Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia? (Photo)

Question

I've dealt with Gyno all through my teens and early adulthood. I thought I would learn to accept this but I can't. I can't run or lift weights because no matter what I do they won't go away. Will my insurance cover all or most of the cost of the surgery? Is there a way of getting the surgery so that I'm not too scarred and can still remove my shirt and people won't notice? I'm desperate at this point. Any help would be appreciated.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Typically, gynecomastia surgery is not always covered by many insurance or healthcare programs. If it is, it can take some time to acquire approval as criteria can be restrictive. If approved, it's possible to be reimbursed by the insurance company after the surgery. Nevertheless, most plastic surgery offices offer convenient finance plans that allow patients to pay a low monthly payment.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the average #cost of #gynecomastia surgery can vary widely. #Surgery quotes should include the procedure itself, operating room facilities, anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, medical tests, post-surgery garments, prescription medication and other related costs.  Costs will also vary with geographic location. Estimated costs can be found here on RealSelf.com, PlasticSurgery.org or Surgery.org.

It is imperative you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with male breast #reduction. Plastic surgeons who have specialized in breast surgery and cosmetic surgery are suitable to perform your procedure. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. I am sorry to hear about your concerns.  Unfortunately, if you do not have a specific discrete mass of your chest insurance is very unlikely to cover this.  Please seek evaluation from several board certified plastic surgeons.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the concerns your chest wall appearance has caused you.  My best suggestion: seek in-person consultation with board certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Working together, you will come up with the best plan to achieve your goals. As you learn about options, also carefully consider the pros/cons/risks/complications associated with each option discussed.In my experience, most health insurance companies do not  help with correction of gynecomastia.  Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy.   You may find the attached link, helpful to you as you learn more about treatment options. Best wishes.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

I am not aware of insurance coverage for #gynecomastia surgery. Seek a plastic surgeon with specialty training in #gynecomastia surgery, has great photos, and is an expert in male breast reduction.

David F. Pratt, MD · Answer

Male breast reduction surgery helps bring a male's body back to “normalform”. But most insurance companies will only cover surgeries which involverestoration of “normal function”, otherwise they consider it a cosmetic problem.  One could argue that there is a definite psychological toll from having gynecomastia, but insurance companies generally will not be swayed by that argument.

Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia?

Answer: Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia?

Answer: In Many Cases, Insurance Should Pay for Gyecomastia Treatment

Answer: In Many Cases, Insurance Should Pay for Gyecomastia Treatment

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia?

Answer: Will Blue Cross & Blue Shield cover the removal of gynecomastia?

Answer: In Many Cases, Insurance Should Pay for Gyecomastia Treatment

Answer: In Many Cases, Insurance Should Pay for Gyecomastia Treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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