Advice on cost of implant

Thanks Nikkid and loz81. It sounds like the quote I have is fairly standard. I'm just feeling bitter and thinking of all the things I'd rather spend the money on! 
That was quick primek. I'm definitely going to investigate my options publicly. Thanks for taking the time to share your your experience gorgeous women. 

i had a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders done last year and that cost me approx $7000-$8000 and only got back about $3000-$4000 from medicare.  I go back in a couple of months to have my DIEP reconstruction done and that is going to cost me approx $10,000-$11,000 with a rebate of about $4000

My surgery was done within 20 days of consult. They used a matrix sling so could almost fully inflate from first surgery. I only needed  1 fill.

I had left vertical skin sparing mastectomy, insertion of Aeroform tissue expander and recent DIEP Recon. Out of pocket:$6500-$7000. X

Thanks Zoffiel and Glennis. Yes, i'm going to make some enquiries about the public options. Yikes, $20,000 and a big recovery. It's a pretty hard to swallow. Brutal financially this business. Thanks again xx

Thanks primek. Did you have to go on a wait list for public? My radiation oncologist said she can only push out radiation maximum 8 weeks to allow me have the surgery and I don't think I'll get a choice about when it can be done in the public system. I've been told it's hard to stretch skin after radiation because the texture of the skin becomes more inflexible. Good idea re: breast surgeon and I'll investigate options for a payment plan. Glad to hear you are happy with the results!

You might be able to work out a payment plan with the hospital as another option. 

I had a bilateral done through public health system through RAH in Adelaide and was done in 20 days ...for tissue expanders in. The changeover was well after chemo but done around 14 months after first procedure.  They may plan differently because finished chemo and having radiotherapy. It might be best not waiting as long for changeover...that will be surgeons choice. It can be done by breast surgeon and not required to be a plastic surgeon for this procedure. I had really good results. Kath x

Crikey. I don't have private health and while my plastic results are shithouse, they were done 10 years ago and things in the public system seem to have improved. Tissue expanders are pretty low tech compared to the whole business of moving bits of your body from one site to another.
It's probably worth having a go at getting the expanders done in the public system --have short time frame may work in your favour. Good luck.

Hi Lucylou, I had a mastectomy last August & have finished chemo & radio. I am not sure of costs for your procedure but I was just quoted $20,000 out of pocket for phrophylactic mastectomy one side & double reconstruction. My breast surgeon would do the mastectomy & plastic surgeon would do the double reconstruction. He said he would also have another surgeon & an assistant, so 4 altogether otherwise it would take 17 hours, rather than 10. I now have to rethink & might just have 1 side done where I have already had a mastectomy. He would use fat from my stomach but said as there isn't enough there would be 2 surgeries where he could do liposuction from somewhere to pump them up!  So expensive. You could shop around & try the public system, they may be able to put you on a high priority list. Some other ladies may have suggestions. Good luck!