title: "What Questions Should I Ask at My Breast Augmentation Consultation?" slug: "questions-to-ask-breast-augmentation-consultation" description: "Walking into a breast augmentation consult? These are the questions that separate a good consultation from a wasted one." date: "2026-03-31" category: "breast-augmentation" tags: ["breast augmentation", "consultation", "questions", "surgeon", "australia"] relatedSlugs: ["breast-augmentation-cost-australia", "how-to-choose-breast-augmentation-surgeon-australia", "breast-augmentation-recovery-timeline", "silicone-vs-saline-implants-australia", "breast-augmentation-medicare-australia", "breast-augmentation-vs-breast-lift"] status: "review" ahpraCompliant: true

What Questions Should I Ask at My Breast Augmentation Consultation?

Your consultation is the single most important appointment in your breast augmentation journey. It's not a formality — it's your opportunity to assess whether this surgeon is the right person to operate on you, whether the procedure they're recommending actually suits your goals, and whether the clinic deserves your trust.

The problem is, most people walk in without a plan. They nod along, feel reassured by a confident surgeon, and leave without asking the questions that actually matter. Then the doubts creep in at 2am.

[IMAGE: Woman sitting in a bright, modern consultation room with a notebook and pen, engaged in conversation with a surgeon — warm, approachable, no clinical coldness]

We put this checklist together from real consultation experiences across hundreds of patients and over 400 AHPRA-registered surgeons we've assessed. Pirk is not a clinic and we don't perform surgery — we're a concierge service that helps you find the right surgeon for your situation. This guide is designed to make sure you walk out of your consultation genuinely informed, not just reassured.

Questions About Your Surgeon's Qualifications

This is where you start. Before anything about implant sizes or incision types, you need to know who you're trusting with your body.

Are you a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)? This is the gold standard surgical qualification in Australia. A surgeon with FRACS in plastic surgery has completed years of accredited specialist training. It's not the only qualification that matters, but it's the baseline you should be looking for.
How many breast augmentations have you performed? Experience matters. You want a surgeon who performs this procedure regularly — not someone who does one every few months.
What is your complication rate for this procedure? Any surgeon worth their fee will be able to answer this honestly. If they dodge it, take note.
Can I see before-and-after photos of your actual patients? Not stock images from an implant manufacturer — real results from their own theatre. Look for patients with a similar body type and starting point to yours.
Do you have hospital admitting privileges? This tells you whether an accredited hospital has independently vetted the surgeon's credentials and skills.

A confident, qualified surgeon won't be offended by these questions. If they seem put out, that tells you something.

Questions About the Procedure Itself

Once you're satisfied with the surgeon's credentials, dig into the specifics of what they're recommending for you.

What type of implant do you recommend, and why? There are meaningful differences between silicone gel, cohesive gel ("gummy bear"), and saline implants. Your surgeon should explain why they're recommending a particular type based on your anatomy and goals — not just default to whatever they always use.
Where will the implant be placed — over or under the muscle? Submuscular (under) and subglandular (over) placement each have trade-offs in terms of look, feel, recovery, and mammogram clarity. Ask why they're recommending one over the other for your situation.
What incision site do you recommend? The three main options are inframammary (under the breast fold), periareolar (around the nipple), and transaxillary (in the armpit). Each has different scarring implications.
What size and profile would you suggest for my frame? A good surgeon will guide you based on your chest measurements, tissue coverage, and lifestyle — not just hand you a sizer and say "pick one."
Will I need a breast lift as well? If you have any degree of ptosis (sagging), an augmentation alone may not give you the result you're picturing. Better to know now than be disappointed later.

[IMAGE: Simple infographic showing implant placement options (submuscular vs subglandular) — clean line illustrations in Pirk brand colours (coral #F2705C, burgundy #4D0121)]

Questions About Recovery

Recovery is the part people underestimate the most. Get the full picture before you commit.

What does a realistic recovery timeline look like? Most surgeons will say 1–2 weeks off work, but full recovery — including returning to exercise and the implants settling — takes months. Ask for the honest, week-by-week breakdown.
What restrictions will I have, and for how long? Lifting, driving, sleeping position, exercise, underwire bras — get the specifics.
What pain management approach do you use? Ask about what to expect in the first 48 hours, what medications they prescribe, and how they handle patients who experience higher-than-expected pain.
How many follow-up appointments are included? Some surgeons include 12 months of follow-ups. Others charge after the first visit. Clarify this before you sign anything.
What happens if I have concerns after hours? Find out whether there's a direct after-hours number, or whether you'll be directed to an emergency department.

Questions About Costs

Price matters, but what's included in the price matters more. For a full breakdown, see our breast augmentation cost guide.

