Liposuction performed solely for cosmetic reasons is generally self-funded. Medicare does not ordinarily contribute to an operation whose primary purpose is to change body contours for cosmetic reasons.
Dr Mark Kohout MBBS, FRACS (Plast) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney with more than 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During consultation, Dr Kohout assesses the patient’s medical history, anatomy and treatment goals before discussing appropriate surgical options, limitations, risks and expected costs.
In selected medically indicated circumstances, Medicare or private health insurance may contribute to an eligible service associated with a patient’s treatment. Eligibility is determined by the current Medicare Benefits Schedule, commonly called the MBS, and the proposed service must meet the complete requirements of a relevant item.
An individual clinical assessment is required before a possible MBS item number, Medicare rebate or private health insurance contribution can be discussed. Having symptoms, a referral or private hospital cover does not, by itself, confirm eligibility.
Even where an eligible MBS item applies, Medicare and private health insurance may not cover the full cost of treatment. Patients may still have surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and other out-of-pocket expenses.
This page provides general information about liposuction fees, Medicare rebates, private health insurance and out-of-pocket costs in Sydney. Individual eligibility and costs can only be determined after clinical assessment and treatment planning.
Is Liposuction Covered by Medicare in Australia?
Medicare helps with the cost of eligible healthcare services listed in the MBS. It does not pay for every medical service or operation, and it generally does not fund cosmetic surgery.
Liposuction is generally considered cosmetic when its main purpose is to reduce localised deposits of fatty tissue or alter the contour of a body area without a qualifying medical indication. In these circumstances, the patient will usually need to fund the procedure privately.
A patient’s concerns about the appearance of an area do not, on their own, establish eligibility for Medicare. The presence of discomfort, irritation or another symptom also does not automatically mean a Medicare rebate will apply.
In some cases, removal of fatty tissue may form part of treatment for a diagnosed condition or may be performed as one component of a broader reconstructive operation. Whether Medicare applies will depend on:
- The patient’s diagnosis and clinical circumstances
- The principal procedure being undertaken
- The wording of the relevant MBS item
- Whether every requirement of that item is met
- The treatment and documentation requirements in effect at the time
- Whether the service is performed in an eligible setting
The use of a liposuction technique within an operation does not necessarily create a separate Medicare entitlement.
MBS requirements and explanatory notes can change. The current schedule must therefore be reviewed when treatment is being planned. MBS Online is the Australian Government source for current Medicare item descriptions and associated requirements.
Cosmetic Liposuction and Medically Indicated Treatment
Understanding the distinction between cosmetic and medically indicated treatment is important when considering a possible liposuction Medicare rebate.
When is liposuction generally cosmetic?
Liposuction is generally cosmetic when the main reason for surgery is to alter the volume or contour of an area without an eligible medical or reconstructive indication.
Examples may include treatment requested primarily to alter the appearance of the:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Back
- Neck or area beneath the chin
- Chest, depending on the underlying condition and proposed operation
Cosmetic liposuction is generally self-funded. This means the patient is responsible for the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, hospital or facility fee and other related expenses.
What does medically indicated mean?
A medically indicated procedure is performed to address a diagnosed condition, functional concern, injury, disease-related change or another clinical issue identified during assessment.
Medical indication does not automatically establish Medicare eligibility. The proposed service must also correspond with an active MBS item and satisfy its complete criteria.
Clinical assessment may take into account:
- Symptoms and their duration
- Examination findings
- Functional limitations
- Previous medical or surgical treatment
- Relevant investigations
- The patient’s health history
- Whether other treatment options have been considered
- The proposed operation and its principal clinical purpose
Two patients with similar concerns may receive different treatment recommendations. One person’s Medicare eligibility cannot be used to predict another person’s eligibility.
When Might Medicare Need to Be Considered?
There is no single Medicare rule that applies to every use of liposuction. Assessment depends on the diagnosed condition, the complete operation being proposed and whether a current MBS item accurately describes the service.
Circumstances that may require further assessment include:
- Treatment associated with a diagnosed medical condition
- Surgery following injury, disease or previous treatment
- An eligible reconstructive operation in which fatty tissue removal is one component
- Treatment performed with another procedure that has its own MBS requirements
- Revision surgery where a new clinical indication is present
- A condition requiring assessment by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon to determine an appropriate operative approach
These examples do not confirm eligibility. The clinical circumstances and the exact procedure must be considered against the current MBS.
Patients should be cautious about general statements suggesting that Medicare routinely pays for liposuction for a particular diagnosis. A diagnosis by itself may not be sufficient. The MBS item must apply to the service actually performed, and all clinical, procedural and documentation requirements must be met.
