Milli Lucas, 12, recovering after lifesaving surgery by Charlie Teo

Last week brain surgeon Charlie Teo was forced to defend the cost of his lifesaving surgeries. Today he proved it’s worth every cent.

Milli’s mission is complete.

The brave 12-year-old girl from Perth whose three-year cancer battle inspired Australians to donate more than $160,000 is today recovering after lifesaving surgery.

Amelia Lucas, known affectionately as Milli, had to make the 4000km journey from Perth to Sydney and raise enough money so surgeon Charlie Teo could operate.

She did both, and Dr Teo did the rest. The world-renowned surgeon, who was last week forced to defend the six figures he charges to perform some surgeries, proved he is worth every cent.

On Facebook, Milli’s mum Monica shared the incredible news.

“Milli’s awake and in ICU, operation was a success,” she wrote. “Charlie has got it all and her right leg and arm is moving but don’t know yet to what extent.”

Amelia Lucas has successfully undergone brain surgery.

Amelia Lucas, left, was successfully operated on yesterday.

She thanked the community for supporting the family through the difficult journey.

Milli’s story is an incredible one. Her family was told surgery to remove a tumour on her brain was too difficult.

Doctors at Perth Children’s Hospital told them chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not working and transferred her to palliative care.

The family started a fundraising page in a desperate attempt to afford the services of Australia’s leading surgeon.

The goal was to raise $100,000 but the donation page is currently up to almost $164,000.

The family met with Dr Teo last week, who told The West Australian the procedure presented some challenges.

“They know the risks,” he said.

Brain surgeon Charlie Teo successfully removed a tumour from 12-year-old Milli Lucas’s brain.

“They know it’s not curable and could reduce her quality of life, but they just aren’t ready to give up. It’s a very brave decision.”

He said Milli was “beautiful”, “calm” and “courageous”.

The result comes less than a week after tense interview with Today host Georgie Gardner as well as criticism from others in the profession that he was charging too much.

Gardner asked Dr Teo if his surgeries should be covered by Medicare and the public hospital hospital system.

He told her to get her “facts straight”.

“The fact is, although some patients do have to pay over $100,000, that doesn’t all go to the surgeon or even the team,” he said.

Dr Charlie Teo defends the high cost of his procedures, instead putting the onus on other neurosurgeons who won't swallow their egos and says "I would do it free of charge" if Australia's healthcare system covered the costs. #9Today pic.twitter.com/mwjmuMU8Se

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) May 28, 2019

“It is in a private hospital, which is accounting to their shareholders. They have to make a profit.

“So, for example, that $120,000 bill that Henry Woo is talking about, $80,000 to the private hospital. $40,000 then gets dispersed among not only the surgeon, the assistant, anaesthetist, pathologist, radiologist, radiographer.

“It is not that great an amount to each individual person, when you get your facts straight …”

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons executive director John Quinn told the ABC Dr Teo’s procedures are available in the public system and surgeries shouldn’t have to be fundraised for.

“Those who think if they pay a greater fee they will get better service are misguided and misled,” he said.

Originally published as Milli Lucas, 12, recovering after lifesaving surgery by Charlie Teo