Gynecomastia is breast glandular development in males. There are many potential causes including hormonal fluctuations, medications, medical conditions, and illicit drugs such as marijuana and anabolic steroids. 40% of adolescent males develop breast tissue during puberty due to changes in hormonal levels (estrogens and androgens) or the cellular response to hormones. Most cases of gynecomastia resolve after puberty, but if a larger amount of breast tissue fails to resolve, gynecomastia can be a source of considerable embarrassment. In these cases, medical evaluation and surgical treatment is recommended. Some elderly men also develop gynecomastia due to altered conversion of testosterone to estrogen, but treatment is usually not indicated.

Laboratory evaluation can determine if gynecomastia is due to a condition such as liver disease, alcoholism, renal failure, chromosomal anomalies, or endocrine abnormalities or tumors. Physical exam will help determine if there is a testicular, breast, or pituitary tumor as a cause. Further evaluation with radiographs or ultrasound may be indicated. Most cases however have no associated medical problem. In these cases, cosmetic surgery can be helpful. The technique needed is dependent on the amount of excess skin and the components of the breast tissue. Individuals whose breast is primarily fat can be treated with liposuction with minimal scarring. Ultrasonic liposuction assists the removal of dense fat and breast tissue as well as skin tightening. Firm breast tissue or a large breast plate requires surgical removal, typically through an incision limited to the lower half of the areola. However, severe skin excess will require additional scarring like a breast reduction, and possibly moving the nipple/areola as a graft.