Medicare has revised a substantial number of plastic and reconstructive surgery items in recent years. Practitioners are responsible for ensuring that any service billed to Medicare meets the applicable requirements.
What Is an MBS Item Number?
The Medicare Benefits Schedule is a list of professional medical services subsidised by the Australian Government. Each eligible service is assigned an MBS item number.
An item generally includes:
- A description of the medical service
- Clinical or procedural requirements
- Restrictions or explanatory notes
- A government schedule fee
- The basis on which a Medicare benefit is calculated
The MBS schedule fee is not necessarily the amount charged by a private surgeon, anaesthetist or other medical practitioner. Private practitioners set their fees independently.
When a practitioner’s fee is higher than the applicable Medicare benefit, the remaining amount is paid by the patient unless an insurer or another funding arrangement contributes.
An MBS item should only be used when the service provided meets the item description and associated requirements. An item cannot be selected merely to reduce a patient’s personal expense.
Where a potential item is relevant, the practice can explain this after consultation. Patients can also review the item on MBS Online and contact Medicare for information about the applicable benefit.
Does a GP Referral Make Liposuction Eligible for Medicare?
No. A GP referral does not establish that liposuction or another operation qualifies for a Medicare benefit.
A referral may be required for a specialist consultation and may affect whether a Medicare benefit is available for that consultation. It also provides relevant clinical information to the specialist.
However, a referral does not determine:
- Whether surgery is appropriate
- Whether the proposed operation is cosmetic or medically indicated
- Whether an MBS surgical item applies
- Whether private health insurance will contribute
- How much the patient will need to pay
Dr Mark Kohout must conduct an individual assessment and determine which treatment options may be suitable. Where a possible MBS item is being considered, the planned service must meet the current requirements for that item.
Patients should ask the practice whether a referral is required, whether it is correctly addressed and whether it remains valid at the time of consultation.
Can Private Health Insurance Cover Liposuction?
Private health insurance generally does not contribute to liposuction performed solely for cosmetic reasons.
In selected medically indicated cases, a private hospital policy may contribute to eligible hospital treatment when an applicable MBS item has been identified. Coverage depends on the patient’s individual policy and cannot be assumed.
Relevant factors may include:
- Whether the proposed service has an applicable MBS item
- The clinical category included in the patient’s policy
- Policy exclusions or restrictions
- Waiting periods
- Hospital agreements
- The type of admission
- Any required approval process
- The patient’s excess or co-payment
Private hospital insurance and Medicare cover different parts of treatment.
Medicare may provide a benefit toward eligible professional medical services. A private insurer may contribute toward eligible hospital costs and, depending on its arrangements, part of certain professional fees.
Even where both apply, the patient may still need to pay:
- A hospital excess
- A hospital co-payment
- The difference between the surgeon’s fee and available benefits
- The anaesthetist’s gap
- An assistant’s fee or gap
- Non-covered medicines, garments or equipment
- Services excluded under the policy
- Cosmetic components of a combined operation
Before surgery is booked, patients should contact their insurer with the proposed MBS item number, hospital details and expected admission type. Written confirmation should be requested regarding benefits, waiting periods, restrictions, exclusions, excesses and co-payments.
The practice may provide relevant treatment and item information after assessment, but the insurer is responsible for confirming policy coverage.
What Fees May Be Involved in Liposuction?
There is no single liposuction price that applies to every patient. Fees depend on the treatment plan, the areas involved, the expected operating time and the services required.
A written estimate may involve several separate providers.
Surgeon’s fee
The surgeon’s fee may take into account:
- The number and extent of areas being treated
- The distribution of fatty tissue
- Anatomical and tissue characteristics
- Previous surgery or scarring
- The planned operative technique
- Expected operating time
- Whether another procedure is being performed
- The complexity of the operation
- Surgical planning and specified follow-up care
The quotation should state what is included and whether separate accounts are expected.
Anaesthetist’s fee
The anaesthetist usually provides a separate estimate.
The fee may depend on:
- The type of anaesthesia
- The anticipated duration of surgery
- The patient’s medical history
- The required monitoring
- The anaesthetist’s billing arrangements
- Whether an applicable MBS item is involved
The anaesthetist can explain any anticipated Medicare benefit or personal expense related to their services.
Hospital or surgical facility fee
Hospital or accredited facility charges may include:
- Operating theatre use
- Nursing care
- Recovery facilities
- Medical equipment and consumables
- Length of admission
- Overnight accommodation when required
For cosmetic liposuction, these costs are generally paid privately.
Where an eligible operation is involved, private hospital insurance may contribute according to the patient’s policy. An excess, co-payment or excluded service may still need to be paid.
Surgical assistant’s fee
A surgical assistant may be involved depending on the operation. The assistant may charge separately, and a gap may remain even when an MBS item applies.
