Do you want to know how much breast reduction surgery with insurance can set you back? Without insurance, how much does a breast reduction and lift cost? or How much does a breast reduction cost without insurance?
What is Breast Reduction?
During a breast reduction, excess breast tissue and skin are removed to achieve a breast size that is proportionate to your body and to ease discomfort.
Breast reductions, unlike most cosmetic procedures, are frequently considered medically necessary. That is, this procedure, also known as a reduction mammaplasty, can alleviate symptoms such as pain, headaches, numbness, rashes, and tingling. This makes some patients quite happy: not only do they feel better afterward, but they can finally find garments that fit them.
The vast majority of women who have their breasts lowered are delighted with the results. Men with gynecomastia (abnormally enlarged male breasts) may also be affected.
Because this is a big surgery, you should be aware of the advantages, risks, and recovery requirements.
Why do some of the women want breast reduction surgery?
As a result of their larger breasts, some women may have back and shoulder pain, difficulty finding clothes that fit properly, migraines, and unwanted attention. Backache is the most common of these issues, and it is frequently the primary motivator for women to have breast reduction surgery.
Because the extra weight puts pressure on the nerves in your back between your shoulder blades and the thoracic area, having larger breasts can cause back pain. Such pressure can cause discomfort in the neck, back, and shoulders, as well as arm numbness in certain situations. Over time, this pressure can cause poor posture, structural deformities, and even shortness of breath. After a breast reduction, it’s often surprising how much better one’s posture becomes.
How much does Breast Reduction Cost?
Average Cost of Breast Reduction:- $5000 – $6000
Price Range for Breast Reduction:- $4000 – $11000
It’s crucial to note, however, that this cost varies greatly from one patient to the next and frequently excludes other surgery-related fees. The surgeon’s charge, facility fee, anaesthesia fee, post-surgery fees, and implant cost are the key costs that go into your total.
According to 2020 figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a breast reduction (for cosmetic purposes solely) is $6,000.
This is only a portion of the entire cost; it excludes anaesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related costs. To establish your final charge, please contact the office of your plastic surgeon.
The cost of a breast reduction surgery is determined by the surgeon’s experience, the treatment utilized, and the location of the office.
If your surgeon offers patient financing, make sure to inquire.
The following items may be included in the cost of breast reduction:
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescription medications
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Lab and other testing fees
- Surgeon’s fee
- Special garments for after surgery
Is breast reduction surgery covered by health insurance?
Breast reduction surgery is covered by many health insurance plans. Your cosmetic surgeon may need to get approval from your insurance company for the procedure. This may necessitate the sending of a letter as well as pictures. You will be able to arrange your operation once you have received authorisation.
Any prescription costs or deductibles that your insurer requires will be your responsibility. If your health insurance does not cover breast reduction surgery, you may opt to pay for it yourself.
What types of Insurance Coverage?
When a procedure like a breast reduction is judged medically necessary, it’s possible that insurance will pay for it. Some of the patients we meet here in North Texas are like this. However, having it covered isn’t always as simple as it appears. It is critical that you examine your insurance policy properly. Policies differ substantially and can even alter from year to year.
If you think you could be eligible for insurance, review your policy carefully, go online, and even phone your insurer. Make sure you understand their requirements if they cover breast reductions.
Non-Insurance Options available
The majority of our patients are self-paying for their breast reductions. The cost varies based on the case, but Dr. Slack covers all preoperative and postoperative visits free of charge. Typically, this entails five visits. The following are the most common methods of payment used by our clients:
On Credit: A large number of our patients pay using a credit card. Because of the many incentive and point programmes offered, this may be appealing. However, keep an eye out for excessive interest rates. You might even be able to take advantage of a free trial offer.
On Cash or Cheques: You may be happy to learn that we still accept cash and cheques in this increasingly paperless age. Begin putting money aside. If you pay yourself instead of Starbucks, you’ll be astonished at how soon you’ll have money for something important to you. Better still, stop smoking (which you should do anyhow before surgery) and you’ll save a lot of money.
Medical Financing: Companies such as Prosper and CareCredit® specialise in providing flexible monthly payment options for healthcare services. They frequently feature no upfront expenses or prepayment penalties, allowing you to obtain the operation you desire sooner rather than later.
Whatever method you choose to pay for your breast reduction, keep in mind that cost is not the only (or most important) consideration. The importance of finding a knowledgeable plastic surgeon you can trust and who will provide you with the care you require should not be overlooked.
Payment and Financing in Breast Reduction Surgery
Because breast reduction surgery is frequently performed for medical and non-cosmetic reasons, your insurance policy may cover the treatment. To be sure, check with your insurance carrier to see if the surgery is covered in full or in part. If a patient wants to go this route, most plastic surgeons offer monthly payment plans and financing options for operations that aren’t covered by insurance or only cover a portion of the surgery.
Scope of Procedure
The cost of a breast reduction, like most treatments, is determined by the scope of surgery required as well as the individual’s concerns and expectations. Extremely huge, huge breasts necessitate more intensive surgery to remove extra tissue and relocate and reshape the nipple, which might raise the procedure’s cost. Because each breast reduction surgery operation is different, addressing pricing before a surgeon has inspected the breasts and developed a surgical plan specific to each patient is premature.
