Cost of Breast Reduction
How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Summary: This article covers the breast reduction cost, including the plastic surgeon fees and other factors that may affect the price.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for breast reduction is about $3,400 to $4,000. This amount does not include the facility fee, anesthesia fee, or other expenses, which typically bring the total breast reduction cost to $5,000 to $8,000. It is important to understand all of the fees and charges associated with the surgery before deciding whether breast reduction is right for you.
The Fees Involved in Breast Reduction Surgery
There are three basic fees involved in the cost of breast reduction and other plastic surgery procedures. First, the facility fee covers the costs of the hospital or outpatient surgery center where your procedure will be performed. The anesthesia fee is for the cost of administering general anesthesia, which is required for patients undergoing breast reduction. The surgeon’s fee is the amount charged by the surgeon who will be performing your breast reduction. Finally, there are some miscellaneous fees, such as medical tests, medications, and compression bras or other post-surgery garments used during the breast reduction recovery. It is important for prospective breast reduction patients to understand each of these fees in detail, and to be sure that the surgeon’s price quote includes all of these costs, not just the surgeon’s own fee.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Breast Reduction
There are many factors influencing the total cost of a breast reduction procedure, making it difficult to generalize an average price for all breast reductions. Each surgical procedure is unique, and is influenced by your goals. Longer or more complicated procedures necessarily involve higher fees. For example, surgeries involving the removal of a significant volume of breast tissue, or those that involve a breast lift as well as breast reduction, will be more expensive. In addition, while most breast reductions are performed as outpatient procedures, if an overnight stay is required, this will result in an additional expense.
Besides factors related to the procedure itself, your choice of surgical facility will also influence the breast reduction cost. Surgical prices vary greatly from city to city; fees tend to be higher in large cities than in less populated areas. Different surgical facilities may charge different fees even within the same metropolitan area.
Finally, the surgeon you choose has a significant impact on the final cost of breast reduction. Highly qualified, board-certified surgeons are able to command higher fees than their less experienced counterparts because they have the skills to ensure that your procedure goes smoothly. By choosing the best surgeon you can find, you can rest assured that your surgeon will use the most appropriate techniques to reduce the risk of complications and increase the odds of a successful surgery with results that you are happy with. For this reason, it is important not to choose your surgeon based on price alone.
Paying for Breast Reduction (Financing & Payment Plans)
Although most plastic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance, in some cases the breast reduction cost may be. This is particularly true in cases where overly large breasts are causing neck and back pain or other health issues. Check your insurance policy before scheduling surgery so that you know which expenses will be your responsibility. Your doctor may need to provide documentation before the insurance company will approve your procedure. In addition, there may be restrictions regarding the surgical technique used or other details of your procedure. While not all breast reduction procedures will be covered, it is worth checking with your insurance provider. Learn if you are an ideal candidate for breast reduction.
Additionally, many surgeons offer affordable financing options for those who are paying out-of-pocket for breast reduction. If cost is a concern, ask about the availability of financing during your consultation visit. There is no need to forgo breast reduction surgery solely for financial reasons.