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November 17, 2024
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Do not fall victim to dubious marketing claims by beauty salons and medical practices in Singapore that advertise non-invasive treatments as an effective solution to treat enlarged male breasts or gynecomastia.
Surgical intervention is the only medically proven solution to tackle gynecomastia, as you would need to physically excise the enlarged breast tissues.
Gyno is most common in teenagers aged 10 to 16. In general, the condition will naturally regress within six to twenty-four months, although it may sometimes persist beyond the age of 17. Adult gynecomastia usually occurs in those with genetic or hormonal issues, anabolic steroid abuse or pathological causes, meaning the medical condition is due to the side effects of taking certain medications or weight. But for most, the cause is idiopathic.
Not only does gynecomastia surgery remove the enlarged male tissues, but it also restores self-esteem and improves body confidence.
According to Dr Ivan Puah, gynecomastia surgery is recommended to:
- Investigate any suspicious breast lesions: Extracted tissues are sent for histological evaluation.
- Alleviate symptomatic gynecomastia: Reduce pain, physical discomfort and breast swelling.
- Reconstruct breast contour.
Gynecomastia surgery can effectively remove bilateral or unilateral gynecomastia and correct protruding or prominent areolas.
Gynecomastia Insurance & MediSave Coverage & Claim in Singapore
As stated in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons's Recommended Insurance Coverage Criteria for Third-Party Payers, which is used as a benchmark by most insurance companies to assess gynecomastia claims in Singapore and internationally, the recommended gynecomastia insurance claim for adolescents and adults varies, as per below:
Recommended Gynecomastia Insurance Coverage & Claim Criteria For Adolescents
1. Unilateral or bilateral grade II or grade III gynecomastia present
- persists more than 1 year after pathological causes are ruled out
- continues after 6 months of unsuccessful medical treatment for pathological gynecomastia
2. Unilateral or bilateral grade IV gynecomastia present
- persists more than 6 months after pathological causes are ruled out
- continues after 6 months of unsuccessful medical treatment for pathological gynecomastia
3. Pain and discomfort due to the distention and tightness from the hypertrophied breast. Gyno may cause psychological distress, especially in teenagers who are struggling with issues related to sexual identity and self-image.
Recommended Gynecomastia Insurance Coverage & Criteria For Adults
1. Breast biopsy is indicated when malignancy is suspected
2. Unilateral or bilateral grade III or IV gynecomastia present
- persists more than 3 to 4 months after pathological causes are ruled out
- continues after 3 to 4 months of unsuccessful medical treatment for pathological gynecomastia
3. Pain and discomfort due to the distention and tightness from the hypertrophied breast. The prolonged presence of breast enlargement in the patient leads to the development of periductal fibrosis and stromal hyalinization, preventing regression of breast tissue and causing pain and discomfort due to the distention and tightness from the hypertrophied breast.
Gynecomastia Surgery MediSave Claims
Singapore Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR) can use MediSave to claim their gynecomastia surgery costs in Singapore, depending on the cause, severity and symptoms of this medical condition.
Gynecomastia Surgery Insurance Claims
The insurance company's evaluation, the patient's policy type/coverage, and the clinical condition solely determine the claim amount and whether gynecomastia surgery will be covered.
For patients opting for gynecomastia surgery at our clinic, our team is committed to providing supporting medical information and investigation reports upon insurers' requests. To ensure compliance with PDPA and medico-legal regulations, your insurance company will need your written consent before we can release any information for their evaluation. This standard process applies to insurance claims for various surgeries, including gynecomastia surgery.
If the insurance company recognises the surgery as medically necessary, they may cover certain associated costs. Importantly, it's essential to note that neither non-medical nor medical staff at the practice have any influence over your insurance claim. While we aim to assist patients and offer necessary support, it is the patient's responsibility to engage directly and proactively communicate with their insurance company to understand the specifics of their coverage and potential financial implications.
Other Subsidies for gynecomastia surgery cost in Singapore
Unfortunately, the CHAS card (the Community Health Assist Scheme card) does not allow you to receive subsidies for gynecomastia surgery, even for related doctor's consultations. This includes all the subsidy tiers of the cardholders, such as the CHAS Blue, Orange, or Green tier, as well as the Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) seniors.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Singapore?
The cost of gynecomastia surgery varies depending on which doctor you go to, as each doctor's experiences, skills, and the diverse cases they work on differ.
Experience of a gynecomastia surgery doctor
The cost of gynecomastia surgery is influenced by the experience of the doctor performing the procedure. A highly experienced doctor may handle complex cases and have a track record of successfully correcting previous botched jobs. Therefore, the cost reflects the doctor's experience and skill level.
The complexity of the gynecomastia case
The complexity of the surgery depends on the gynecomastia grade, gland size, fat layers, and skin laxity. At Amaris B. Clinic, gynecomastia surgery is tailored to your clinical condition and the desired outcome.
Other factors that will influence gynecomastia surgery cost in Singapore
Other fees will also include the type of facility (day surgery or hospital), type of anaesthesia (general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia), assisted medical technology, surgical approach, consumables, medications, post-operative follow-up, etc.
Our Medical Director, Dr Ivan Puah, who 20 years of diverse experience in body sculpting surgeries such as liposuction, gynecomastia and corrective gyno, will work closely with you at every step of the way – from the first day of consultation to your final road to recovery.
Don't let the low cost of gynecomastia surgery cloud your judgement
In the last 8 years, Dr Ivan Puah has treated a growing number of patients seeking help for botched gynecomastia surgeries, both from local procedures and those performed overseas, like in South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Many patients have come to Dr Puah for corrective gyno surgery after experiencing dissatisfactory results and complications such as skin irregularities and excessive male breast tissue removal, leading to crater deformities, insufficient glandular tissue removal or incomplete removal.
According to Dr Puah, corrective gynecomastia surgery is often more complex and more intricate than the initial procedure. It requires a doctor with specific expertise, skillset and experience to address both the aesthetic and functional issues caused by the botched surgery.
To successfully address the damage from a botched surgery is a meticulous process that demands precision and skills to restore the chest’s natural appearance and function, making gyno corrective surgery a complex and time-consuming process.
Dr Ivan Puah, gynecomastia surgery doctor with high patient satisfaction since 2004
Dr Ivan Puah is the Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, a medical aesthetics, sculpting and fitness clinic in Singapore. He is accredited by the Ministry of Health to perform liposuction and serves as the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore. He has received dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia surgery in the United States of America.
Dr Puah has developed a proprietary gynecomastia approach, 360°GTD® technique for gynecomastia surgery and MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique for liposuction. Patients treated with 360°GTD® do not require suction drainage, which typically leaves ugly scars and increases the risks of infection post-op.
For accurate pricing and eligibility for gynecomastia insurance and MediSave claims in Singapore, book a private consultation with Dr Puah now!
