Breast Augmentation FAQs Sydney | Dr Scott J Turner FRACS

Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney

Most patients arriving at their first breast augmentation consultation have already read a dozen articles about implants, shapes, and recovery. What they haven’t usually read about is the practical stuff. How long does this take from start to finish? What’s the GP referral thing I keep hearing about? Why two consultations? Can I book surgery for a specific date? What am I actually paying for? These are the questions that come up once the general information has been absorbed and the real planning starts.

I’m Dr Scott J Turner, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) consulting at our Bondi Junction and Manly clinics. This guide answers the process-and-logistics questions I get asked most often at first consultations for breast augmentation. For questions about implants themselves, recovery timelines, and exercise, those live in separate guides linked throughout.

The GP Referral Process (New Since July 2023)

Why do I need a GP referral for breast augmentation?

Since July 2023, AHPRA guidelines require a GP referral before you have your first surgical consultation for any cosmetic procedure. This is a regulatory requirement, not something individual surgeons can opt out of. The GP referral process is part of ensuring the decision to have surgery is made carefully and that you’ve had appropriate discussion with your regular doctor first.

What does my GP need to include in the referral?

A standard GP referral letter for cosmetic surgery confirms you’ve discussed your reasons for considering the procedure, that you have realistic expectations, and that you don’t have any relevant medical concerns that would affect surgical candidacy. Most GPs are familiar with the process. If your GP hasn’t written one before, our clinic can provide guidance on what the referral should cover.

Does the GP referral cost me anything?

GP appointments for referral letters are usually billed as a standard consultation. Some GPs bulk-bill, others charge out-of-pocket. The cost of the GP consultation isn’t covered by Medicare for purely cosmetic referrals, though your GP will clarify their specific billing before the appointment.

Can I see Dr Turner without a GP referral?

For breast augmentation, no. The regulatory requirement applies to every Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia. If you arrive for consultation without a referral, we can’t proceed with the surgical consultation until one is provided. We recommend organising the referral 1-2 weeks before your scheduled consultation.

The Two-Consultation Process

Why do I need two consultations before surgery?

AHPRA guidelines require a minimum of two consultations with your surgeon before any cosmetic surgery is scheduled. The first is focused on assessment, information, and options. The second is for review, decision confirmation, and surgical planning. These are typically spaced at least one week apart. The purpose is to give you time to consider what was discussed, come back with questions, and make the decision without time pressure.

What happens at the first consultation?

The first consultation typically runs 45-60 minutes. It includes a detailed medical history, a physical examination with specific breast and chest wall measurements, a discussion of your reasons for considering surgery, an overview of implant options and surgical techniques relevant to your anatomy, a review of risks and complications, and an initial discussion of cost. You’ll leave with written information to take home and review.

What happens at the second consultation?

The second consultation is shorter, typically 20-30 minutes. It’s an opportunity to ask questions that have come up since the first consultation, confirm your decision to proceed, finalise implant selection using sizing tools or 3D imaging, discuss the surgical date, and sign the formal consent documentation. Surgery is then scheduled for after the mandatory cooling-off period.

Can I have both consultations on the same day?

No. The minimum one-week gap between consultations is a regulatory requirement, not a scheduling preference. It exists specifically so that surgical decisions don’t get made in a single sitting.

The Psychological Evaluation

What’s the psychological evaluation for?

For cosmetic breast augmentation, AHPRA guidelines require a psychological assessment before surgery. This assesses whether your expectations align with what surgery can realistically deliver, whether there are any underlying psychological factors that may affect the outcome, and whether surgery is the right decision for you at this point in your life. For most patients, the assessment confirms they’re a suitable candidate and surgery proceeds as planned.

Do I need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Assessments are typically conducted by a psychologist or GP with relevant training. Our clinic can refer you to practitioners experienced in pre-surgical cosmetic assessment. The assessment is a conversation, not a test, and usually takes one appointment.

What happens if the psychological evaluation raises concerns?

Occasionally, the assessment identifies factors that warrant further discussion before proceeding, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, recent major life stress, or unrealistic expectations about what surgery can address. In these situations, the clinician works with the patient on next steps, which may include counselling before reconsidering surgery, or deciding that surgery isn’t the right choice.

The Cooling-Off Period

What is the cooling-off period?

After your second consultation, a mandatory cooling-off period applies before surgery can be scheduled. For breast augmentation, the cooling-off period is at least seven days from your second consultation. During this time you’re expected to reflect on the decision, discuss with anyone you want to consult, and confirm you want to proceed.

