How Much Does Breast Reduction Surgery Cost in 2026?
Breast reduction surgery costs between $6,000 and $15,000 in the United States in 2026, with a national average of approximately $8,900 when paying out of pocket. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone for breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is approximately $6,200, but this does not include anesthesia, facility fees, or other associated costs.
Unlike many cosmetic procedures, breast reduction is frequently covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. When insurance covers the procedure, patients typically pay only their deductible and copay, which can range from $1,000 to $3,500 out of pocket. This makes breast reduction one of the most accessible major surgical procedures for patients experiencing physical symptoms from overly large breasts.
The total cost depends heavily on your geographic location, the surgical technique used, your surgeon's experience, and whether your insurance plan provides coverage. Below, we break down every cost factor to help you plan and budget accurately.
Cost by Surgery Type
Breast reduction can be performed using several techniques, each with different complexity levels and price points. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on the amount of tissue to be removed, your breast shape, and your aesthetic goals.
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Liposuction-Only Reduction | $5,800 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Vertical (Lollipop) Reduction | $8,500 | $6,500 – $11,000 |
| Anchor (Inverted-T) Reduction | $9,200 | $7,000 – $13,000 |
| Reduction with Breast Lift | $10,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Gynecomastia Reduction (Male) | $7,500 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
The anchor (inverted-T) technique is the most common for significant reductions, while the vertical (lollipop) method is preferred for moderate reductions with less scarring. Liposuction-only reduction is the least invasive but is only suitable for patients who need a modest size decrease and have good skin elasticity.
Breast Reduction Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors influencing breast reduction cost. Prices in major coastal cities can be 30-50% higher than in Midwestern and Southern states due to higher overhead costs, cost of living, and demand.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $11,200 | $8,500 – $15,000 |
| New York | $11,500 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Florida | $8,800 | $6,500 – $12,000 |
| Texas | $8,200 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| Illinois | $9,000 | $7,000 – $12,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $8,700 | $6,500 – $11,500 |
| Ohio | $7,500 | $5,500 – $10,000 |
| Georgia | $8,000 | $6,000 – $10,500 |
| North Carolina | $7,800 | $6,000 – $10,500 |
| Arizona | $8,400 | $6,500 – $11,000 |
| Michigan | $7,600 | $5,500 – $10,000 |
| Colorado | $9,100 | $7,000 – $12,000 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance: What You'll Pay
Breast reduction is unique among body contouring procedures because it is frequently covered by insurance. Understanding your coverage status can mean the difference between paying $1,500 and $12,000+.
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (medically necessary) | $1,000 – $3,500 | Surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility, pathology; patient pays deductible and copay/coinsurance |
| Medicare | $1,500 – $3,500 | Covered under Part B when medically necessary; patient pays 20% after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Fully covered in most states when medically necessary; minimal or no copay |
| Without Insurance | $6,000 – $15,000 | Patient pays all costs; some surgeons offer cash-pay discounts of 10-20% |
To qualify for insurance coverage, most insurers require documentation of: chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain; skin irritation or infections beneath the breasts; failed conservative treatments (physical therapy, prescription pain management, supportive bras); and a minimum tissue removal threshold, often 500 grams or more per breast based on the Schnur Sliding Scale. Your plastic surgeon's office typically handles the prior authorization process.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included in the Price
A breast reduction quote should be comprehensive. Here's what makes up the total cost:
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $800 – $1,500 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Pre-Operative Lab Work & Mammogram | $200 – $600 |
| Pathology (Tissue Analysis) | $200 – $400 |
| Post-Surgical Garments | $50 – $150 |
| Prescription Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Follow-Up Visits | Often included in surgeon's fee |
Always request an all-inclusive quote from your surgeon's office. Some practices advertise only the surgeon's fee, which can make their price appear significantly lower than competitors who include everything.
Factors That Affect Breast Reduction Cost
Geographic Location
Surgeons in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco charge significantly more due to higher rent, staff salaries, and malpractice insurance. Practices in smaller cities and suburban areas typically offer 20-40% lower prices for comparable quality.
