One of the most common queries we receive about all procedures is related to price. This makes sense, especially for those who are new to the world of cosmetic/functional surgery and have no benchmark or ballpark figures to work with. Male breast surgery, or gynecomastia surgery, in particular, can be confusing for patients, especially when considering the various options and factors related to the procedure.

In the following sections, we’ll dissect the numbers to explain how surgeon expertise, facility fees, and more play into the total expense, plus touch on financing options that may ease the burden.

Key Points

• Male breast surgery in Sydney costs between $7,200 – $15,000 with insurance, and $12,000 – $25,000 without insurance, varying due to the surgeon’s expertise, hospital fees, and procedural complexity.
• Additional post-surgery expenses for medications and garments should be included in the budget, and other potential costs include blood work and other pre-operative tests.
• Factors influencing the cost of gynecomastia surgery include the surgeon’s experience, the surgical technique, and geographic location.
• Medicare and private health support are available given strict conditions are met.

What is the Cost of Male Breast Surgery in Sydney?

The cost of male breast surgery can vary significantly. In Sydney, an all-inclusive gynecomastia surgery package that covers all out-of-pocket and hospital fees can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 for patients with insurance. For those without insurance, the price range rises to $12,000 – $25,000, depending on the type of surgery required.

Keep in mind that this range depends on a multitude of factors that we will unpack for you below.

Breakdown of the Costs Involved

Understanding the various cost components of gynecomastia surgery can help explain the wide price range. The cost of gynecomastia surgery can be broken down into several categories, including surgeon fees, hospital and anaesthetist expenses, and post-surgery essentials such as medications and garments.

Surgeon Fees

This is the cost for the skill and expertise of the surgeon you choose. Their fees start from $6,000 to $10,000 or more. The factors that can influence the surgeon’s fee include:

• The surgeon’s training, experience, and reputation
• The surgical approach employed
• Whether the surgery is performed in a hospital or a clinic
• The complexity of the procedure
• Whether they are a FRACS qualified or a cosmetic surgeon with no accredited qualifications

These factors can all contribute to the overall cost of the surgery.

Surgeons of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) charge higher fees due to their recognised qualifications, requiring rigorous prolonged training and high standards to achieve the qualifications.

Hospital and Anaesthetist Expenses

Hospital and anaesthetist expenses cover your accommodation on the day of surgery, theatre fees, and anaesthesia costs. These costs can vary based on the facility and the type of anaesthesia used. Patients without private health coverage need to budget for these expenses, which can increase if an overnight stay is required for observation and pain management, leading to additional hospital costs and potentially further hospital costs.

Gynecomastia surgery hospital costs depend on the extent of your procedure and whether you will require a hospital stay afterwards, but it’s typically around $3,000 – $6,000.

Post-Surgery Medications and Garments

After surgery, recovery often involves medications for pain management and infection prevention, as well as specialised garments to aid healing. These post-operative essentials come with their own costs that should be factored into your budget.

Other Fees

Aside from the main categories, other costs may arise from additional tests to confirm your suitability for gynecomastia surgery. These may include:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasounds or other scans
• Pathology fees for examination of tissue removed
• Other doctors’ fees

What Other Factors Can Change the Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery?

Factors that contribute to the overall cost of gynecomastia surgery include:

• The surgeon’s experience and reputation
• The type of procedure used
• The geographic location of the surgeon’s office

The Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation

A surgeon’s experience and reputation significantly influence the cost. Highly experienced surgeons or those with a specialised focus on gynecomastia surgery may charge more for their services due to their expertise and the demand for their skills.

For example, a specialist breast surgeon may have a higher fee than a general plastic surgeon. If the surgeon underwent specialist surgery training or learnt specialised techniques, this may also affect their rates. Dr Michael Yunaev is a Specialist Breast and General Surgeon and is the Principal Doctor at Breast & Body Clinic. Learn more about Dr Michael Yunaev’s experience here, or book a consultation now.

The Type of Procedure Used

The surgical technique selected for your gynecomastia surgery can also impact the cost. The complexity of the technique can affect the cost of the surgery, with more complex techniques requiring more theatre time and planning.

The Geographic Location of the Office

The cost of living in your area can also affect the price of your gynecomastia surgery. The average specialist fees in New South Wales are around $9,000, whereas South Australia averages around $4,500. Hence, the geographic location of the surgeon’s office can have a significant impact on the final price.

Will Medicare Cover My Male Breast Surgery (Gynecomastia)?

To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, the surgery will need to be deemed medically necessary by meeting these strict Medicare criteria. Not all patients will meet these criteria:

• Your GP and surgeon will need to assess the degree of gynecomastia.
• There must be photographic evidence demonstrating the need for this service.

MBS Item Codes for Male Breast Surgery

These MBS Codes may be applicable to you for Gynecomastia Surgery:

31525 – Correction of Gynecomastia (Bilateral)
Correction of gynecomastia, if:
(a) the patient has persistent pain or tenderness, and
(b) the condition has been present for at least 12 months, and
(c) all other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Applicable only once per lifetime, unless a further service is required due to recurrence (H)
Multiple Operation Rule
(Anaes.) (Assist.)
Fee: $1,264.70 Benefit: 75% = $948.55

31524 – Correction of Gynecomastia (Unilateral)
Correction of unilateral gynecomastia, if:
(a) the patient has persistent pain or tenderness, and
(b) the condition has been present for at least 12 months, and
(c) all other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Applicable only once per occasion on which the service is provided (H)
Multiple Operation Rule
(Anaes.) (Assist.)
Fee: $843.15 Benefit: 75% = $632.40

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Male Breast Surgery in Australia?

Private health fund rebates for gynecomastia surgery depend on the level of insurance cover and the presence of an MBS item number. Generally, private health insurance covers all or most hospital fees for a gynecomastia procedure, but the specific procedures covered and the level of cover provided can vary.

Generally, “If the treatment is medically required and has a Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) number, your Fund will pay a benefit towards your cosmetic surgery.” “Medically required” is the crucial phrase here. Your private health insurance won’t cover you for elective cosmetic surgery.

You can book a consultation now with Dr Michael Yunaev to discuss your suitability for gynecomastia surgery.

Preparing for Your Gynecomastia Surgery

The journey towards gynecomastia surgery begins with a few steps, starting with acquiring a referral to a specialist breast surgeon for an initial consultation. Understanding the associated risks of the procedure, which should be extensively discussed with the surgeon before the surgery, is paramount.

Initial Consultation and Doctor’s Referral

The initial consultation is an essential step in your surgical journey. This consultation includes:

• Assessing your suitability for the procedure
• Setting realistic expectations for the surgery outcomes
• Providing personalised cost estimates based on a physical examination and detailed medical history

Meet with Dr Yunaev

If you’re ready to discuss your options and take the first step towards a transformative experience, book a consultation with Dr Michael Yunaev today to obtain the precise surgical quote for your procedure, that is carefully tailored to your needs.

Dr Yunaev is an experienced surgeon specialising in aesthetic breast and body surgery, general surgery, and the treatment of breast cancer and benign breast conditions.

This deep knowledge of breast disease processes and treatments allows him to approach gynecomastia surgery with a comprehensive perspective. This means that while performing gynecomastia surgery, he is not only considering the aesthetic shape but also the functional and health implications for the patient.

If you are considering this procedure, speak to our friendly team today to receive all of the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. The consultation will not only provide exact costs but also ensure that gynecomastia surgery will create the results you are hoping for. We will assess your situation and goals, and recommend the best path forward to helping you feel more comfortable with your body.