Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney
Cost is one of the first questions men ask when they start researching gynaecomastia surgery — and it’s a reasonable one to ask early. The answer is more variable than most people expect, and understanding what drives that variability helps you plan properly and compare quotes accurately.
This article covers what goes into the total cost of gyno surgery in Australia, how Medicare and private health insurance interact with that cost, and what to look out for when comparing fees between surgeons.
Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with extensive experience in gynaecomastia surgery. He consults from his Sydney clinics in Manly on the Northern Beaches and Bondi Junction in the Eastern Suburbs, and also in Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast and Newcastle.
What Drives the Cost of Gyno Surgery in Australia?
Gynaecomastia surgery is not a single procedure with a fixed price. The total cost reflects the specific combination of techniques required for your individual case, the hospital and anaesthesia fees, and the surgeon’s fee. These components vary significantly between patients.
Surgeon’s fee covers the surgeon’s expertise, time, and the complexity of your specific case. This is typically the largest single component of the cost. A surgeon with specific experience in gynaecomastia and the relevant specialist qualifications will generally charge accordingly — and in surgery, this is not the place to find the cheapest option.
Anaesthetist’s fee is charged separately by a specialist anaesthetist who administers and monitors general anaesthesia throughout your procedure. This fee is set independently by the anaesthetist and is not included in the surgeon’s quote.
Hospital or day surgery facility fee covers the use of the operating theatre, recovery room, nursing staff, and any surgical consumables. Fees vary depending on the facility and the duration of surgery.
Procedure complexity is a significant cost driver. A straightforward case involving only power-assisted liposuction is a shorter, simpler procedure than a combined glandular excision and liposuction for Grade III gynaecomastia. More complex cases take longer in theatre and involve more surgical steps — both of which affect total cost.
Post-operative care includes follow-up appointments and the compression garment you’ll wear during recovery. Confirm when comparing quotes whether follow-up visits are included or charged separately.
Typical Cost Ranges for Gyno Surgery in Australia
As a general guide for men researching costs in 2025–26, the following ranges reflect what patients typically encounter at specialist plastic surgery practices in Sydney. These are indicative ranges only — your individual quote will depend on your specific presentation.
Liposuction only (pseudogynecomastia or minimal glandular involvement): typically $4,000–$7,000 for the surgeon’s fee. Hospital and anaesthesia fees are additional.
Combined glandular excision and liposuction (true or mixed gynaecomastia): typically $7,000–$12,000 for the surgeon’s fee. Hospital and anaesthesia fees are additional.
Grade III with skin excision: more complex cases requiring skin removal involve longer theatre time and additional technique — fees will reflect this. A detailed quote is provided following consultation.
Total all-inclusive costs (surgeon + hospital + anaesthesia + follow-up) typically range from approximately $8,000 to $16,000 depending on complexity, facility, and individual circumstances. Where Medicare rebates apply, this out-of-pocket figure is reduced — but not eliminated. More on that below.
The consultation fee with Dr Turner is $450, payable at the time of booking.
Medicare and Gynaecomastia Surgery
This is where most men have questions — and where the most misunderstanding exists.
Medicare item numbers 31525 (unilateral) and 31526 (bilateral) may apply to gynaecomastia surgery when specific clinical criteria are met. The criteria include:
- The condition is glandular in nature (not purely fatty)
- It has been present for a defined period
- Physical symptoms or documented psychological impairment are present
- The case has been assessed by a GP and referred to a specialist
Purely cosmetic cases — where the concern is appearance without documented physical symptoms or psychological distress — are generally not covered. The Medicare schedule rebate, where it applies, contributes a partial offset against total costs. It does not make the procedure free. Even in cases that attract a rebate, patients should expect a significant out-of-pocket gap payment.
A GP referral is required for any Medicare rebate to apply. The referral must be in place before your first specialist consultation.
For a detailed explanation of Medicare eligibility criteria, see: Will Medicare Cover My Gynaecomastia Surgery?
Private Health Insurance
If your gynaecomastia case meets the Medicare criteria, private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may contribute toward the hospital and theatre fees — this is separate from the surgeon’s fee, which is generally not covered by insurers.