Surgeon's Experience and Credentials
Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive breast reduction experience typically charge premium fees. However, choosing a highly experienced surgeon often results in better outcomes, fewer complications, and lower revision rates — saving money in the long run.
Amount of Tissue Removed
Larger reductions require more surgical time, more complex techniques, and sometimes overnight hospital stays. A reduction removing 800+ grams per breast will generally cost more than a moderate reduction of 300-500 grams.
Surgical Facility Type
Procedures performed in a hospital setting cost $1,500 to $3,000 more than those performed in an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Most breast reductions can be safely performed in an outpatient ASC, which offers significant savings.
Combined Procedures
Adding a breast lift, liposuction of surrounding areas, or other complementary procedures increases the total cost. However, combining procedures saves money compared to having them separately since you share anesthesia and facility fees.
Insurance Coverage Status
Whether your procedure qualifies as medically necessary versus cosmetic is the single largest cost factor. Patients with insurance approval pay a fraction of the total cost compared to self-pay patients.
How to Save Money on Breast Reduction Surgery
- Pursue Insurance Coverage Aggressively — Even if initially denied, appeal the decision. Work with your surgeon's billing team to submit thorough documentation. Many denials are overturned on appeal, potentially saving you $5,000–$12,000.
- Get Multiple Quotes — Consult with at least 3 board-certified plastic surgeons. Prices for the same procedure can vary by $3,000–$5,000 within the same city. Many surgeons offer free or low-cost consultations.
- Choose an Outpatient Surgery Center — Accredited ASCs charge significantly less than hospitals. Confirm with your surgeon that your case is appropriate for an outpatient setting.
- Consider Traveling for Surgery — If you live in a high-cost area, traveling to a nearby state with lower prices can save thousands, even after accounting for travel expenses and hotel stays.
- Ask About Cash-Pay Discounts — Many surgeons offer 10-20% discounts for patients who pay in full before surgery. This can save $800–$2,000 on a typical procedure.
- Use HSA or FSA Funds — If your procedure is medically necessary, Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account funds can be used, effectively giving you a 20-35% tax savings on your out-of-pocket costs.
- Time Your Surgery Strategically — If you've already met your insurance deductible for the year (perhaps due to other medical expenses), scheduling your surgery before year-end maximizes your insurance benefits.
Financing Options for Breast Reduction Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by plastic surgeons | 0% APR for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months; 26.99% variable APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans | Loans from $2,000–$35,000; terms of 24–84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| In-House Payment Plans | Offered directly by many surgeon practices | Typically 3-12 month plans; often interest-free; may require 25-50% deposit |
| HSA/FSA | Tax-advantaged accounts for medically necessary procedures | Pre-tax dollars; HSA funds roll over annually; FSA has use-it-or-lose-it deadline |
| Personal Loan | Through banks, credit unions, or online lenders | Fixed rates from 6-15% APR; terms of 12-60 months; no healthcare restrictions |
Pro Tips from the Experts
Document everything for insurance. Start a medical paper trail at least 6 months before requesting surgery. Visit your primary care doctor for back and neck pain, get physical therapy referrals, and photograph any skin rashes. Insurance companies want to see a history of failed conservative treatments.
Verify your surgeon's board certification. Always confirm your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — not just any board certification. You can verify credentials at abplasticsurgery.org. This is the single most important factor in ensuring a safe outcome.
Ask about the Schnur Sliding Scale. Most insurance companies use this formula to determine medical necessity based on your body surface area and the amount of tissue to be removed. Your surgeon should be familiar with your insurer's specific requirements and can estimate whether you'll meet the threshold during your consultation.
Don't choose your surgeon based on price alone. Breast reduction revision surgery costs $5,000–$10,000 and is rarely covered by insurance. Investing in an experienced, board-certified surgeon the first time is almost always more cost-effective than correcting a poor result later.