Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery

The gynecomastia cost for male breast reduction surgery will vary between different practices
and even between two patients in the same plastic surgery practice. Several factors will go into
determining the cost.

Geographical Location.

The location of the plastic surgery practice can make a difference in the overall cost of gynecomastia surgery. The average price of goods and services, including cosmetic surgery, differs from place to place. The value in a metropolitan area or urban location will be more expensive than a less populated region. For example, the cost of male gynecomastia surgery will be higher in New York City or San Francisco oppose to Dayton, Ohio. These goods and services pricing is analogous to the cost gas prices from one state to the next.

This price variation also applies to the surgical center or hospital where the surgery takes place.

Surgeon’s Fee

The experience of a surgeon plays a significant role in the cost. A highly experienced gynecomastia surgeon will receive the most difficult cases and perform many male breast reduction revision cases. Therefore, you are paying more for the experience. Many less experienced plastic surgeons are very competent in providing gynecomastia surgery so that the cost will reflect. It is essential to do your research to find the best surgeon for you and your situation.

Operating Facility

Male breast reduction surgery is often performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. If the facility is state-of-the-art with experienced and specialized staff, the cost may be more.

The anesthesiologist is a critical element of any surgery. Their credentials and experience contribute to the anesthesiologist fee.

The Complexity of the Gynecomastia Case

Case complexity is dependent on the “grade of gynecomastia”. The grades are 1 to 4. The higher the degree, the longer the surgical time. For example, Grade 4 will undoubtedly be a longer and more complex surgery than a Grade 1, 2, or 3.

Gynecomastia Surgery Costs

• surgeon’s fee – $4500-$6,000
• facility and procedural costs – $2900
• Anesthesia – $900
• Medical testing – $100
• Prescriptions for medication $100

The above estimate is for a 3-hour case.

Will My Insurance Pay for The Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery?

Since the majority of gynecomastia cases are considered cosmetic, they are rarely covered by medical insurance. Gynecomastia is a severe blow to a man’s self-esteem, and this has significant psychological implications. Insurance companies do not regard psychological issues due to male breast enlargement to be warranted. Unless the gynecomastia is associated with cancer, tumors, or life-threatening diseases, the chances of coverage are uncommon. An insurance company may consider coverage for:

• Consistent pain
• Taking a required medication that has caused gynecomastia as a side effect.
• Gynecomastia development as part of a syndrome like Klinefelter Syndrome

If you feel that your situation is warranted, have your primary care doctor write a letter with supporting documentation. It is usually always denied. An appeal is a next step.

An excellent resource for guiding you through the insurance maze in a step-by-step process is gynecoma.com.