Gynaecomastia surgery cost

Gynaecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) at Me Clinic ranges from $9,000 to $12,000. The quote you receive at your initial consultation includes all associated surgical treatment costs.

Needs vary considerably between patients, which is why a private consultation and assessment is required before an accurate price can be given. There is no standard price, because the amount and type of tissue involved differs in every case.

What the quote includes

At Me Clinic the price quoted at your initial consultation covers all associated surgical treatment costs:

Surgeon fee - set by the individual doctor performing the surgery, and largely determined by their experience and the complexity of the procedure.
Theatre and hospital fees - where the surgery is performed in a hospital rather than without admission.
Anaesthetist fees - where a general anaesthetic is required. Some cases can be performed under local anaesthesia without an anaesthetist.
Follow-up care - all post-procedure check-ups are included in the quoted price.
Medication and garments - the compression garment worn after surgery, and any medication, are included in the procedure fee.

What makes the cost vary

The volume of fat removed. Gynaecomastia surgery is often performed using liposuction, where fat cells are removed from the chest area through a cannula attached to a suction device. More tissue means more theatre time.
Removal of glandular tissue. Where liposuction alone will not achieve the result, excess glandular tissue from behind the nipples must also be excised. This adds complexity and time, and is generally the main driver of a higher quote.
Excess skin. Where there is significant loose skin - common after major weight loss - skin excision and nipple repositioning are required, which is a more extensive operation.
Anaesthesia and admission. Whether the procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, and whether hospital admission is required, both affect the total.
Combined procedures. Patients sometimes combine gynaecomastia surgery with liposuction or liposculpture elsewhere on the body. Combining everything into a single procedure can be more cost-effective than separate operations.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350. For reference, body liposuction ranges from $6,000 to $8,000 per hour.

Payment and finance

Payment for major surgery is due four weeks before the procedure. For minor procedures payment is due prior to surgery.

Cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit and all major credit cards are accepted, with surcharges applying to cards. Medical clinics cannot provide finance directly, but independent medical finance companies are available - ask the clinic team or search online.

Your consultation fee is due at the time of booking. Cancellation and postponement policies are set out in the clinic's terms and conditions.

Medicare

Gynaecomastia surgery is one of the procedures that can attract a Medicare rebate where it is medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic. The relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers are 31525 for unilateral gynaecomastia and 31526 for bilateral.

Each procedure covered by Medicare has strict MBS criteria that must be met. Without meeting them, the surgery is considered elective and no rebate applies. The process is:

Consultation and assessment. Your surgeon assesses whether your condition meets the criteria, reviewing your medical history, symptoms and a physical examination.
Item number assignment. If the surgery qualifies, the surgeon assigns the appropriate item number, which is included in your medical documentation.
Referral. A valid GP or specialist referral must be in place before surgery for Medicare eligibility, providing the medical reason supporting the claim.
Claiming. After the procedure, the surgeon's office assists with the Medicare claim using the assigned item number.

Item numbers are updated periodically, so confirm the current numbers and criteria with your surgeon and on MBS Online.

Private health insurance

If you are eligible for a Medicare item number and hold the right level of cover, your health insurer may subsidise part of the surgery. Note that Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider, so a significant out-of-pocket payment remains even where cover applies. Out-of-pocket costs can include surgeon's fees, hospital costs and anaesthesia fees.

Check the specifics of your policy with your insurer before booking.

Cost of having the procedure overseas

Having the procedure performed overseas is often cheaper but not always safer. Cosmetic surgery performed overseas has a well-reported higher complication and revision rate, which should be factored into the real total cost.

Travel insurance is unlikely to cover private or public hospital fees for complications experienced while overseas, and if a problem arises after you return, revision surgery is an additional cost. Recovering at home, with access to your surgeon if an issue arises, is one of the practical arguments for having surgery locally. See our information on the risks of overseas cosmetic surgery.

The process

Consultation. Your surgeon discusses your individual needs, explains the treatment options and likely results, gives an overview of the process and timeframes, conducts a general medical consult, and provides a quote. Diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or mammography may be requested to distinguish glandular from fatty tissue.
Medical assessment. If you decide to proceed, a pre-operative consultation and further medical assessment confirm you are medically fit for the procedure.
Cooling-off period. For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.
Booking. A suitable time is booked for the procedure. You can be placed on a waitlist for cancellations.
The procedure. Performed in a day hospital, with most patients returning home shortly afterwards.
Follow-up. You attend the clinic the day after your procedure, or within a few days, for your first check-up. The surgeon and nursing team are available for questions or concerns.

Referral requirement

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. A valid referral is also needed if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on medically essential surgery.

Recovery

Initial recovery usually takes about one to two weeks, during which strenuous activity should be avoided to assist healing and reduce the risk of complications. A compression garment is worn to help retract excess skin and prevent fluid accumulation. Swelling and bruising are expected, and pain can be managed with prescribed medication; pain generally subsides after the first week.

Swelling and bruising reduce significantly by around three weeks. After one or two weeks most people can return to work, resume normal activities and perform light exercise, according to their surgeon's instructions. Strenuous exercise is avoided until three to four weeks. Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks before international flights or swimming.

The final result generally becomes apparent within six months.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications. Common side effects immediately after gynaecomastia surgery include bruising and swelling, which subside over time according to your body's ability to recover.

Further risks include infection, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, changes in nipple or chest sensation, asymmetry, contour irregularity, delayed healing, scarring, and the possible need for further surgery. General surgical risks include anaesthesia complications and blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism).

Risks are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

See gynaecomastia surgery for procedure detail and surgical techniques, male breast surgery, or the full Me Clinic pricing page.