Male breast reduction is the surgical removal of excess breast tissue that has developed as a result of gynecomastia, or abnormal breast development in men. Though rarely discussed, this condition is quite common, affecting up to half of all men. This condition results in excess breast tissue which may give men a feminine-looking chest contour. Men who avoid taking off their shirt or hide under baggy sweatshirts to avoid exposing their chest may benefit from male breast reduction. During this procedure, excess breast tissue is surgically removed, leaving patients with a more masculine contour and improved self-confidence.
Average cost of male breast reduction
The average surgeon’s fee for male breast reduction is $4,239, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This price quote does not include all the fees associated with male breast reduction procedures, such as the facility and anesthesia fee. In taking these additional factors into consideration, the total cost of male breast reduction surgery can range from $7,500 to $15,000. Before undergoing surgery, make sure that you understand the various fees involved, as well as the factors affecting these amounts.
Because male breast development is caused by an underlying medical condition, it may be covered by health insurance, unlike most types of cosmetic surgery. Be sure to consult your insurance policy beforehand. Those paying out of pocket may want to inquire about affordable financing options available through the surgeon’s office.
Male breast reduction financing options
The following are some male 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 male 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 male 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 male breast reduction 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 male breast reduction and share it on social media or various crowdfunding websites.
The decision to finance your male 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 male breast reduction surgeon
Besides the cost of male breast reduction, it’s important to find a surgeon who is very experienced. When choosing a male breast reduction surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other established association such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or The Aesthetic Society. Though being a member in a society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your surgery, while reducing the risk of complications and a quick male breast reduction recovery.
Content written by Andrew Proulx, MD | Reviewed by Charlie Chen, MD |Last updated 6/24/2023
Article Sources
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