Breast reduction is the exception on this hub. Almost every other operation in this section is funded entirely by the patient, and this one frequently is not. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes an average cost of breast reduction, for aesthetic patients only, of $7,800 as a surgeon fee excluding anesthesia, operating room facilities and other related expenses, and says on the same page that breast reduction surgery is often covered by health insurance plans, though the surgeon may need approval from the insurance company first.
Ask providers for a written price
Why the published average says aesthetic patients only
Because the patients whose operation is funded by a payer are not paying a surgeon fee at all, and including them would produce a meaningless average. The $7,800 is what self-pay patients are charged. Read alongside the coverage note, it tells you two things at once: what the operation costs if you fund it, and that a large part of this market does not fund it that way.
What the approval route actually involves
ASPS describes it plainly: the plastic surgeon may need to get approval from the insurance company, a process that may involve submitting a letter and photos. Once authorization is granted, surgery can be scheduled, and the patient is still responsible for any copayments or deductibles. If coverage is denied, the option is to pay out of pocket. That is the whole shape of the funding question, and none of it can be settled after the operation.
What you still pay when it is covered
Copayments and deductibles, which ASPS names explicitly. Those are not small on a surgical admission, and a patient who reads approved as free will be surprised by the bill. The self-pay figures on this page are the alternative rather than the addition. We publish what the source says about coverage and give no insurance advice; what your plan owes you is between you and the plan, in writing.
Other questions people ask
How much is a breast reduction in the US?
The ASPS average cost of breast reduction for aesthetic patients only is $7,800. That is a surgeon fee and excludes anesthesia, operating room facilities and other related expenses.
Will insurance pay for it?
ASPS says breast reduction surgery is often covered by health insurance plans, but the surgeon may need approval from the insurer first, which may involve submitting a letter and photos.
If it is approved, do I pay nothing?
No. ASPS states that you remain responsible for any copayments or deductibles.
What if my insurer refuses?
ASPS says the option is to pay out of pocket, which is what the $7,800 aesthetic-patient average describes, before anesthesia and facility.