The extent of any insurance contribution depends heavily on your specific policy, your fund, your level of cover, and the hospital chosen for surgery. It is worth contacting your insurer directly with the relevant Medicare item numbers to understand what your policy would contribute. Dr Turner’s team can assist with this at the time of consultation.
What to Look For When Comparing Quotes
Not all quotes are structured the same way. When comparing costs between surgeons, these questions help ensure you’re making a like-for-like comparison:
Is the quote all-inclusive or is it surgeon’s fee only? Some quotes present the surgeon’s fee in isolation, leaving hospital and anaesthesia costs to be calculated separately. Others provide a total all-in figure. Know which you’re looking at.
What is the surgeon’s qualification? In Australia, any registered medical practitioner can legally call themselves a cosmetic surgeon without completing specialist training. The protected specialist title is Specialist Plastic Surgeon, held by surgeons who have completed the FRACS (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) in plastic surgery. Verify on the AHPRA register at ahpra.gov.au. Fees charged by FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons reflect that level of training.
Are follow-up appointments included? Post-operative appointments are important for monitoring healing, managing the compression garment transition, and addressing any concerns. Clarify whether these are included or charged separately.
Does the quote reflect your actual case or a standard procedure? A quote given before proper assessment of your tissue composition and grade may not accurately reflect what your surgery will involve. The most reliable quotes are provided following a thorough in-person consultation.
Superannuation Access for Surgery
In some circumstances, men may be eligible to access superannuation early to fund surgery, where the condition has a documented medical basis and causes significant physical impairment. This is a relatively uncommon pathway and involves a specific application process through the ATO or your super fund. Dr Turner’s team can provide supporting documentation where clinically appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gyno surgery cost in Australia?
Total all-inclusive costs for gynaecomastia surgery in Australia typically range from approximately $8,000 to $16,000 depending on the complexity of the case, the combination of techniques required, hospital and anaesthesia fees, and the surgeon’s fee. More complex cases involving glandular excision combined with liposuction and potential skin excision will sit at the higher end of this range. A detailed written quote is provided following your consultation with Dr Turner.
How much does gyno surgery cost in Sydney?
Sydney costs are broadly consistent with the national range above. Facility fees at accredited private hospitals in Sydney vary and are a component of the total cost. The consultation fee with Dr Turner at his Sydney clinics in Manly and Bondi Junction is $450. A full written quote covering all fee components is provided after consultation.
Does Medicare cover gynaecomastia surgery in Australia?
Medicare item numbers 31525 and 31526 may apply where the condition is glandular, has been present for a defined period, and is causing documented physical or psychological impairment. Purely cosmetic cases are not covered. Even where a rebate applies, a significant out-of-pocket gap payment remains. A GP referral is required. Dr Turner’s team can assist with Medicare eligibility assessment during consultation.
Can I use private health insurance for gyno surgery?
Where the procedure meets Medicare criteria, private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may contribute toward facility fees. The surgeon’s fee is generally not covered by insurance. The amount contributed depends on your specific policy and insurer. Contact your fund directly with the relevant item numbers to confirm what your policy would cover.
Is a cheaper surgeon a reasonable option for gyno surgery?
Cost is a legitimate factor in any significant financial decision. The key consideration is whether a lower fee reflects a less qualified surgeon, a less thorough approach, or both. Gynaecomastia surgery requires accurate assessment of tissue composition before surgery and precise technique during it — under-resection leaves residual glandular tissue, and over-aggressive liposuction can create contour irregularities that are difficult to correct. Choosing a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with specific experience in the procedure is the most meaningful safeguard you have on outcome.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering gynaecomastia surgery and want to understand the costs specific to your case, the first step is a GP referral and then a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner.
Contact Dr Turner’s practice to arrange your consultation.
Related resources:
- Gynaecomastia Surgery Sydney
- Gyno Surgery Sydney — Treatment Options
- Will Medicare Cover My Gynaecomastia Surgery?
- Male Procedures Overview
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks and individual outcomes vary. Cost figures are indicative only and subject to change — a personalised quote is provided following consultation with Dr Scott J Turner.