What is the total all-inclusive cost? Ask for the figure that includes surgeon's fee, anaesthetist, hospital, implants, garments, and follow-up appointments. If they can't give you one number, ask for an itemised quote.
What is not included in this quote? This is the question that catches surprise costs. Medications, pathology, compression garments, and post-operative garments are common extras.
What happens if I need a revision? Some surgeons offer a reduced fee or complimentary revision within a certain period. Others charge full price. Ask directly.
Do you offer payment plans or medical finance? Many clinics work with medical finance providers. Just make sure you understand the interest rates and terms before you commit. Indicative consultation fees range from approximately $100 to $500 — some clinics deduct this from the surgical fee if you proceed.
Is the Medicare or private health insurance relevant to my situation? Purely cosmetic breast augmentation is generally not covered. But if there's a functional or reconstructive element, there may be a Medicare item number that applies. Your surgeon should be upfront about this.

Questions About Risks and Complications

Every surgery carries risk. A trustworthy surgeon won't minimise that — they'll walk you through it clearly.

What are the most common complications you see with this procedure? Capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, infection — these are all real possibilities. Ask for the rates, not just "it's very rare."
What is your personal revision rate? This tells you how often their patients need a second surgery to correct an issue or replace an implant.
What is BIA-ALCL, and how does it relate to the implants you use? BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) is a rare but serious condition associated primarily with textured implants. Your surgeon should be able to explain the current evidence clearly, without dismissing or overstating the risk.
What happens if something goes wrong? Ask about their protocol for managing complications — do they have hospital admitting privileges? Is there a clear escalation pathway? Who do you contact?
How long do implants last, and what monitoring is recommended? Implants are not lifetime devices. Most manufacturers recommend monitoring with ultrasound or MRI at regular intervals. Ask what their recommendation is.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every consultation will feel right, and that's useful information. Here are warning signs that suggest you should keep looking:

They rush the consultation. A proper consultation takes 30 to 60 minutes at minimum. If you're in and out in 15 minutes, they haven't done their job.
They pressure you to book surgery immediately. Under Australian regulations, there is a mandatory cooling-off period between your consultation and the procedure. Any surgeon who tries to rush past this is a concern.
They dismiss your questions or seem irritated. You're about to pay thousands of dollars and undergo a general anaesthetic. You deserve thorough answers.
They only show you their best results. Ask to see a range of outcomes, including cases where the result was acceptable but not perfect. If they only have flawless before-and-afters, question whether the portfolio is representative.
They recommend a specific size before examining you. Implant recommendations should come after a physical examination and measurements — not before.
They offer discounts for booking on the spot. This is a high-pressure sales tactic, not a medical practice.

What a Good Consultation Actually Looks Like

A good consultation doesn't feel like a sales pitch. It feels like a thorough conversation where you leave with more clarity than when you arrived.

Here's what to expect from a high-quality consultation:

The surgeon reviews your medical history and asks about your goals, lifestyle, and expectations.
They perform a physical examination, including breast measurements and tissue assessment.
They explain their recommended approach — implant type, placement, incision — and explain why it suits your anatomy.
They show you before-and-after photos of patients with similar starting points.
They walk you through the risks honestly and without sugar-coating.
They give you a written quote with a clear breakdown of what's included.
They give you time to think. No pressure to book on the day.

A consultation fee of approximately $100 to $500 is standard across most Australian clinics. Some surgeons deduct this from the surgical fee if you proceed. Either way, it's a small investment to make sure you're making the right decision.

If you're not sure where to start, our matching quiz connects you with FRACS-registered surgeons who have been independently assessed for qualifications, experience, and patient outcomes. It takes a few minutes and there's no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a breast augmentation consultation last?

A thorough consultation typically runs 30 to 60 minutes. This gives the surgeon enough time to review your history, examine you, explain the recommended approach, discuss risks, and answer all of your questions. If the appointment feels rushed, it's worth seeking a second opinion.

Should I get more than one consultation?

Yes — most people benefit from seeing at least two or three surgeons before making a decision. Each surgeon may recommend a slightly different approach, and comparing those recommendations helps you make a more informed choice. It also gives you a feel for the surgeon's communication style and bedside manner.

Can I bring someone with me to the consultation?

Absolutely. Bringing a partner, friend, or family member can be helpful — they may think of questions you didn't, and they can help you remember what was discussed. Just check with the clinic beforehand in case they have any policies about guests during the physical examination portion.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Bring a list of your questions (this article is a good start), your medical history including any medications you're taking, reference photos of results you like, and a notepad or phone to take notes. If you've had previous breast imaging, bring those results too.

Is a consultation a commitment to proceed?

Not at all. A consultation is purely an information-gathering appointment. There is no obligation to book surgery, and under Australian regulations, there is a mandatory cooling-off period between your consultation and the procedure date. Any clinic that treats a consultation as a commitment is not one you want to be dealing with.

This guide is general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual circumstances vary, and all surgical procedures carry risks. Always consult directly with a qualified, AHPRA-registered medical practitioner before making any decisions about surgery. Pirk is a concierge matching service — we do not provide medical advice, perform procedures, or guarantee surgical outcomes. All indicative figures referenced in this article are estimates only and may not reflect the quote you receive.