSDr Chandan Jadhav
Plastic Surgery Office
Dr Jadhav is a specialist plastic surgeon located on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland..
Wollongong · Wollongong
FRACSDr Robert Knight
ISPA Clinic
"I have always believed that if you love what you do for a living, you need not work a day in your life.
Sunshine Coast · Noosaville
FRACSDr Ryan Livingston
Dr Ryan Livingston Plastic Surgery
Dr Livingston is a Queensland trained, Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Darwin · Parap
FRACSMr Ravi Mahajani
Northern Plastic Surgery
As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Mahajani is committed to patient care.
Geelong · Geelong
FRACSMr Anthony McDonald
Mr Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgery
Mr Anthony McDonald is an experienced and fully qualified Geelong plastic surgeon who specialises in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, hand surgery and …
Newcastle · Charlestown
FRACSDr Yezdi Mistry
Dr Mistry Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in Charlestown, Newcastle.
Common questions
Breast augmentation - common questions
How long do implants last?
The TGA does not consider implants lifetime devices. Most modern silicone implants last 15-25 years before any clinical need for revision arises. Expect to budget $5,000 to $12,000 for a future exchange or removal at some point in your life. The Australian Breast Device Registry records every implant insertion, removal and revision - request your record from your surgeon if needed.
What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma - a rare T-cell lymphoma linked exclusively to textured implants (not smooth). Most textured implants are off the Australian market following the 2018 recall. BIA-ALCL typically presents 7-10 years after implantation as fluid collection (seroma) around an implant. Treatment is usually surgical removal of the implant + capsule. Cumulative risk has been estimated at 1 in 2,200 to 1 in 30,000 for textured implants; effectively zero for smooth. Discuss explicitly with your surgeon.
Can I breastfeed after augmentation?
Yes, in most cases. Inframammary and transaxillary approaches do not cross the milk ducts. Periareolar incisions occasionally affect ducts and breastfeeding capacity. Tissue volume + glandular development matter more than implant placement for breastfeeding capacity. Discuss explicitly if you plan future pregnancies.
Will Medicare cover any of this?
Purely cosmetic augmentation receives no Medicare rebate. Post-mastectomy or congenital deformity reconstruction is rebated under MBS items 45528 / 45530. Severe asymmetry (where one breast is dramatically smaller than the other due to congenital reasons) sometimes attracts partial Medicare coverage with documentation. Discuss with your surgeon and your health fund before booking.
How do I choose implant size?
Size in cc (cubic centimetres) is the technical measure - typical Australian range is 250cc to 450cc. Your surgeon should use sizer implants in a surgical bra to let you try volumes physically, plus 3D imaging where available. Choose based on what looks proportionate to your frame, not based on a target bra cup size (which varies wildly by brand). Going significantly oversized stretches tissue and increases revision risk.