Breast Augmentation Consultation: What to Expect

A breast augmentation consultation is where the whole process really begins. It is the appointment where you sit down with your doctor, talk through what you are hoping to change, and work out whether surgery is a suitable option for you. Nothing is decided on the spot, and every question you have is welcome.

Knowing what happens at this appointment and how to prepare for it helps you walk in ready and leave with a clear understanding of your choices. This guide covers what a consultation involves, the questions worth asking, and the steps that must be completed before any surgery goes ahead.

Quick Overview

A breast augmentation consultation is your first proper appointment to discuss your goals, check your suitability, and plan the procedure.
You will need a GP referral before this consultation, and most patients attend at least two consultations before booking.
Your doctor will review your health, examine your breast tissue, take detailed measurements, and talk through implant options, size and shape.
It is also the time to discuss surgical risks, recovery time, and the full cost, including the doctor’s fee and anaesthetic fee.

Below, we walk through each stage, from getting a referral to the questions worth bringing with you on the day.

What is a breast augmentation consultation?

A breast augmentation consultation is a one-on-one appointment with the cosmetic doctor who will carry out your surgery. It is where you discuss your aesthetic goals, learn how breast augmentation surgery works, and find out whether it suits your body, your health and your expectations.

Think of it as an assessment and planning session rather than a commitment to surgery. Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants, or sometimes fat transfer, to change breast size and shape or restore breast volume. Like all cosmetic procedures, it carries risks as well as benefits, and the consultation is where the procedure details start to take shape around you as an individual, rather than around a generic result.

Do I need a referral, and how many consultations?

Yes, you need a referral first. Since 2023, anyone considering cosmetic surgery must get a referral from their usual GP before their first consultation. The referral lets your GP pass on your medical history and is built in as a safety step.

Most patients then attend at least two consultations before a surgery date is set. You cannot give consent at the first appointment: the decision to proceed is made at a later consultation, followed by a cooling-off period of at least seven days. This structure exists, so you have time to reflect and make an informed decision without any pressure.

What happens during your first consultation?

During your first consultation, your doctor gets to know both your goals and your body. Expect an open conversation about what you want, a review of your health, a physical examination, and a discussion of your implant options.

Your goals, health and measurements

Your doctor will ask about your aesthetic goals and review your medical history, including any history of breast cancer in you or your family. They will examine your breast tissue, check for breast ptosis (sagging) and skin laxity, and take detailed measurements of your breast and chest. This helps them judge whether augmentation alone will increase breast volume or whether a breast lift is worth discussing as well.

Choosing implants and understanding risks

Together, you will look at your implant options, such as round and anatomical implants, and how implant size affects the result, including fullness in the lower pole of the breast. Fat grafting may suit smaller changes. Your doctor will also explain surgical risks, such as capsular contracture and the chance of further surgery, so you can weigh the potential outcomes honestly. Results vary from person to person, which is why this conversation matters.

What does breast augmentation cost, and is it covered?

Cost is a normal and expected part of the conversation. Your doctor will explain the full breast augmentation cost, which is made up of several parts, including the doctor’s fee, the anaesthetic fee, the hospital fee and the implants themselves. You should leave with a clear, itemised quote rather than a single vague figure.

Because breast augmentation is elective cosmetic surgery rather than medically necessary cosmetic surgery, a Medicare rebate and private health insurance generally do not apply to cosmetic procedures. Cover may only be considered where there is a genuine medical or reconstructive reason, which your doctor and GP can help you understand. If cost is a concern, ask whether payment plans are available.

How to prepare, and what to ask

A little preparation makes the appointment far more useful. Before you go, write down your aesthetic goals, note any medications you take, gather your medical history, and jot down the questions on your mind so none get forgotten.

It helps to ask about the things that shape your day-to-day recovery and your longer-term results. Useful questions include:

What are the main surgical risks for someone with my health and anatomy?
Will I need a breast lift as well, or will implants alone suit my goals?
How is the surgery performed, and is it under general anaesthesia?
What is the recovery time, and when can I return to work and strenuous exercise?
What do the postoperative care instructions and follow-up appointments involve?

Bringing these along helps you feel informed and gives you a realistic picture before you make any decision. If you still have remaining questions afterwards, a second consultation is the natural place to raise them.

Booking your breast augmentation consultation

If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to talk it through, the team at Refine Clinic offers consultations with a cosmetic doctor who will assess your suitability and talk you through your options and any risks. It is worth arranging your GP referral first, so you are ready to make the most of the appointment.

To arrange a consultation, please call our clinic on (02) 8599 7161.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a breast augmentation consultation take?

A first consultation usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes. That allows enough time to review your health, examine you, take measurements and talk through your options without rushing. If you have a lot you would like to cover, let us know when you book so we can allow extra time.

Can I bring someone with me to my consultation?

Yes, and many patients do. A partner, family member or friend can help you remember what was discussed, ask questions you might not think of, and talk things over with you afterwards. Let the clinic know in advance so they can make space for your support person.

Is there a minimum age for breast augmentation?

There is no single legal age, but breast augmentation is generally considered for adults whose breasts are fully developed. Patients under 18 are subject to additional safeguards, including a longer cooling-off period and a mandatory psychological assessment before any surgery.

What happens if I decide not to go ahead after my consultation?

That is completely fine, and it is exactly what the process is designed to allow. A consultation is for gathering information, not committing to surgery. You are under no obligation to proceed, and taking time to think, or choosing not to have surgery at all, is a valid outcome.

Can I have a consultation about replacing older breast implants?

Yes. If you already have implants and are thinking about replacing or removing them, a consultation follows a similar path: your doctor reviews your history, examines you, and discusses your options. The same referral, planning and cooling-off steps apply as they would for first-time surgery.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

https://www.tga.gov.au/products/medical-devices/breast-implant-hub

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11024-breast-augmentation

Breast Augmentation Consultation: What to Expect and How to Prepare