Surgery Operating Facility
This is an important factor to think about not only because of the overall cost, but also because it may place a price on your safety and happiness. In the decision-making process, it’s vital to have your surgery performed in an accredited surgical facility by qualified staff. Don’t try to save money by having your surgery done in a non-accredited practise or by a surgeon who isn’t certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Surgeon Selection
Based on the various facilities at their disposal, expertise level, and accreditations, each surgeon has their own strategy to doing breast reductions. Surgeon selection is an important factor to consider, especially when it comes to impacting surgical costs.
It’s necessary to seek a cosmetic surgeon who has considerable experience with all forms of breast surgery and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Although board accreditation may not always guarantee the greatest results, it does necessitate extensive education and surgical training to raise the chances of a positive outcome. The sort of certification is also essential; while there are over 150 self-designated boards, the American Board of Medical Specialties recognises only a few (ABMS).
Geographic Location
When calculating the cost of a procedure, it’s crucial to consider the regional area rather than the national average. The thorn in the side is that total cost varies greatly by place, with plastic surgery centres like Manhattan, Beverly Hills, Miami, and Los Angeles being on the higher end of the scale. In comparison, costs in sparsely populated areas, such as the Midwest, will be significantly lower.
Surgical Expenses
You should inquire directly with the surgeon if these are the total fees included in your estimate. Because there are no standard rates for any of these expenses, it’s crucial to weigh your options by consulting with a few doctors and collecting estimates for not only their surgeon fees but also any other surgical-related costs.
What affects the cost of a breast reduction?
Let’s take a closer look at the factors we mentioned earlier to continue our study. First and foremost, a public service announcement: the information provided here is an estimate, and the most precise cost analysis will always be obtained through discussions with potential plastic surgeons.
Now that we’ve cleared everything out, the following tips can help you get a sense of what questions to ask and what things to think about during a plastic surgery consultation. Knowledge is a powerful tool! Woo!
Anesthesiologist
Cost is influenced by education, training, and experience, just as it is with plastic surgery. General anaesthesia necessitates a higher level of expertise and is more costly than local anaesthetic. Anesthesiologists are not required to give most local anaesthetics.
Procedure occurrences are broken out by area in the 2020 ASPS Report. In 2019, the east and west coasts accounted for 51% of all breast reduction surgeries. The remainder was held in the country’s centre region.
Recovery
While each candidate’s recovery will be different, medicines, compression garments, follow-up appointments, and time away from work are all common.
Provider
A more experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or specialist provider normally charges more for their services, and so charges more for consultations. The consultation charge may be applied to the procedure’s total cost.
Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure
Depending on your situation, you may be able to have breast reduction surgery in an outpatient clinic or you may need to stay in the hospital for at least one night. You’ll be given general anaesthesia in any situation, which means you’ll be put to “sleep” for the procedure.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes 2 to 5 hours, although it might take longer.
Depending on the form and size of your breasts, the amount of tissue that needs to be removed, and how you wish to look after surgery, your surgeon may employ one of several surgical approaches.
Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
After that, plan on taking at least a week off from work or school. Some folks require a few weeks, although each circumstance is different. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to remove bandages and stitching at your follow-up sessions.
You’ll need to avoid physical exercise for at least a month after surgery while you heal.
You should anticipate to be exhausted and have breast soreness after the procedure. To help you get through the first few days, your surgeon will prescribe an oral pain reliever. Heavy lifting should also be avoided.
Breast Reduction Surgery Risks and Complications
Breast reduction surgery results in scarring, which is a common adverse effect. These scars will fade with time, but they will never totally disappear. If you carry heavy objects too soon after surgery, they can get worse.
Other possible problems include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Short-term or long-term loss of feeling in your breasts or nipples
- The drug used to help you sleep during surgery has some side effects (anesthesia)
- Swelling and bruising
- Damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and other body parts
How to Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery
To ensure that you recuperate properly following breast reduction surgery, you must be in good physical form. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations before and after the procedure.
Before the surgery, get your home ready for recovery. Have these things on hand:
If you’re not staying in the hospital, make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night after the procedure
- Plenty of ice
- Gauze and clean washcloths and towels
- Loose, comfortable shirts
- For the incision sites, use special ointments or treatments as directed by your surgeon.
Breast Reduction Surgery Risks and Complications
Breast reduction surgery results in scarring, which is a common adverse effect. These scars will fade with time, but they will never totally disappear. If you carry heavy objects too soon after surgery, they can get worse.
Conclusion (Breast Reduction Surgery Costs)
Breast reduction surgery is usually covered by insurance. Your prospects of getting insurance coverage are favourable because breast reduction is considered reconstructive. However, you must ensure that you follow all of your policy’s requirements.
A letter from your surgeon with images of your breasts and data about your physical symptoms can be sent in. Get in touch with your health insurer as soon as possible to find out exactly what they will cover. Will lab fees or anesthesiologist fees, for example, be covered by insurance? Asking questions ahead of time will help you avoid unpleasant surprises after the surgery.
If your health insurance company considers a breast reduction treatment to be medically necessary, your medical professional must regularly document medical necessity and give evidence that other therapy have been considered to your insurance company. During your visit with your doctor or a plastic surgeon, you can check the ASPS for more detailed criteria. Finally, despite the functional indications, hybrid operations that combine an aesthetic and functional advantage may not be covered.