Breast reduction costs can run from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Breast reduction prices for self-pay patients vary based on a number of different factors. Bear in mind that the overall fees may be decreased if you negotiate in advance to pay a lump sum rather than monthly payments. You could end up paying substantially more if you choose financing that includes interest fees. Here’s a look at some of the costs associated with this procedure.

Surgeon’s fee: $3,000-5,000

This price can be more or less depending on:

  • The surgeon’s level of experience and reputation for excellence
  • The geographic location (some areas have higher rates based on availability of services, level of competition for patients, cost of living, etc.)
  • The complexity of the procedure (repositioning the nipples and reducing the areola are examples of factors that can increase the time it takes to do a breast reduction)
  • Follow-up procedures required to correct cosmetic issues

Facility Fees: $500-2,000+

These are the fees assessed by the hospital or plastic surgery center where your procedure is performed. The costs vary depending on the location and level of services provided by the facility. The longer you stay, the higher your costs will be. Always ask for an itemized bill unless you have agreed on a flat rate price to be paid in advance for the facility fee. That way, you can ensure that you are being invoiced accurately. The facility fees may include costs for medications that are administered during your surgery as well as supplies for wound care.

Anesthesiologist: $1,200+

These fees are for the anesthesiologist to administer anesthesia and monitor your vital signs throughout your surgery. General anesthesia will cost much more than local anesthesia and sedation. However, general anesthesia is typically recommended since breast reduction is an extensive surgical procedure. The length of time required for the operation may also impact the cost of the anesthesiologist’s fees. For example, you may be charged more for a five-hour surgery than for a two-hour surgery. You will need to negotiate pricing with your anesthesiologist separately from the deal you make with your surgeon.

Additional Breast Reduction Costs

You may have many additional costs associated with your breast reduction. These include any lab tests such as mammograms or blood work done prior to the procedure. You may also need to buy pain medications and antibiotics as well as compression garments, bandages and other wound care supplies. These may increase breast reduction prices by another $500-1,000. Lost income from the time you take off work and incidental supplies you purchase to make your recovery more comfortable can add to your final bill. If you experience complications, the additional treatment may substantially increase the overall cost of your breast reduction.

Breast Reduction Costs Covered By Insurance

Unlike most other plastic surgeries, breast reduction costs may be partly defrayed by medical insurance. That’s because the procedure may be considered medically necessary. Having breasts that are too large can cause a number of health problems including chronic back and neck pain. However, there are factors that can affect whether your insurance plan will cover the operation. For example, if the reduction is not substantial, your insurance provider may determine that it is mainly cosmetic and refuse to pay. That’s one thing to keep in mind when you are consulting with your surgeon about how small you want your breasts to be.

Read your insurance plan documents carefully. Make sure you have followed any instructions for obtaining pre-qualification or advance approval from your provider. Choosing a surgeon who is “in-network” and who accepts your insurance is, of course, critical for ensuring that your insurance carrier accepts your claim. If you do have insurance that covers breast reduction costs, the amount you will have to pay out of pocket can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on your copay or deductible structure. These days, many insurance plans only cover breast reduction as an outpatient surgery. You might be expected to pick up the tab for a stay in the hospital if your surgeon feels you need to remain overnight. If you require follow up surgery for correction of cosmetic problems like asymmetry or excessive scarring, the additional costs will probably not be covered. These are all possibilities you should discuss with your surgeon prior to your procedure.