Price of gynaecomastia surgery in Switzerland

Gynaecomastia refers to excessive breast development in men. It may be due to excess glandular tissue, excess fat, in which case it is called pseudo-gynaecomastia, or often a mixture of both, sometimes with excess skin after weight loss. Depending on the case, surgical treatment combines liposuction, removal of the gland through a small incision around the areola and, more rarely, removal of excess skin. The price therefore depends on this composition. Under certain conditions, gynaecomastia surgery may be covered by insurance. For the procedure, see our page on gynaecomastia.

The price of gynaecomastia surgery ranges from simple liposuction, the least expensive, to a combination of liposuction, gland excision and skin removal, the most expensive. Significant, documented glandular gynaecomastia whose causes have been investigated may be covered by insurance upon prior application. Pseudo-gynaecomastia due to fat is most often at the patient's expense.

When the excess is mainly fatty, liposuction through small incisions is sufficient: this is the shortest procedure. When the gland is involved, it must be removed through an incision under the areola, often in addition to liposuction. After significant weight loss, excess skin may need to be removed, with longer scars and repositioning of the areola.

Before any surgery, a work-up is used to look for a cause: certain medications, anabolic substances, hormonal imbalance, liver or thyroid disease, or more rarely a tumour. It includes an examination, a blood test and sometimes an ultrasound. This work-up, reimbursed when indicated, is also an important part of an insurance application file.

Basic insurance may cover the operation when the gynaecomastia is glandular in origin, significant and persistent, causes physical or psychological discomfort, and its causes have been investigated. The application is generally made before the procedure, with a medical report, photos and the work-up results. Pseudo-gynaecomastia related to excess weight is generally considered cosmetic. When coverage is granted, the patient pays their deductible and co-payment; liposuction of neighbouring areas, requested for cosmetic reasons, may remain at their expense.

When the procedure is at the patient's expense, the following tables show the cost of liposuction combined with gland excision, by city and canton, compared with Geneva.

It is essential to check that the quote includes removal of the gland when it is involved: liposuction alone would leave a firm lump under the areola and would disappoint. You should also compare anaesthesia, the compression vest, check-ups and the terms for touch-ups.

A young man whose chest is mainly fatty: liposuction, self-funded, moderate budget. A thirty-year-old man with a firm, troublesome gland, work-up completed: liposuction and excision, coverage possible. A man after losing thirty kilos: skin removal as well, high budget.

Compression vest, a few days off work, several weeks without chest workouts, and possibly massage to soften the tissues.

Gynaecomastia often appears at puberty and resolves spontaneously in many cases. One or two years are generally allowed before considering surgery, unless there is significant discomfort. Coverage follows the same principles.

In athletes, gynaecomastia may be linked to anabolic substances. Stopping them is essential, and insurance coverage is then rare.

When the gland has been removed and the cause is under control, the result is long-lasting. However, weight gain can bring back excess fat.

Liposuction of the male chest is performed through two or three small incisions, often with a vibration- or ultrasound-assisted technique that makes it easier to remove dense fat. Gland excision is performed through a semicircular incision at the lower edge of the areola, leaving a discreet scar. Some surgeons remove the gland through the liposuction incisions, using specific instruments. Skin removal, reserved for significant excess, may require longer scars and repositioning of the areola. The duration ranges from less than an hour to more than two hours, which explains the price differences.

Gynaecomastia is often treated at the same time as liposuction of the abdomen and flanks, for a more harmonious torso. A combined quote costs less than two procedures. Our pages on gynaecomastia and 360 liposuction and the male makeover present these combinations.

A plastic surgeon experienced with the male chest will be able to assess the proportion of gland and fat, remove what is needed without hollowing the areola, and achieve a flat, natural contour. This is the best guarantee that the money is well spent.

To understand the procedure itself, its techniques, recovery and risks, see our guide: Gynaecomastia in Switzerland.

Other prices to consult

• Breast reduction: prices in Switzerland
• Breast augmentation: prices in Switzerland
• Pectoral implants for men: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Breast surgery guide for Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about cost.

Quotes and payment

Is an ultrasound always necessary? Not always; a clinical examination is sometimes enough.

Are both sides billed together? Yes, the price generally covers both sides.

Does the vibration technique cost more? Sometimes a small equipment surcharge.

Can the gland be removed without a scar on the areola? Sometimes, through the liposuction incisions.

Is the result visible immediately? It is masked by swelling for a few weeks.

How much does gynaecomastia surgery cost? It depends on the technique and extent; our tables compare the regions.

Is gynaecomastia surgery reimbursed? It can be when it is significant, documented and after the causes have been investigated.

Is pseudo-gynaecomastia reimbursed? Rarely, as it is mainly fat.

Is a hormone work-up needed? Often, to look for a cause.

Is the work-up reimbursed? Yes, if it is medically indicated.

Is a prior application necessary? Generally, yes.

Does liposuction alone cost less? Yes, when fat predominates.

Does gland excision increase the price? Yes, it adds a procedure.

Does excess skin cost more? Yes, it requires more extensive scars.

Is the compression vest provided? Often.

Is general anaesthesia necessary? Often; local anaesthesia is possible for minor cases.

Do I need to stay overnight at the clinic? Rarely.

Are check-ups included? Generally.

Does the price vary by city? Moderately.

Can payment be spread out? Depending on the clinic.

Is the first appointment charged? Yes, generally.

Can a teenager have surgery? Often after puberty, if the gynaecomastia persists.

Is gynaecomastia caused by anabolic steroids covered? Rarely, depending on the situation.

Can just one breast be treated? Yes, in case of asymmetry.

Is the result long-lasting? Yes, if the cause is under control and your weight is stable.

Can I return to sport quickly? After a few weeks.

Is the time off work long? A few days to two weeks.

Is transport covered? No.

Are complications covered? Depending on the status of the procedure.

Is the quote valid for long? A few months.

Should a very low price be a warning sign? Check that the gland will be removed if necessary.

Is a breast ultrasound requested? Sometimes, to distinguish between fat and gland.

Can the nipples be reduced? Yes, at an extra cost.

Can abdominal liposuction be combined? Yes, with a combined quote.

Are the scars visible? Generally discreet, around the areola.

Does supplementary insurance cover cosmetic procedures? Generally not.

Do I need to lose weight beforehand? Sometimes recommended.

Must the vest be worn for a long time? Several weeks.

Is the deposit refundable? Depending on the terms.

Can medication treat gynaecomastia? Sometimes, in the early stages; long-standing gynaecomastia requires surgery.

Should an endocrinologist be consulted? Often, before surgery.

Is the price higher after weight loss? Yes, if excess skin needs to be removed.

Are photos useful for the application file? Yes.

Can gynaecomastia recur? Rarely if the gland has been removed.

Tell us your canton: we will put you in touch, free of charge, with surgeons who treat gynaecomastia.