✓ Other possible expenses
Additional costs can include:
- Initial specialist consultation
- Pre-operative blood tests or imaging
- Medical clearances
- Prescribed medicines
- Compression garments
- Travel or accommodation
- Time away from employment
- Support at home
- Appointments outside the care included in the quotation
- Further treatment where a complication occurs
- Revision surgery where clinically appropriate
Patients should ask which anticipated expenses are included in the written quotation and which must be obtained from another provider.
Before and After Photos of Liposuction Surgery
Before and after images may be available during consultation where appropriate. Images should be viewed as examples of individual patient cases, not as a prediction of your own outcome. These should not create an expectation that the same result can be achieved for another patient. Outcomes vary depending on anatomy, healing and surgical plan.
Key points:
- Images show individual patient examples.
- Outcomes vary between patients.
- These do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Context and timing after surgery matter.
Disclaimer
Individual results vary due to personal health factors and genetics, and all surgical procedures carry inherent risks that should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Why Does the Liposuction Price Vary Between Patients?
The cost of liposuction in Sydney varies because treatment is planned individually.
Factors that may affect the fee include:
- Number and size of treatment areas
Treating one limited area generally requires a different amount of operating time and facility use than treating several areas. - Anatomy and tissue distribution
The volume, location and consistency of fatty tissue vary between patients. Skin and underlying tissue characteristics may also affect the recommended approach. - Previous procedures
Previous surgery, scarring or earlier liposuction may alter the operative plan and the time required. - Operative technique
The chosen technique and equipment can affect theatre time, staffing and facility expenses. The technique recommended for one patient may not be appropriate for another. - Anaesthesia and admission requirements
Fees may vary according to the type of anaesthesia, length of surgery and whether the patient is treated as a day patient or requires an overnight stay. - Combined procedures
When liposuction is performed with another operation, the total cost may involve additional surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant and hospital fees.
Where one part of a combined operation is medically indicated and another is cosmetic, Medicare or insurance may apply only to the eligible component. The cosmetic component generally remains self-funded. - Individual health considerations
Medical history, medicines, previous treatment and the need for additional investigations can influence planning and costs.
For these reasons, a final fee cannot be determined from a general enquiry, a list of treatment areas or photographs alone.
Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
The out-of-pocket cost for liposuction is the amount the patient pays after any applicable Medicare and private health insurance benefits have been deducted.
Possible personal expenses include:
- Surgeon’s fee gap
- Anaesthetist’s fee gap
- Surgical assistant’s fee
- Hospital excess or co-payment
- Cosmetic components not covered by Medicare
- Services excluded by the health fund
- Medicines and compression garments
- Tests or medical clearances
- Additional care not included in the original quotation
A Medicare rebate is not the same as full financial coverage.
For example, where an MBS item applies, Medicare may contribute toward an eligible professional service. Private hospital insurance may separately contribute to the eligible hospital admission. If the fees charged exceed these benefits, the patient pays the difference.
Patients should obtain written estimates from the surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital and compare them with the benefits confirmed by Medicare and their insurer.
Why Is a Consultation Required Before an Exact Quote?
A personalised quote can only be prepared after consultation because the operative plan must be based on an individual clinical assessment.
During consultation, Dr Kohout may consider:
- The patient’s reasons for seeking treatment
- Medical and surgical history
- Current medicines and allergies
- Previous liposuction or other operations
- Anatomy and tissue characteristics
- Areas being considered for treatment
- Whether liposuction is an appropriate option
- Other treatment approaches
- Anaesthetic and hospital requirements
- Expected operating time
- Recovery planning and home support
- Relevant risks and possible complications
- Whether investigations or medical clearance are required
- Whether a potential MBS item needs to be assessed
Photographs may provide preliminary information, but they do not replace an in-person clinical examination.
After an operative plan has been developed, the practice can provide a written estimate of the anticipated surgeon’s fee and explain which separate estimates may be required from the anaesthetist, assistant and hospital.
Any possible Medicare item remains dependent on the service meeting the current MBS requirements.
Questions to Ask About Liposuction Fees and Coverage
Before deciding whether to proceed, patients may wish to ask:
- Is my proposed procedure cosmetic, medically indicated or a combination of both?
- Is an MBS item being considered?
- Which requirements must be met for that item?
- Does the item apply to the entire operation or only one component?
- What is included in the surgeon’s quotation?
- Will the anaesthetist, assistant and hospital quote separately?
- What Medicare benefit may apply?
- Does my private hospital policy include the relevant clinical category?
- What excess, co-payment or exclusions apply?
- Are compression garments and medicines included?
- Which follow-up appointments are included?
- What additional expenses could arise if further care is required?
Patients should confirm Medicare benefits directly with Medicare and policy benefits directly with their private insurer.
