Gynecomastia Surgery Cost: Your Questions Answered
Gynecomastia surgery cost can raise many questions as patients approach this procedure. In fact, one of the first things men ask when they come in for a consultation is, “How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?”
Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Surgeons charge varying fees. Anesthesia and the hospital or surgical facility where you get surgery will impact pricing. Even the geographic location of your surgeon’s practice can impact the cost of gynecomastia surgery.
We understand that budgeting for male breast reduction is an integral part of the preparation process. And while we can’t offer a concrete cost estimate, what we can do is provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to gynecomastia cost and patient financing plans. We hope this information can help shed light on how to prepare financing for your upcoming surgery.
FAQ: Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
Why is gyno surgery so expensive?
Gynecomastia surgery costs vary, but in general, the final cost should reflect the real expense of surgery. In other words, gynecomastia surgery may be an expensive out-of-pocket surgery, but for an operation as difficult as its is, a tremendous amount of skill and medical knowledge is required, alongside advanced technologies, equipment, supplies, and staff. For the most part, the cost of gynecomastia surgery is comparable to other plastic surgeries.
Can you get gyno surgery for free?
In rare cases, gynecomastia surgery may be paid for by an insurance company. If your provider does offer complete coverage, this is essentially the only way to undergo this plastic surgery for “free”.
If your health insurance provider will not cover this surgery, however, you will be expected to pay for it out-of-pocket. Fortunately, several financing options do exist. Talk to your surgeon and their team about your options.
Will insurance cover gynecomastia?
When it comes to insurance coverage and excess tissue and fat removal of the male breasts, it really depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of individual insurance providers. In many cases, insurance companies may cover gynecomastia surgery if it is deemed “medically necessary”.
This determination typically hinges on factors such as the severity of the condition, associated physical symptoms, and the impact on the patient’s well-being. Keep in mind, however, that even if medical professionals agree this condition is negatively affecting you psychologically, this is typically not enough to warrant coverage.
Sometimes, additional medical tests may be helpful. For example, if tests reveal that an underlying hormonal issue is causing your gynecomastia, you may be able to get coverage with this evidence.
Patients are encouraged to communicate openly with their plastic surgeons and insurance providers to ensure all necessary steps are taken to facilitate potential insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery.
How can I afford gynecomastia surgery?
Several options exist to make gynecomastia surgery more financially feasible for those who struggle with enlarged breasts but do not have health insurance coverage.
First, we recommend patients inquire about financing plans offered by their plastic surgeon’s office. Many practices have connections with specialized medical financing companies such as CareCredit. These services provide low-interest rate loans, which are tailored to cover medical procedures.
Other than this option, it’s up to the patient to device a financing plan that works for them. Many patients choose to put some or all of their surgery cost on one or more credit cards. Other patients schedule their surgeries far in advance and create a savings plan so they can afford to pay out-of-pocket and in-full when the time comes.
Can you get rid of gyno naturally, without surgery?
Patients who feel they cannot afford the gynecomastia surgery cost may wonder how to get rid of gynecomastia naturally. Unfortunately, if you have true gynecomastia (the presence of actual excess breast tissue, not just fatty breasts), only surgery can offer a real solution.
On the other hand, if you only have excess fat in your breasts, sometimes diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes can help (or you may simply need liposuction). Likewise, if an underlying condition or ongoing treatment — i.e., certain medications — are the cause of your gynecomastia, addressing these things can sometimes solve the problem.
Is gyno surgery worth it, cost-wise?
Most male breast reduction patients who had true gynecomastia say they are very glad they underwent the surgery. Many say they wish they’d had it sooner.
Again, surgery is the only viable solution for true gynecomastia, which cannot be improved with lifestyle changes alone. While it’s not for everyone, it can be life-changing for many men.
Call Today to Request a Consultation Appointment
Enlarged male breasts can have detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of men. Not only can this condition be physically uncomfortable or even painful on a daily basis, but it can also cause emotional unease and embarrassment that can affect other areas of life.
Gynecomastia surgery is often the only viable solution.
If you have been considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, as you can see from the answers above, costs can vary widely from practice to practice and patient to patient. Indeed, the only way to get an accurate estimate on the cost of your gynecomastia surgery is to schedule a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this procedure.
Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber performs gynecomastia surgery for patients at his San Francisco practice. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Sieber will assess your candidacy for surgery and perform a gynecomastia pinch test, talk to you about your concerns and goals, and show you gynecomastia surgery before and after photos to help you get an idea of potential outcomes. Please call today to schedule your appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-tips-to-prepare-for-male-breast-reduction-surgery
