Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breasts in males, caused primarily by a hormonal imbalance. Other causes include poor diet, alcohol, use of steroids, amphetamines, heroin, and marijuana. In order to reduce gynecomastia, males can undergo breast reduction surgery. The surgery can improve patient’s social confidence and comfort level when revealing their chest to others in public or private.
Gynecomastia Surgery Price – On average Gynecomastia surgery costs around $3,000 to $4,000 excluding anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses.
Gynecomastia Covered by Insurance – Patients should contact their insurance companies before undergoing gynecomastia surgery to check whether or not they are eligible for insurance coverage. Typically gynecomastia does not affect a patient’s health, which makes them ineligible for coverage but all insurance company policies vary.
Anesthesia – another added cost for the patient typically costing between $400 and $600.
Bed Rest – Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition the recovery process will differ. Patients who are treated with a combination of liposuction and breast gland tissue removal will need about a week to recover. It is vital for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions after surgery. After surgery patients will need to wear compression garments. Patients must take into account the number of days they will be out of work in order to budget for the income they will lose during the recovery process.
Medication – Patients may need pain medication during recovery, which is typically not included in the overall surgery, and is an additional cost.
Pre and Post Operative Cost – Depending on the patient there may be several pre and post operative appointments on top of the surgery itself. The consultations, preparatory appointments, and follow up appointments are all costs to consider.
Side Affects – Some patients may experience side affects after surgery that may pose additional costs. This can include scarring, weight gain, adverse reaction to anesthesia, hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal), infection, damage to underlying structures, and blood clots in the legs or lungs.
To minimize the possibility of these risks it is pertinent for patients to follow the advice and instructions of their plastic surgeon, both before and after their gynecomastia surgery.
