Gynecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition. Male breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, is a normal occurrence around the time of puberty. The slight enlargement of the firm kernel of breast tissue which is present directly under the nipple and areola (the dark skin around the nipple) generally only lasts one to two years and disappears into the mid to late teens. If it doesn’t disappear, or if male breast enlargement occurs at other times during life, it should be investigated by a physician to make sure there is no male breast cancer, testicular or other cancer, hormonal imbalance or other underlying illness. Sometimes the breast enlargement can be slight or only on one breast. Sometimes the enlargement is associated with excess skin and sagging of the breast tissue. Enlarged male breasts can make a man-or a teenage boy-feel extremely self-conscious. They may avoid activities such as swimming or surfing, or any activity during which they would normally take their shirt off.

Male breast reduction, technically known as gynecomastia surgery, is designed for such men. The procedure may require the removal of just glandular tissue, or may require removal of breast glandular tissue and surrounding fat, and sometimes even glandular tissue, surrounding fat and loose skin. The goal is to give the man a normal looking male chest, without the feminine appearance of breasts, chest skin sagging or malposition of the areolae.