Why is there a cooling-off period?

Same reason as the two-consultation requirement. Cosmetic surgery is elective, permanent, and carries real risks. The cooling-off period exists so that decisions to proceed aren’t made in the emotional context of the consultation itself, but after considered reflection outside the clinic environment.

Can the cooling-off period be waived?

No. It’s a regulatory requirement with no exceptions for breast augmentation.

Timeline From First Consultation to Surgery

How long does the whole process take?

For a typical breast augmentation patient in Australia, the timeline from first consultation to surgery is usually 6-10 weeks. This breaks down roughly as: GP referral organised (1-2 weeks before first consultation), first consultation, 1-2 weeks to second consultation, psychological evaluation somewhere in this window, 7-day cooling-off period after second consultation, then surgery booking depending on theatre availability (usually 2-4 weeks from that point). Some patients complete the process faster, some take longer if they want more time to decide.

Can I book surgery for a specific date like a holiday or event?

Yes, with enough lead time. Most patients planning surgery around a specific date (wedding, overseas trip, work break) start the consultation process 3-4 months before the target date to allow for the regulatory steps, the cooling-off period, and surgical recovery. Surgery itself needs to be at least 4-6 weeks before the event for basic recovery, and longer if you want full healing.

What if I need to postpone or cancel?

Life happens. If you need to postpone surgery after booking, we generally ask for as much notice as possible because theatre slots are scheduled weeks in advance. Specific deposit and cancellation policies are discussed at second consultation.

Cost Structure

What does breast augmentation cost in Australia?

Breast augmentation is not a single fee. The total cost is made up of multiple components: the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital facility fee, and the cost of the implants themselves. For specific current pricing, see our breast surgery costs guide, which covers the components in detail.

Do I pay upfront or in stages?

Typical practice is a consultation fee at booking each consultation, a deposit at surgery scheduling, and the balance payable before the surgery date. Specific payment terms are outlined during your consultation process.

Does Medicare cover any part of breast augmentation?

Purely cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered by Medicare. Medicare does provide rebates for specific medically indicated procedures such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, correction of tuberous breast deformity in certain cases, and management of significant breast asymmetry. Whether a Medicare item number applies to your specific situation is determined at consultation.

Do private health funds cover breast augmentation?

For purely cosmetic procedures, private health funds generally don’t contribute. Where a Medicare item number applies (for medically indicated cases), private health funds may cover hospital costs subject to your specific policy and waiting periods. This varies significantly by fund and policy, so checking directly with your insurer is the most reliable approach.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Your GP referral letter is required. Bringing a list of written questions is sensible, because it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once the conversation starts. Some patients bring reference photos to show the kind of shape they’re aiming for, which can be useful for the discussion. Wear comfortable clothing, as you’ll need to change for the physical examination.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, and many patients do. Partners, family members, or close friends often attend consultations to listen, ask their own questions, and help process the information afterwards. Support people are welcome at both consultations.

What should I do in the weeks before surgery?

Specific pre-operative instructions are provided after booking, but in general: stop smoking if you smoke (ideally 6 weeks before), avoid aspirin and certain supplements that increase bleeding risk, arrange help at home for the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery, organise time off work, and have loose button-front clothing ready for after surgery since arm movement will be limited initially.

Can I take sick leave for breast augmentation?

Purely cosmetic surgery is not typically classified as sick leave under most Australian employment agreements. Most patients use annual leave or negotiate unpaid leave. For medically indicated procedures (reconstruction, tuberous breast correction, significant asymmetry), standard sick leave arrangements usually apply. Your medical certificate won’t specify the procedure details for privacy reasons.

Consultation Booking

How do I book a consultation with Dr Turner?

Start by obtaining a GP referral, then contact our clinic to schedule your first consultation. We’ll confirm the referral requirement, book the consultation at either our Bondi Junction or Manly clinic, and explain the subsequent steps. Dr Turner also consults with patients at Brisbane, Canberra, and Newcastle.

How soon can I get a consultation appointment?

First consultation appointments are typically available within 2-4 weeks of booking, though this varies with seasonal demand. If you have a specific timeline in mind (holiday, life event), mention it when booking so we can work backwards from your target date.

Can I have my consultation via video call?

Some consultations can be conducted via video, particularly for patients in Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, or rural areas. However, the physical examination component typically requires at least one in-person visit, so some combination of video and in-person is usually required. This is discussed when you book.

To arrange your consultation, contact our clinic or call 1300 437 758.

Breast Augmentation FAQs: What Patients Actually Ask at First Consultation