Patients researching breast augmentation in Perth often consider several factors before consultation, including specialist registration, experience with breast surgery, surgical setting, aftercare arrangements, and the information provided during consultation.
This article outlines the factors patients commonly consider when selecting a breast augmentation surgeon, the questions worth asking at consultation, and the practical steps that support an informed decision.
| This article has been written by Dr Mark Hanikeri, FRACS (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), based on clinical experience consulting and operating on breast augmentation patients in Perth for over two decades. It is intended as general educational information and does not constitute medical advice. Individual circumstances vary. |
Verify Specialist Registration First
The starting point for any surgeon selection is verifying registration on the AHPRA register at www.ahpra.gov.au. The register confirms whether a practitioner holds specialist registration in Plastic Surgery, the cosmetic surgery endorsement, or general registration only.
For breast augmentation specifically, patients are encouraged to look for:
- Specialist registration in Plastic Surgery, indicated by FRACS in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Current registration status with no conditions or undertakings affecting the procedure
- No reprimands or significant disciplinary findings on the public record
Registration verification takes only a few minutes and is a useful first step when reviewing a practitioner’s credentials.
Experience with Breast Augmentation Specifically
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a broad specialty covering breast, body, face, hand, and reconstructive procedures. Surgeons within the specialty often develop particular clinical interests, and breast augmentation experience varies between practitioners.
Patients may wish to ask:
- How frequently do you perform breast augmentation?
- What proportion of your practice involves breast surgery?
- Do you perform both primary and revision breast augmentation?
- What implant brands and types do you commonly work with?
- How do you approach implant sizing and selection?
There is no single threshold that defines adequate experience. The aim of these questions is to understand the surgeon’s familiarity with breast augmentation specifically, rather than to apply a numerical test.
Hospital Admitting Privileges and Surgical Setting
Where breast augmentation is performed affects the standards of clinical governance, anaesthetic safety, and post-operative care. Specialist plastic surgeons in Perth typically hold admitting privileges at accredited private hospitals.
Patients may ask:
- Where will my surgery be performed?
- Is the facility accredited under the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards?
- Will I stay overnight or be discharged the same day?
- Who provides anaesthesia and are they a specialist anaesthetist?
- What is the protocol if an unexpected complication arises during surgery?
Accredited hospitals operate under strict clinical governance requirements including infection control, equipment standards, emergency response capability, and post-operative care. This is particularly important for breast augmentation, which involves implants, general anaesthesia, and a recovery period that benefits from monitored post-operative care.
The Consultation Process
The consultation process can help patients understand how the procedure may be planned, what factors are assessed, and what risks or limitations need to be considered. A breast augmentation consultation should not be rushed and should not pressure the patient to make an immediate decision.
A consultation generally includes:
- Detailed discussion of the patient’s goals and motivations
- Physical assessment of chest wall anatomy, breast tissue, skin quality, and nipple position
- Measurement of breast base width and other dimensions relevant to implant planning
- Discussion of implant options – profile, dimensions, surface, and placement
- Discussion of surgical approach and incision placement
- Review of medical history, medications, and any prior surgeries
- Discussion of recovery expectations, risks, and long-term considerations
- Time for the patient to ask questions
The purpose of consultation is to provide information about the proposed procedure, implant options, recovery considerations, and risks, while allowing time for questions before any decision is made.
Realistic Expectations and Honest Discussion
Discussion during consultation generally includes the limitations as well as the considerations associated with breast augmentation surgery. Outcomes vary between individuals and are influenced by factors including chest wall anatomy, tissue characteristics, skin quality, implant selection, and healing response.
Consultation may also involve discussion of breast asymmetry, implant sizing limitations, long-term implant considerations, and the possibility of revision surgery in the future. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and ensure they understand both the surgical plan and the factors that may influence recovery and long-term outcomes.
Aftercare and Follow-Up Protocol
Post-operative care is as important as the surgery itself. The aftercare protocol should be clear before surgery is booked.
Patients may wish to understand:
- How follow-up appointments are scheduled
- Who will provide post-operative care
- What is included in the surgical fee versus what is charged separately
- How concerns or complications are managed outside business hours
- What is the protocol if an unexpected issue arises after surgery
Continuity of care matters. The surgeon who performs the operation should be the surgeon who provides post-operative review and is available to manage complications.
Cost Transparency
Breast augmentation involves multiple cost components including the surgical fee, hospital fee, anaesthetist fee, implants and post-operative garments. Patients should receive a clear written quote that itemises each component.
Patients may ask:
- What is included in the total cost and what is charged separately?
- What is the cost if revision surgery is required in the future?
- Is private health insurance applicable to any part of the procedure?
- What is the policy if the implant manufacturer’s warranty applies?
Transparent costing supports an informed decision and avoids unexpected charges later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many breast augmentations should a surgeon perform per year?
There is no universally agreed minimum. Experience matters, but the appropriate measure is the surgeon’s familiarity with the procedure rather than a specific annual count. Patients are encouraged to ask the surgeon directly about their clinical experience with breast augmentation and the proportion of their practice that involves breast surgery.
Should I get more than one consultation?
Many patients attend more than one consultation before deciding on surgery. This is reasonable and may help with the decision. Each consultation should provide an opportunity to discuss anatomy, implant options, recovery, risks, and long-term considerations. There should be no pressure to book on the day of consultation.
What questions should I ask at a breast augmentation consultation?
Useful questions include those about the surgeon’s specialty registration, surgical experience, hospital admitting privileges, implant options discussed, surgical approach, recovery expectations, risks specific to the procedure, follow-up care, and cost breakdown. Patients are also encouraged to ask about the protocol if complications arise.
What is the difference between a primary breast augmentation and a revision?
A primary breast augmentation is a first-time procedure. A revision involves changing or removing previously placed implants and may be performed for a range of reasons including implant ageing, change in patient goals, capsular contracture, or implant-related concerns. Revision surgery is generally more complex than primary augmentation and may require different planning.
Next Steps for Perth Patients
Patients researching breast augmentation may consider more than procedure photos and price when reviewing their options. Specialist registration, hospital admitting privileges, consultation depth, honest communication, and clear aftercare protocols all contribute to an informed decision.
A consultation with Dr Mark Hanikeri includes detailed assessment of anatomy, implant planning, recovery considerations, and long-term factors before any recommendation is made. Dr Hanikeri holds FRACS in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and consults at accredited facilities in Perth.
Further Reading on Plastic Surgery in Perth
- About Dr Mark Hanikeri – markhanikeri.com/about-us/
- Breast Surgery Procedures – markhanikeri.com/breast/
- Facial Surgery Procedures – markhanikeri.com/face/
- Body Surgery Procedures – markhanikeri.com/body/
- Surgery Risks and Complications – markhanikeri.com/surgery-risks-and-complications/
| Written by Dr Mark Hanikeri – Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Perth WA. Dr Hanikeri holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has practised in Perth for over two decades. Consultations are conducted at accredited facilities in Subiaco and Murdoch. |
