Why is the breast reduction procedure more expensive than a breast augmentation procedure?

Question

Jeremy Hunt, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi,The cost of procedures will be related to the time it takes to perform the surgery and as breast reduction is more time in the operating theater that augmentation, the cost is often higher.If you  have Private Insurance that covers hospital costs and the reduction is for a medical reason, you will likely find the cost of a reduction is less that an augmentation.I hope that helpsJeremy HUNT

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there,Reduction is not more expensive that augmentation in my practice, at least.I suspect in most practices they are quite similar.And, if you're in Australia and have medical symptoms related to excessive breast size, there are both medicare rebates and private insurance benefits available to those having reduction.All the very best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There are many reasons why the breast reduction procedure is more expensive than breast augmentation surgery. Some of these include: a  significantly longer surgical procedure, which increases surgeon's fees,  the anesthesiologist's fees, and surgical facility fees. Generally speaking, the procedure is a more complex procedure and significantly more “labor-intensive”. Furthermore, there may be costs associated with pathology evaluation of breast tissue as well. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns) helps.

Peter Callan, MBBS, FRACS, MBA · Answer

Hi thereAs a rule the costs are usually similar.  Surgery time is longer in reduction and as long as the surgery is medically related (ie excessive breast size causes medical symptoms) health rebates may apply and there is no GST applicable.For augmentation the cost of implants and GST means the price compared to reduction is quite similar.I hope this helps.

Vladimir Milovic, MD, FRACS · Answer

A breast reduction procedure is more technically demanding procedure, and requires a qualified and experienced PS for best results.  The procedure has a longer operating time and therefore added cost.  The Anaesthetist charges according to duration of the procedure, so those costs are higher.   Tissue is normally sent to pathology for testing, and depending on the lab, costs may vary and are incurred here as well.   The procedure is reconstructive in nature and the PS must give also due consideration to final nipple placement and determine whether the nipple can be spared during the procedure.

Why is the breast reduction procedure more expensive than a breast augmentation procedure?

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Answer: Cost of breast augmentation vs breast reduction

Answer: Cost of breast augmentation vs breast reduction

Answer: Why breast reduction more expensive than breast augmentation?

Answer: Why breast reduction more expensive than breast augmentation?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Why is the breast reduction procedure more expensive than a breast augmentation procedure?

Answers (5)

Answer: Cost of breast augmentation vs breast reduction

Answer: Cost of breast augmentation vs breast reduction

Answer: Why breast reduction more expensive than breast augmentation?

Answer: Why breast reduction more expensive than breast augmentation?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.