Breast Surgery FAQ Gold Coast

A breast surgeon manages both benign breast disease and malignant breast disease. That includes breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge, breast duct surgery, excision biopsy, and the full pathway of breast cancer surgery. Gold Coast patients are also referred to us for melanoma treatment, thyroid surgery, hernia repair, gall bladder surgery and endoscopy through our general surgical practice.

No. Most recalls after a mammogram on the Gold Coast lead to a benign result. A recall simply means the radiologist wants more detail, usually through additional imaging, an ultrasound, or a needle biopsy. We will explain each step, arrange the tests quickly, and talk through the findings with you in person rather than leaving you to interpret a report on your own.

A lumpectomy, also called breast conserving surgery, removes the cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the breast. A mastectomy removes the whole breast. The right choice depends on tumour size, breast size, tumour type, genetics and, importantly, your own priorities. Dr Gault has completed the BreastSurgANZ training requirements for oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques, which means breast conserving surgery on the Gold Coast can often be performed while aiming to maintain a good cosmetic outcome.

Often, yes. Immediate breast reconstruction is performed during the same operation as the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is performed later, once other treatment is complete. Nipple reconstruction can be added as a final stage. We will explain which approach suits your cancer, your anatomy and your recovery, and we will be honest with you when one option is clearly better than another.

Some patients do. Axilla surgery assesses whether cancer has travelled to the lymph nodes, which informs the rest of your treatment plan. In many cases this is limited to a sentinel node biopsy rather than a full clearance. We will discuss what is planned before your operation so nothing comes as a surprise afterwards.

A GP or specialist referral is required to claim Medicare benefits for your consultation. If you have received an abnormal result and you are anxious about waiting, tell our reception staff. We keep urgent appointments available, because a fast answer is often the most valuable thing we can offer.

Urgent and newly diagnosed patients are prioritised. If your GP has flagged your referral as urgent, we will work to see you promptly rather than placing you in a general queue.

BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast screening for eligible women, with clinics servicing the Gold Coast region. Diagnostic mammograms, which are ordered when there is a symptom or an abnormality to investigate, are arranged through radiology practices, and some Gold Coast providers offer bulk billed mammogram services depending on the referral and your eligibility. If you are unsure which pathway applies to you, ask us and we will point you in the right direction.

Costs vary with the procedure, your health fund, your excess and whether an assistant surgeon or specialist anaesthetist is required. We provide informed financial consent in writing before your surgery so you can see the numbers ahead of time. Ask our practice manager for an estimate at your consultation. No one should be making a decision about cancer surgery while guessing at the invoice.

Dr Gault operates at Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, centrally located on the Gold Coast and easily reached from Southport, Surfers Paradise, Robina, Broadbeach, Nerang and the northern corridor.

Most patients go home the same day or the following day after breast conserving surgery, and stay a little longer after a mastectomy or reconstruction. Driving, work and exercise resume in stages. We give you written instructions, a direct contact point, and follow-up appointments so you are never left wondering whether what you are feeling is normal.

Yes. Our breast care nurse works alongside you and your family, answering questions and explaining your care at every stage. Dr Gault also coordinates with physiotherapists, psychologists, dedicated anaesthetists and your own GP, and can refer you to other specialists, including one you already trust and nominate yourself.

Absolutely, and you should never feel awkward asking. Choosing a surgeon is a personal decision. We would rather you felt certain than merely compliant.