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Breast reduction for men is performed to treat enlarged male breasts -- also called gynecomastia -- and is done either with surgery, liposuction, or a combination.
Typical costs: | - Breast reduction for men typically costs $3,000 to $8,000 or more; costs would be on the lower end of the range for just liposuction and on the higher end for surgery combined with liposuction. For example, Dr. Jeffrey Melton[1] in Chicago charges about $3,000 for male breast reduction using liposuction, if there is no significant fat deposit extending into the arm pit area. The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery[2] in Atlanta, Georgia, charges about $4,000 to $5,000. The La Jolla Plastic Surgery Centre[3] in California charges about $6,200 to $6,500. And Dr. Paul Rottler in Missouri charges $8,000 or more.
- In most cases, breast reduction for men is considered a cosmetic procedure, and is not covered by health insurance. However, some insurance companies consider it medically necessary in certain circumstances. For example, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida[4] considers it medically necessary if the patient is a post-adolescent male at least 18 years old; if the excess tissue is glandular, not fat; and if breast enlargement is not the result of obesity, adolescence, medications or drugs such as steroids or marijuana, reversible drug treatment or endocrine disorder. And CIGNA[5] covers the surgery only if the patient meets several conditions, including that the enlargement is caused by glandular tissue and causes pain.
Related articles: Liposuction for Men
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What should be included: | - If the main problem is excess fatty tissue, liposuction alone can be used. The surgeon will make several small incisions, insert a narrow, hollow tube and suction out excess fat; or, depending on the patient, other liposuction techniques might be used.
- In other cases, surgical removal of glandular tissue is required. The surgeon will make an incision either around the areola or in the armpit area and will use a scalpel to cut away excess tissue. Sometimes, a surgeon combines liposuction and surgery.
- Male breast reduction usually is an outpatient procedure, done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, and lasts about two hours. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons[6] offers an overview.
- Male breast reduction typically requires several days to a week off from work; or, in the case of a job that involves strenuous physical activity, up to one month.
Additional costs: | - A male compression vest[7] , which must be worn for at least three weeks, will cost about $70 to $100.
- Your doctor probably will prescribe pain medication for recovery.
Discounts: | - Many plastic surgeons offer discounts for multiple procedures.
Shopping for male breast reduction: | - A good candidate for male breast reduction has breast development that has stabilized, is not taking any drugs that may cause enlarged breasts, is relatively close to ideal body weight, and has tried unsuccessfully to lose the excess breast fat through diet and exercise.
- Tip: Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if the surgery is not taking place there. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons[8] and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery[9] offer referral services.
- At MakeMeHeal.com[10] , men discuss their experiences with various surgeons and male breast reduction in general.
- Risks of breast reduction for men include: pain, bleeding, blood clots, infection, numbness or changes in sensation, tissue necrosis, cardiac complications, reaction to anesthesia, scarring, asymmetry and dissatisfaction with results.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.drmelton.com/Chicago/Liposuction/Male_Liposuction_-_Liposuction/malelipogyne/g...
- www.swancenteratlanta.com/surgical-fee-estimates/
- www.ljcsc.com/ballpark-plastic-surgery-costs
- mcgs.bcbsfl.com/?doc=Mastectomy%20for%20Gynecomastia
- /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0195_coverag...
- www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-reduction-for-men.html
- www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product/gynecomastia/index.vm?procid=12
- www1.plasticsurgery.org/find_a_surgeon/
- www.surgery.org/consumers/find-a-plastic-surgeon
- messageboards.makemeheal.com/gynecomastia/
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