In this blog, Dr Samuel Yang and his team discuss options for breast implant removal surgery and when a patient may be entitled to a rebate on their procedure.
In recent years, breast implant removal surgery, also called explant surgery, has gained popularity. For some patients, the decision is purely cosmetic and motivated by the desire to return to a natural shape. However, for other women the procedure is necessary for health reasons.
Dr Samuel Yang can perform 4 different breast implant removal operations, including:
- Breast Implant removal and En Bloc Removal – removing the implant and any surrounding scar tissue.
- Breast Implant Revision – current implants are removed and replaced with implants that meet a patient’s desires.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – removal of implant and adjusting and reshaping breast tissue.
- Breast Implant Revision and Breast Lift (Mastopexy)– removing an implant and replacing it with a new one. A breast lift is also performed.
We explain each of these in greater detail over here. Below you’ll find out more about your options for a medicare rebate.
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
If you are having implants removed and are not replacing them, then you will be eligible for some rebate. The relevant Medicare item numbers are: 45548, 45551.
Eligible patients who have a high tier of private health cover for plastic surgery may also be entitled to a rebate on anaesthetic costs and their hospital fee.
It is important to note that not everyone who is having their breast implants removed and replaced will be entitled to a rebate. However, there are 3 options in which this may be possible:
We’ve included more detail from the Medicare Benefits Scheme below:
Medicare item 45553
Breast prosthesis, removal of and replacement with another prosthesis, following medical complications (for rupture, migration of prosthetic material or symptomatic capsular contracture), if:
(a) either:
(i) it is demonstrated by intra-operative photographs post-removal that removal alone would cause unacceptable deformity; or
(ii) the original implant was inserted in the context of breast cancer or developmental abnormality; and
(b) photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient notes
Medicare item 45554
Breast prosthesis, removal and replacement with another prosthesis, following medical complications (for rupture, migration of prosthetic material or symptomatic capsular contracture), including excision of at least half of the fibrous capsule or formation of a new pocket, or both, if:
(a) either:
(i) it is demonstrated by intra-operative photographs post-removal that removal alone would cause unacceptable deformity; or
(ii) the original implant was inserted in the context of breast cancer or developmental abnormality; and
(b) the excised specimen is sent for histopathology and the volume removed is documented in the histopathology report; and
(c) photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for this service is documented in the patient notes
Source: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/medicare
IMPORTANT NOTE: The use/suitability of the above Medicare item numbers cannot be determined until during the operation.
Breast Implant Removal Surgery
If you’d like to find out more about breast implant removal surgery and Dr Samuel Yang, please don’t hesitate to contact us on (07) 3257 7950 or read more about the procedure here.
Dr Samuel Yang is an experienced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane.
A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, Dr Yang has been practising in both the private and public systems since 2013.
While the Queensland-trained surgeon can help with all plastic surgery needs, he has special interest in abdominoplasty, skin cancer and melanoma, breast surgery, face lifts and blepharoplasty.
Dr Yang aims to help his patients pick the best surgical option based on the desired result, and ensures they are comfortable and informed before making any commitment.
For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3257 7950 today or enquire online here.
