Is Gynecomastia surgery, or a male breast reduction, covered by Medicare in Australia?
Simply put, this procedure is a reconstructive operation which means eligible patients are entitled to a Medicare rebate.
Dr Yang and his team explain more below.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynaecomastia, also spelled Gynecomastia, is a condition which leads to enlarged, non-cancerous breast tissue in men or boys.
For some males, excess fat in this region can exacerbate the issue, however, Gynecomastia is different from being overweight. Instead, the swollen breast tissue will feel firm or rubbery.
Gynaecomastia is typically caused by a hormone imbalance and can occur within any age group. Other causes can include genetic conditions, tumours and kidney disease.
This condition can lead to significant emotional distress and embarrassment, and many males find it difficult to cope with.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Covered By Medicare In Australia?
If you have been diagnosed with gynecomastia and are undergoing a male breast reduction operation to remove the enlarged tissue, you should receive some Medicare benefit as this procedure is reconstructive in nature.
The Medicare Benefits Schedule item code for the procedure is 31525 and says:
BREAST, mastectomy for gynecomastia, with or without liposuction (suction assisted lipolysis), not being a service associated with a service to which item 45585 applies (H).
Unfortunately, liposuction alone is not covered by Medicare for this procedure.
Eligible patients who have private health cover for plastic surgery may also be entitled to a rebate on the procedure and may have their hospital fee covered.
Gynaecomastia Surgery Brisbane
Dr Yang, a highly qualified Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon in Brisbane, is very experienced when it comes to correcting Gynaecomastia.
The surgery to correct the condition typically involves the removal of the breast gland.
Some patients may also wish to have liposuction simultaneously, to get rid of any surrounding fatty tissue and better contour the chest wall.
Would you like to book an in-person consultation with Dr Yang? Please don’t hesitate to contact our office today by calling (07) 3257 7950 or fill in your contact details here.
Dr Samuel Yang is an experienced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane.
A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, Dr Yang has been practising in both the private and public systems since 2013.
While the Queensland-trained surgeon can help with all plastic surgery needs, he has special interest in abdominoplasty, skin cancer and melanoma, breast surgery, face lifts and blepharoplasty.
Dr Yang aims to help his patients pick the best surgical option based on the desired result, and ensures they are comfortable and informed before making any commitment.
For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3257 7950 today or enquire online here.
