The total cost of a breast lift (mastopexy) in Brisbane is made up of the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, hospital and theatre fees, and post-operative garments and follow-up care. It varies with the technique, the length of the operation, whether implants or other procedures are added and whether you stay overnight. A cosmetic breast lift is not covered by Medicare, and you will receive a written quote with the total cost after your consultation.
Because every breast lift is planned around the individual, there is no single fixed price. This guide explains what is included in the cost, what affects it, and what your quote should show.
What is included in the cost of a breast lift?
| Cost component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | Consultations and planning, the operation, and post-operative reviews with the surgeon |
| Anaesthetist’s fee | The general anaesthetic given by a specialist anaesthetist, based on the length of the operation |
| Surgical assistant’s fee | If an assistant is used during the operation |
| Hospital and theatre fees | The operating theatre, nursing care, recovery room, equipment and any overnight stay |
| Implants (if used) | The cost of the implants, if a lift is combined with augmentation |
| Garments and aftercare | Post-operative bra or garments, dressings, scar tapes and nurse follow-up |
Ask your surgeon which items are included in your quote and which, if any, are billed separately.
What affects the cost of a breast lift?
- The technique: a lift with incisions around the areola only is usually shorter than a vertical or anchor lift for more significant sagging. See breast lift techniques.
- Operating time: longer operations increase surgeon, anaesthetist and theatre costs.
- Combined procedures: adding implants, a reduction, fat transfer or abdominal surgery increases the total cost.
- Staging: some people are advised to have a lift and implants in two separate operations, which means two sets of fees.
- Hospital stay: day surgery costs less than an overnight stay.
- Medicare eligibility: if the surgery meets a Medicare item, rebates may reduce part of the cost.
Does Medicare or private health insurance cover a breast lift?
A breast lift done for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare, and private health insurance does not usually contribute. Medicare rebates are only available when the surgery is medically necessary and meets a specific Medicare Benefits Schedule item. For a lift of both breasts (item 45558), at least two-thirds of the breast tissue, including the nipple, must sit below the breast fold, documented with photographs. If an item applies, your private health insurance may help with hospital costs and part of the medical fees, depending on your policy.
There is no separate application to Medicare: your surgeon assesses you against the criteria, and the item number appears on your quote if it applies. Read more in will Medicare cover my breast lift?
What should my breast lift quote include?
Under the Medical Board of Australia’s guidelines for cosmetic surgery, you should receive written information about the costs before you agree to surgery. Your quote should show:
- the total cost of the procedure
- the surgeon’s, anaesthetist’s and any assistant’s fees
- hospital or facility fees
- the cost of implants or other devices, if used
- deposits, when payments are due and the refund terms
- the costs of follow-up care and of any revision surgery
For cosmetic surgery there is also a cooling-off period of at least seven days after giving consent before you can book the operation or pay a deposit.
Are there other costs to plan for?
- time off work (often 1 to 2 weeks for desk jobs, and longer for physical work)
- help at home with children or housework for the first few weeks
- new bras once your breasts have settled
- pain relief and other medicines
- scar care products recommended after healing
Should cost be the main factor when choosing a surgeon?
Cost matters, but it should not be the only factor. A breast lift is a significant operation. Check that your surgeon is a specialist plastic surgeon (FRACS (Plast)) registered with AHPRA, that the operation will be performed in an accredited hospital, and that you understand what follow-up care is included. A clear, itemised quote helps you compare options fairly.
Key points
- The cost of a breast lift includes surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees, plus garments and aftercare.
- Technique, operating time, combined procedures and staging all affect the total.
- A cosmetic breast lift is not covered by Medicare; item 45558 may apply when strict criteria are met.
- You should receive a written quote showing the total cost before you agree to surgery.
- Choose your surgeon on qualifications, hospital accreditation and follow-up care, not price alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a breast lift cost in Brisbane?
There is no single price. The total depends on the technique, operating time, whether implants or other procedures are added and the hospital stay. You will receive a written quote with the total cost after your consultation.
Does a breast lift cost more with implants?
Yes. Adding implants increases operating time and adds the cost of the implants. If the lift and implants are done in two stages, there are two sets of fees.
Is a breast lift covered by Medicare?
Not when it is done for cosmetic reasons. A rebate may be available if the surgery is medically necessary and meets an MBS item, such as item 45558 for significant sagging of both breasts.
What is included in a breast lift quote?
A quote should show the total cost, the surgeon’s, anaesthetist’s and any assistant’s fees, hospital fees, implant costs if used, deposits and refund terms, and the costs of follow-up and any revision surgery.
Do I need a referral for a breast lift?
Yes. A referral, usually from your GP, is required before cosmetic surgery in Australia, and it is also needed to claim Medicare rebates for specialist consultations.
This article is general information only and does not replace a consultation. When you are ready, contact the clinic to arrange a consultation with Dr Richardson and receive a written quote. A referral from your GP is required.
Further reading
- Breast lift (mastopexy) in Brisbane
- Will Medicare cover my breast lift?
- Breast lift with implants
- Breast lift recovery: what to expect
Sources and references
- Medical Board of Australia: Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures
- Australian Government, privatehealth.gov.au: MBS item 45558
- Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast lift
- Healthdirect Australia: Breast uplift
