Surgery Fees & Preparation
Discover Information Regarding Costs, Payment Options, Medicare and Private Health Insurance
Our team understands that patients would like to understand the costs associated with having cosmetic surgery. Patients find they would rather know the costs, rather than spending time having a consultation and deciding not to go ahead with the surgery. We have prepared useful information in relation to preparing for your surgery.
Please find the relevant information below.
Costs, Medicare & Private Health Insurance
How much does a consultation with Dr Hanikeri cost?
The fee for your initial consultation will range from $300 to $350, depending on the complexity of the appointment. This payment is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment. Any additional consultations needed to clarify the procedure plan will cost $150 each.
We believe in providing exceptional support throughout your recovery journey. That is why post-operative check-ups, dressing changes, and suture removal are all included in the procedure cost and do not incur additional fees.
Can I claim a rebate from Medicare?
If your proposed surgery is eligible for a Medicare item number, you will receive a rebate of $84.15 from Medicare for your initial consultation.
A subsequent consultation is $120.00 with a rebate of $42.30 if you meet the above criteria.
What are the costs associated with my surgery?
There are three main fees associated with your surgery. The fee from Dr Hanikeri, the Anaesthetist, as well as the hospital (if you do not have private health insurance or an appropriate level of cover for your procedure).
These fees are provided to you at the time of your first consultation in the form of a ‘Surgical Fee Estimate’ for your information.
Do you offer payment plans for Surgery?
Patients have the option to participate in our pre-procedure payment plan prior to the procedure date.
After your second consultation with Mr Hanikeri, and a 7 day cooling off period (if you are considering cosmetic surgery), the next step is choosing a surgery date. Once a deposit is received to secure a date ($500.00), patients are then welcome to schedule regular payments up until two weeks before their proposed surgery date, when the final balance is due. These payments can be made weekly or monthly to suit our patient’s circumstances.
The above payment plan is interest-free. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You can also approach third party loan providers or contact your bank for a personal loan. We are not affiliated with or do not endorse any particular financing company. As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, we are not permitted to broker a third-party payment plan, as the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and AHPRA do not permit this.
Can I access my superannuation to pay for surgery?
We do receive enquiries about accessing Superannuation funds for a surgical procedure.
Superannuation can only be released on compassionate grounds. In most circumstances, this is only successful for patients who are considering breast reduction, body contouring, or abdominoplasty procedures for medical reasons who meet the criteria for early release. This generally includes chronic or acute pain where patients can demonstrate ongoing medical issues.
What is our cancellation policy?
Should you need to reschedule a consultation appointment, we require at least 2 full working days’ notice to enable us to offer the appointment to our waitlisted patients. If you cancel an appointment, or simply do not attend on the day, then the booking fee will be forfeited.
Our cancellation of surgery policy is outlined in the contents of our TouchMD patient portal.
Funding Options at a Glance
Patients in Perth generally cover surgery costs in one of the following ways:
- Out-of-pocket payment
- Medicare rebate (only if the procedure is medically necessary and a valid item number applies)
- Private health insurance (if your policy covers the procedure and an item number applies)
- Interest-free instalments leading up to surgery (must be finalised two weeks before the procedure)
- Early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds (if criteria are met)
Medicare and Private Health Eligibility
For patients considering plastic surgery in Perth, Medicare rebates only apply to procedures that meet strict medical necessity criteria and have a valid MBS item number. Cosmetic-only procedures are not eligible.
From 1 July 2023, patients attending cosmetic surgery consultations must present a referral from a GP or medical specialist. This ensures appropriate assessment and suitability.
In some cases, Medicare and private health cover may reduce out-of-pocket expenses — for example, abdominoplasty with repair of rectus diastasis after pregnancy, where MBS criteria are met. Eligibility is assessed and confirmed during your consultation.
Private Health Insurance Pre-Check
If you hold private hospital cover in Perth, we recommend contacting your health fund before booking surgery to confirm:
- Whether your policy covers the relevant MBS item number
- Any waiting periods, exclusions, or restrictions
- The excess payable under your policy
- Whether your nominated hospital is recognised by your fund
This ensures you understand how much of your fees may be covered and what out-of-pocket expenses to expect.
Payment Instalments and Finance
Our Perth practice allows interest-free instalments leading up to surgery, provided the balance is finalised at least two weeks prior to your procedure.
Please note that we do not arrange finance or recommend providers. Patients who wish to explore medical finance options may do so independently. We are able to provide the documents a lender may require, such as an itemised estimate or proposed theatre date.
In line with AHPRA requirements, a 7-day cooling-off period applies before booking any cosmetic surgery.
Early Release of Superannuation
Some patients in Perth may be eligible to access their superannuation on compassionate grounds for medically indicated procedures. The Australian Tax Office requires evidence of medical need, including documentation from treating practitioners.
Our practice can supply medical letters and a detailed fee estimate to support an application. Please note, however, that approval is determined by the ATO and is not guaranteed.
Typical Steps for Superannuation Applications
- Attend a consultation and discuss your medical indications with Dr Hanikeri.
- Obtain supporting documents (clinician letter, fee estimate, reports or photos if needed).
- Submit your application for compassionate release via the ATO.
- Await the ATO decision before finalising any surgery payments.
What Your Estimate Includes
Every patient at our Perth practice receives a written estimate that clearly outlines:
- The surgeon’s fee
- The anaesthetist’s fee
- The hospital charges (theatre, bed stay, tests)
Where relevant, the estimate will also note:
- Any Medicare item numbers
- Possible private health fund contributions
- Likely out-of-pocket costs (including known gaps and hospital excesses)
This transparent breakdown ensures you understand all costs before making a decision.
Book Your Consultation Today
Think you’re ready to book in and see Dr Mark Hanikeri for your initial consultation? Please fill in the form below or call our friendly team on (08) 9380 0311.
