Breast Reduction Cost

Cost is a consideration for any major surgery, but fortunately many breast reductions are covered by insurance due to the chronic pain that can come with oversized or pendulous breasts. Preparing for a breast reduction surgery will require personal investigation into both costs and insurance procedures.

Every insurance provider will have its own coverage guidelines and processes regarding breast reduction.

Average Breast Reduction Costs

A breast reduction takes about 6 weeks of recovery and can cost up to $20,000.

When insurance covers a procedure, the breast reduction patient may not see all the details of the associated costs. However, it's useful to know what costs go into a surgery. The cost considerations on this page will give an overview of the fees associated with a breast reduction.

Breast Reduction Cost Considerations

Breast reduction surgery costs are made up of a variety of expenses. Each of the following costs can vary and each should be considered when planning on the cost of a breast reduction if it is not already covered by insurance.

Breast Reduction Surgeon Fee - The surgeon's fee is the primary cost in any breast reduction. This is the fee the surgeon charges for the surgery itself and includes the time and consultation surrounding the surgery. A surgeon's fee will increase based on experience and the number of breast reductions performed. As well, a surgeon's fee may be higher if the general costs in that geographic area are higher. A high surgeon's fee should not be an immediate deal breaker in any decision about a breast reduction surgeon. A surgeon with greater experience may offer a better breast reduction with fewer drawbacks in results.

Facility Fee - Location of the surgery will vary by breast reduction surgeon. The breast reduction surgery can take place in a hospital-like environment, an outpatient surgery center or even a surgeon's private operating room. Each of these facilities can vary in fee, but a breast reduction surgeon will be able to give an exact cost at consultation if the patient is covering this fee rather than insurance. A facility fee generally costs between $500 and $1000.

Anesthesia - Anesthesia fees vary based on local versus general anesthesia. The vast majority of breast reduction surgeries are performed with general anesthesia. This means that the entire body is anesthetized and the breast reduction patient is unconscious or "asleep." General anesthesia is more expensive because it requires sedating the entire body, rather than just numbing the spot receiving surgery. As well, general anesthesia requires the attention of an anesthesiologist to prevent complications. Local anesthesia for breast reductions is less common, but sometimes used. In this situation, just the site of surgery is numbed and the breast reduction patient may be given a drug to induce drowsiness, but not fully render the patient unconscious.

Medication - Following breast reduction surgery, the breast reduction surgeon will prescribe drugs to relieve any pain from surgery and antibiotics to prevent infection. Pain and discomfort are most associated with the first two days after surgery with it lessening over the next one to two weeks. The amount of pain medication needed will vary according to the patient, but antibiotics must be taken strictly and are not an optional cost. Also after a breast reduction, a patient may want moisturizer for any dryness on the breast skin. This is fine to use as long as none is applied to suture areas.

Miscellaneous Costs Associated With Breast Reduction - Lifestyle and travel costs should also be considered when planning for a breast reduction. Travel to the consultation and to surgery could be a notable cost if the patient does not live close to a breast reduction surgeon. As well, a breast lift patient will need to take at least one week off work before returning. If a patient's work is strenuous, she may have to wait three to four weeks before engaging in any strain or lifting. Also, patients with small children cannot lift or carry the child for the first week. This may add a cost for a sitter or nanny to help out in the interim.

Breast Reduction and Insurance

Because of the chronic pain that can be caused by extremely large breasts, breast reduction surgery is often covered by insurance. Large breasts, especially when drooping, can cause severe pain over time and headaches, back pain and neck pain are all associated problems. As well, large breasts can weigh heavier on brassieres, causing straps to cut into the shoulders and back. Breast reduction surgery can relieve many of these conditions. Because of this the majority of breast reduction procedures are covered by insurance as the health benefits outweigh the long-term health problems.

Meeting with a breast reduction surgeon for a consultation is the first step in finding out if your need for a breast reduction will be covered by insurance.

Many surgeons will assist in making a case with your insurance provider for the breast reduction. Each insurance provider is unique and your particular coverage details will be handled by them.

Breast Reduction Financing and Payment Plans

Surgery can be very expensive and it's easy to get discouraged about covering the associated costs. If insurance doesn't cover the cost of a breast reduction, a surgeon may still offer financing for the surgery. Monthly payment plans may put the surgery in reach of a person who cannot afford the cost of a breast reduction in one payment. Each surgeon will offer their own set of payment options and these can be discussed with the surgeon's staff during an initial consultation.

Choosing a Breast Reduction Doctor

You should not choose a doctor for your breast reduction based on cost alone as a higher surgeon's fee may represent greater skill and experience on the part of the surgeon. A breast reduction is not an insignificant procedure and a patient should find a doctor who gives her confidence. If insurance is covering the procedure, a patient may be limited to a selection of doctors within an insurance provider's coverage area. However, this shouldn't eliminate the time and research invested in finding the right breast reduction surgeon. As well, many surgeons can provide a case for breast reduction to your insurance company after the initial consultation.