Is Breast Reduction Considered Cosmetic Surgery?

Is Breast Reduction considered cosmetic surgery?

  • No, at this point in time, Medicare considers every breast reduction procedure a Medicare eligible procedure, not cosmetic
  • There is no fine print to exclude any breast reduction surgery.

Is Breast Reduction surgery covered by Medicare?

  • Medicare will cover (a small) part of your surgeon’s fees and anaesthetic fees.
  • Hospital fees are never covered by Medicare.

What is the cost of Breast Reduction

  • The cost of breast reduction will vary from one surgeon to the next.
  • Check your surgeons qualifications, experience and results to determine if you think their fees are relevant
  • All breast reduction surgery is paid for in full before your surgery.
  • After the date of surgery, you can claim the schedule fee rebate on a bilateral breast reduction.
  • Hospital fees may be covered by your private health insurance.
  • If you are uninsured you will have the entire hospital fee payable on the day of your surgery. This may be anywhere from $1600 – $3000
  • You will also have anaesthetic fees, which are partly rebateable by Medicare.

Will my Private Health Fund cover the costs of breast reduction surgery?

  • If you have private health insurance, including hospital cover with no exclusions, your health fund should cover all hospital fees (with the exception of any co-payment arrangement you may have)
  • You may still have out-of-pocket costs for your anaesthetist and your surgeon.
  • Your surgeon’s theatre booking staff will be able to give you exact information on what you will and won’t be covered for with your level of cover.

Can I have a breast reduction in a public hospital?

  • Technically yes. You will be placed on a waiting list as a Category 3
  • All Category 1 and Category 2 clients must be operated on in a timely fashion, or the hospital is penalised financially.
  • Once this has occurred, Category 3 clients are called forward in order of how long they have been on the waitlist.
  • This process often takes many years.

How do I choose a surgeon for my breast reduction surgery?

  • When it comes to surgery on your body, cost should be your last consideration.
  • You are doing this look and feel better- not to risk problems or be unhappy with your result.
  • Do your homework and choose a GOOD surgeon, not a CHEAP surgeon, or become a statistic.
  • We would recommend choosing a surgeon according to his/ her level of skill and the results posted on their website, as opposed to cost.
  • Firstly check that they are a qualified surgeon
  • A qualified surgeon has FRACS behind their name. If bot, they are not a surgeon!
  • Look for a surgeon that has many years’ experience, so they are not practicing on you.
  • Choose a surgeon that does not move around. A good surgeon doesn’t need to find work – it comes to them!
  • Look for a surgeon with lots of before and after photos on their website.
  • All surgeons will have a couple of good results.
  • Choose someone with LOTS of excellent results!

How small a breast size will I be after breast reduction surgery?

  • An experienced surgeon will reduce your breast size proportionately.
  • You are doing this feel and look better.
  • It is not feasible to take al large breasted woman to a very small breast size, you will look silly.
  • Your breast width is something that cannot be changed.
  • The fold under your breast is like a scar and will not change or become smaller. It is permanent.
  • This breast width will be used to judge a size suitable for you.

Will I have to wear a bra after breast reduction?

  • NO! This is probably music to your ears after years of large, wide strapped bras!
  • We recommend soft crop tops if you feel you need to wear something

How long will it take for the divots in my shoulders from bra straps to disappear?

  • It is amazing how quickly all the problems you have endured will disappear!
  • The divots in your shoulders may never go completely, but will start to lessen immediately.
  • Back pain caused by pendulous breasts disappears immediately
  • Rashes under the breast also disappear almost immediately

Is breast reduction surgery painful?

  • No, most women say they took a couple of Panadol after surgery
  • Off course everyone is different, but generally this is not considered a painful procedure.

Dr McGovern performs a huge volume of breast reduction surgery and has done for 25 years.

If you would like more information on breast reduction surgery and how it can help you, call our rooms on 18000 80001