Breast Reduction Financing Options

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure performed on women whose breasts are very large for the size of their body. This procedure reduces the size of the breasts through the removal of excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. Because large breasts tend to sag, breast reductions are frequently combined with breast lift procedures that counteract the effects of gravity, to place the breasts in an elevated position on the chest. The primary goal of the procedure is to leave the patient with smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts.

Average cost of breast reduction

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of breast reduction surgery is $5,913. However, this only includes the surgeon’s fee. There are usually additional expenses associated with surgery, such as the facility and anesthesia fees. When taking these additional factors into consideration, the total cost of breast reduction can range from $5,000 to $20,000. In some cases, the procedure may be covered by insurance if there is documented evidence showing that the weight of the breasts is causing pain or other health issues. For more information about coverage, contact your insurance provider directly. If your procedure is not covered, there are several financing options available to help make your surgery more affordable.

Breast reduction financing options

The following are some breast reduction financing and payment options to help make your treatment more affordable.

• Healthcare Financing Company: Many financing companies provide loans or credit specifically for cosmetic surgery procedures. They offer flexible repayment plans, often with low or no-interest options which makes it easier to manage the cost over time.
• Personal Credit Card: A personal credit card with a sufficient credit limit and a low-interest rate may be an option to consider for financing your breast reduction procedure. However, it’s important to be mindful of the interest rates and the potential for accumulating high-interest debt.
• Personal Loans: Obtaining a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender is another option to finance your breast reduction procedure. Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms, allowing you to budget for the monthly payments. Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the most favorable loan terms.
• Employer Assistance: Some employers offer employee benefits that include medical financing assistance or discounts for cosmetic procedures. Explore your employee benefits package or speak with your human resources department to find out if such options are available to you.
• Negotiate a Discount: In some cases, plastic surgeon’s offer discounts for paying in full upfront or provide promotional offers for new patients. Ask about any available discounts or flexible payment arrangements to help make your surgery more affordable.
• Payment Plans: Many cosmetic practices offer payment plans or financing options themselves to help patients manage the cost. With a payment plan, you can spread out the cost of breast reduction surgery into manageable monthly payments. Speak with your plastic surgeon about any available in-house payment plans and discuss the terms and conditions that best suit your budget.
• Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms provide an opportunity to raise funds from family, friends, and even strangers who believe in your goals. Create a compelling campaign that explains your desire for breast reduction surgery and share it on social media or various crowdfunding websites.

The decision to finance your breast reduction procedure should be made with careful consideration and with the help of a professional financial advisor. Before moving forward with any financing option, meet with a certified financial planner who can help advise you on the best option that aligns with your current financial situation and long-term goals.

Finding a breast reduction surgeon

Other than the cost of breast reduction, it’s important to find a plastic surgeon that is well qualified. When choosing a breast reduction surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other organization such as The Aesthetic Society, or American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Although a membership in a society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome most certifying boards like the ABPS require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can help ensure that the appropriate techniques are used for your breast reduction surgery while reducing the risks of complications.

^{Content written by Andrew Proulx, MD | Reviewed by Charlie Chen, MD | Last updated 6/27/2023}