If you’re considering male breast reduction surgery, you’re probably wondering how often the procedure is performed and how much it costs. The good news is that male breast reduction surgery is a relatively common procedure, and it’s also fairly affordable.
Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means that you’ll be asleep throughout the entire procedure (unless your surgeon decides to use local anesthesia). This means that you won’t feel any pain during or after the surgery.
This article outlines how to get gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance and male breast reduction without surgery.
How Often Male Breast Reduction Surgery Cost
The average cost of gynecomastia surgery is $4,239, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your final fee.
A surgeon’s fee for gynecomastia surgery will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used and the geographic office location.
Most health insurance plans do not cover male breast reduction or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Gynecomastia surgery costs may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for gynecomastia surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
How To Get Gynecomastia Surgery Covered By Insurance
In most cases, correction of gynecomastia is not eligible for insurance coverage. However, each insurance policy varies greatly. Carefully review your policy to determine coverage.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has published a position paper for physicians and insurers defining the recommended criteria for reconstructive cases of gynecomastia. Ask your physician for a copy of this document to submit to your insurer.
What is a male breast reduction?
A male breast reduction (a.k.a. gynecomastia surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure to correct the appearance of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the appearance of breast tissue in men due to imbalances of testosterone and estrogen. This naturally occurs in infancy, puberty, and when men reach their fifties. This condition can also be genetic, or caused by medications like anabolic steroids. Most cases spontaneously resolve within two years, however, some do not and require surgical intervention.
What cosmetic concerns does a male breast reduction procedure treat?
- Male Chest Definition: A male breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, including excess skin and fatty tissue, to alleviate the appearance of breasts and improve self confidence.
Who is the ideal candidate for a male breast reduction procedure?
The ideal candidate for a male breast reduction procedure is looking to correct large breasts that create an undesirable aesthetic. A male breast reduction is not recommended for adolescents or for those who have gynecomastia secondary to conditions that will resolve with time.
What is the average recovery associated with a male breast reduction procedure?
Most patients experience four to five weeks of recovery following a male breast reduction. The compression garment should be worn daily for three months. Most candidates return to work after one week. Sex is not recommended for seven to 10 days. More intense exercise can be resumed after three to four weeks.
What are the potential side effects of a male breast reduction procedure?
Possible side effects following a male breast reduction surgery include scarring, changes in breast or nipple sensation, breast contour irregularities, skin discoloration, swelling, bruising, firmness, inability to breastfeed, fat necrosis, loss of the nipple or areola, and need for revision surgery.
What can someone expect from the results of a male breast reduction procedure?
The results of a male breast reduction are immediately visible after the procedure and are permanent, although they will finalize over three to six months during the healing process.
Male Breast Reduction Without Surgery
There are various non-surgical approaches to male breast reduction. Some of the methods include:
Dieting and exercising. Maintaining a proper diet and exercise can help balance hormones and burn fat tissue.
Stopping the use of drugs or steroids. Steroids and certain drugs can increase the risk of male breast enlargement.
Reducing alcohol intake. Alcohol intake can increase the risk of male breast enlargement.
Hormone treatments. Hormonal imbalances lead to male breast development, and hormone balancing treatment options may help to minimize the appearance of breast enlargement.
Losing weight. Losing weight may help to decrease the size of the breast. This may work well for men who need to lose a lot of weight, but may not eliminate all of excess breast tissue.
For some men, these non-invasive treatment options may work to reduce the appearance of the breast. However, many men who suffer from moderate to severe Gynecomastia may find these options unsuccessful for correcting the excess tissue.
Weight loss will not result in exclusive loss of chest fat. Often, men with Gynecomastia can lose weight but not see any significant reduction in their breast size. That’s because the excess breast tissue is made of more than just fat—it also includes muscle and glandular tissue.