How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost in Melbourne, Australia?
Average prices for cosmetic and plastic surgery cost vary significantly. This is due to multiple factors, one of the main ones being that every patient has slightly different anatomical considerations and varying surgery needs.
We fully customise all our quotes and estimates for potential patients plastic surgery procedures through a confidential consultation.
There is no pressure from Dr Briggs to proceed with surgery. This is to simply start your journey and provide you with accurate information and cost for the procedure.
Plastic and Cosmetic surgery can be expensive. This is due to the multi-faceted cost structure that is normally involved.
It is usual in Cosmetic Surgery throughout the world for all fees including; implants, surgical, anaesthetic and hospital fees, to be paid in advance of your surgery.
Plastic Surgery Cost Breakdown
Essentially there are three or four cost aspects to Cosmetic Surgery pricing.
1. Surgical Fees
Firstly, there are the surgical fees. These are fixed and based on an estimate of the time it will take in theatre.
However, these fees will differ from surgeon to surgeon depending on their experience and skill.
Make sure you choose a specialist plastic surgeon and not just a doctor.
Dr Briggs and his staff will provide you with an estimation of fees at your consultation.
2. Anaesthetic Costs
Secondly, is the anesthetist fee. This is the person who administers your general anaesthetic and monitors your wellbeing during the procedure. You will also receive an estimation of these fees prior to your procedure.
Please note – Dr Briggs performs all surgeries under general anaesthetic.
3. Hospital Fees
Thirdly, is the hospital fees. All surgeons and anaesthetists are “independent contractors” who utilise the facilities of private hospitals.
Surgeons do not have any financial arrangements with private hospitals. As such they are not part of or have knowledge of the arrangements that private hospitals make with patients. In other words, Dr Briggs’ practice is unable to negotiate, discuss or agree on any financial arrangements in regards to hospital fees.
4. Extra Costs – Breast Implants or other Specialised Equipment
Lastly, there are the extra costs. This includes breast Implants. Most, if not all, Australian surgeons now use implants with a gel filling instead of saline (saltwater) implants.
Although gel implants are more costly, they have a very, low rate of;
- Wrinkling and rippling (seeing or feeling the prosthesis)
- Capsular contracture (hardening of the breasts).
Furthermore, there is a variation in cost between the teardrop anatomical and round implants.
Please note other equipment may also be necessary. For example, a Pain block or Fat Filtering device etc.
Your quote will break down these extra costs.
Paying for your Surgery
- Payment methods may include; bank transfer, credit card or cash.
- We require a deposit payment to secure surgery theatre dates.
- We also require the full payment at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery theatre date.
- Payment methods we accept, include; MasterCard, Visa, American Express (1.5% surcharge applies), third party financers and direct deposit.
Dr Patrick Briggs has no affiliation with nor does he endorse any particular financing company. It is important to note that we do not encourage patients to take on debt or access their superannuation to pay for cosmetic surgery. Additionally, we do not offer or recommend financing schemes to patients, such as loans or commercial payment plans.
Depending on your procedure your Private Health Insurer and Medicare may also contribute to the funding of your procedure (however, there will still be out of pocket costs).
Our staff can help explain this to you either over the phone, via an online enquiry or at your initial consultation.
FAQ’s
How do I claim Medicare rebates?
If you have had a procedure that attracts a Medicare item number we will issue you with a receipt for the procedure after your surgery. You will then be able to take that receipt to Medicare for assessment and if eligible process the rebate for you.
After Medicare has assessed and processed your claim, you can then take the Statement of Claim and Benefit Payment to your health fund. Generally, health funds will not pay a rebate on items that Medicare have not assigned a benefit on and if the primary purpose of the surgery was cosmetic they will refuse to pay any benefit.
Does Dr Patrick Briggs ‘Bulk Bill’ Or Offer ‘No Gap’ Surgeries?
Unfortunately, Dr Briggs is unable to offer a ‘Bulk Billing’ or ‘No Gap’ service. For a range of procedures, there may be a Medicare rebate available to claim once you have had your surgery.
When Will I Have To Pay My Surgical Fees?
Fees must be paid in full 2 weeks prior to the scheduled procedure. This can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, American Express (1.5% surcharge applies) and direct deposit.
The fees for the anaesthetic and hospital service will be collected by the third-party providers and do not need to be paid to Dr Briggs. The anesthetist will call you in the two weeks leading up to your surgery and your chosen hospital will take payment upon admission.
Regrettably, if these payments are not made by the due date, your operation will be cancelled.
How Do I Get Started On My Surgical Journey?
If you have any further questions about plastic surgery costs including fees, surgery or booking an appointment to see Dr Patrick Briggs to discuss your options please feel free to contact us at any time. You can either contact us on 1300 599 990 or send an email through our website contact form.
Dr Patrick Briggs Melbourne
MED0001537010
Dr Patrick Briggs FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is a Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.
Both he and his team are dedicated to patient care and are committed to treating each and every patient with respect and privacy.
Furthermore, he is experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.
How can we help?
Dr Briggs’ Patient Coordinators take pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the Hawthorn East clinic in Melbourne between 8 am – 6 pm on Weekdays.
Phone 1300 599 990, Email us or Book a free 15-minute Call with Dr Patrick Briggs’s team.
What Next?
Want more information about your Procedure?
- For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment options.
- Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on 1300 599 990.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- If you like, please bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
- Take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents your surgeon provides.
- You may need to undress so it’s a good idea to wear simple clothes.
How to Book a Consultation
- Dr Briggs’ Consultation fee is $300.
- A referral from your GP or your specialist is essential (as of the 1st July 2023).
- Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational proposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The author and publisher of this article make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, or completeness of the content of this article. The information contained in this article is strictly at your own risk.