About Dr Mark Kohout and Australia Plastic Surgery
Dr Mark Kohout MBBS (Syd), FRACS (Plast) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Liposuction is included within his documented body surgery services.
Dr Kohout consults at:
Australia Plastic Surgery
Suite 2, 37 Bay Street
Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037
The Glebe practice address is listed on Dr Kohout’s current contact page.
During consultation, Dr Kohout assesses the patient’s health, anatomy, concerns and available treatment options. Procedure suitability, risks, anticipated recovery, fees and any possible Medicare or insurance pathway are considered according to the individual circumstances.
FAQs About Medicare and Liposuction in Sydney
Is liposuction covered by Medicare in Sydney?
Liposuction performed solely for cosmetic reasons is generally self-funded. Medicare may contribute only where the proposed service meets all requirements of a current Medicare Benefits Schedule item. The eligibility criteria apply nationally, so treatment in Sydney does not change the MBS requirements.Can medically indicated liposuction receive a Medicare rebate?
A medical indication does not automatically mean that a Medicare rebate applies. The proposed treatment must correspond with an active MBS item and satisfy all clinical, procedural and documentation requirements. An individual assessment is needed before a possible item number can be considered.Does pain or discomfort make liposuction eligible for Medicare?
Not necessarily. Pain, irritation, mobility concerns or other symptoms may be relevant during clinical assessment, but symptoms alone do not establish Medicare eligibility. The diagnosed condition, proposed operation and current MBS criteria must all be considered.Does a GP referral mean Medicare will cover liposuction?
No. A GP referral may be relevant to the specialist consultation and any consultation rebate, but it does not confirm that surgery qualifies for Medicare. Dr Mark Kohout must assess the patient and determine whether an applicable MBS item accurately describes the proposed service.Will private health insurance contribute to liposuction costs?
Private health insurance generally does not contribute to cosmetic liposuction. In selected medically indicated cases, hospital cover may apply where there is an eligible MBS item and the patient’s policy includes the relevant clinical category. Waiting periods, exclusions, excesses and co-payments may still apply.Why can’t I receive an exact liposuction price online?
Liposuction fees vary according to the number and size of treatment areas, anatomy, operating time, anaesthesia, hospital requirements, medical history and whether another procedure is planned. A personalised written quotation can only be prepared after consultation and development of an individual treatment plan.What out-of-pocket costs may remain after Medicare or insurance?
Possible personal expenses include the surgeon’s fee gap, anaesthetist’s gap, surgical assistant’s fee, hospital excess, co-payments, non-covered services, medicines and compression garments. Medicare and private health insurance may contribute to eligible components, but they may not cover the full cost.Medical References
- Liposuction – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
- Medicare Benefits Schedule – Note TN.8.101 “Liposuction – (Items 45584 and 45585)”. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&qt=NoteID&q=TN.8.101
- Medicare Benefits Schedule – Item 45584 (Liposuction for post-traumatic pseudolipoma). https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&qt=ItemID&q=45584
- Medicare Benefits Schedule – Item 45585 (Liposuction for specified medical indications). https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&qt=ItemID&q=45585
- Strategies for reducing body fat mass: effects of liposuction on metabolic risk factors in obese women – PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3138146/
Arranging an Individual Liposuction Assessment in Sydney
Patients considering liposuction may arrange a consultation with Dr Mark Kohout at Australia Plastic Surgery in Glebe, Sydney.
Following clinical assessment and discussion of the proposed treatment, the practice can provide a personalised quotation and explain whether an MBS item may need to be considered.
Patients may find it useful to bring their referral, medication list, private health insurance details and relevant medical records to the appointment.
Medicare eligibility and insurance benefits vary between patients. Any anticipated contribution should be confirmed with Medicare and the patient’s private insurer before surgery is scheduled.
Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate and if you are ready for cosmetic surgery.
Further Reading
- Read more about Liposuction Procedure Page
- Read more about Liposuction Cost in Sydney Resource Page
- Read more about Medicare for Plastic Surgery Resource Page
- Read more about Body Surgery Pricing
- Read more about How to Get a GP Referral
- Read more about Liposuction Recovery
- Read more about Risks and Complications
- View Liposuction Gallery
Welcome to the Practice of
Dr. Mark Kohout
With over 25 years of experience and Harvard training, Dr. Mark Kohout offers experienced plastic and reconstructive surgery at his Sydney and Orange clinics. His patient-first approach focuses on delivering safe, natural results tailored to your unique goals.
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Dr. Mark Kohout
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Dr Mark Kohout is a qualified plastic surgeon based in central Sydney, with over 20 years of experience in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He draws on extensive surgical training and clinical experience to tailor care to the individual needs and goals of each patient.
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