The Gynecomastia Insurance Debate

When most people hear about procedures to remove excess breast fat, tissue and skin, they associate it with women.  However, men can be affected by this condition as well.  Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast tissue and commonly occurs during puberty but for some persists into adulthood.  Surgery to correct this condition is usually recommended for these patients.

While most insurance companies cover costs of breast reductions for adolescent girls it can be more complicated to have Gynecomastia covered by insurance.  Insurance companies should recognize that this is a condition that is not simply cosmetic and can have detrimental effects on patients.  A new study recently released found that boys with Gynecomastia were found to have significantly lower levels of self-esteem, mental health and social functioning when compared to peers unaffected by the condition.  Boys with the condition also had higher rates of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors than their peers.

These findings suggest that Gynecomastia is more than a cosmetic issue and more should be done so that this procedure is covered more widely by health insurance.

Dr. Swier has treated several patients affected by Gynecomastia.  If you or someone you know is affected by this condition and would like to set up an appointment with Dr. Swier call our office at 302-645-7737.

the Swier Clinic

1400 Savannah Road | Lewes, Delaware 19958

2600 Glasgow Avenue | Suite 102 | Newark, Delaware 19702-4777

302-645-7737

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