Breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime, and in some situations a person may consider removal or replacement. These procedures should be discussed with a qualified surgeon who can assess your circumstances and provide advice tailored to your needs.
Understanding Implant Removal and Replacement
Breast implant removal involves taking out the existing implants, while replacement refers to inserting new implants, either during the same procedure or at a later time. These procedures may be explored when individuals experience concerns such as implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture. In some situations, if the complications meet specific clinical criteria, partial Medicare support may be available. Individuals in Perth are encouraged to consult with a qualified practitioner to assess eligibility and discuss appropriate options.
While removal may be eligible for Medicare rebates if the clinical criteria are met, replacement is generally considered cosmetic and not covered, except in cases where implants were originally placed for the treatment of cancer or congenital deformity.
Medicare and Cost Considerations
When Medicare May Provide a Rebate
Medicare breast implant removal is possible when the surgery is considered medically necessary and the procedure is allocated a Medicare item number. This may apply if there is a confirmed rupture, leakage, significant capsular contracture, or other complications verified by medical assessment.
At Mark Hanikeri’s practice, if your procedure qualifies for a Medicare item number, you may be entitled to a rebate for consultations:
- Initial consultation: $86.15 rebate
- Subsequent consultation: $43.35 rebate
The presence of a Medicare item number may also allow eligible private health insurance policies to contribute towards hospital or facility costs.
Surgery Fees
Procedures at Mark Hanikeri’s practice involve three separate fees:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist’s fee
- Hospital or facility fee (if you do not have private health cover)
A personalised surgical fee estimate will be provided during your initial consultation. This will include a breakdown of costs, such as those related to implant removal, where applicable. Individuals in Perth can discuss location-specific considerations with their practitioner.
If implants are replaced, patients will need to cover the cost of the new implants and the associated surgical fees, as these are not rebated unless the original implants were placed for cancer or congenital deformity treatment.
Payment Options
Mark Hanikeri’s practice offers an interest-free payment plan for surgery:
- A $500 deposit is required to secure your surgery date.
- The remaining balance may be paid weekly or monthly, with full payment required two weeks before surgery.
- Payments can be made via Visa, Mastercard, or personal loan from an independent lender or bank.
The practice is not a credit provider, has no affiliation with finance companies, and does not receive commissions from lenders.
Superannuation Access
In certain cases, superannuation funds may be accessed on compassionate grounds, generally where a procedure is medically necessary and meets the fund’s eligibility requirements.
When Costs Are Unlikely to Be Covered
Medicare and private health funds generally do not provide rebates for procedures performed solely for aesthetic purposes, such as replacing implants for personal preference, changing size, or upgrading existing implants. Replacement surgery is considered cosmetic unless the original implants were inserted for cancer or congenital deformity treatment.
Final Thoughts
Whether Medicare provides cover will depend on your individual circumstances. In most cases, rebates only apply to implant removal where there is a confirmed medical complication. Implant replacement is usually considered cosmetic, unless the implants were originally placed for cancer or congenital deformity treatment.
