Indications

Up to 70% of males experience some degree of male breast formation during puberty and their teenage years, the condition usually resolves within a year. As such most teenagers do not require surgery.

Other causes of gynaecomastia include hormonal imbalances, the use of certain drugs (e.g. steroids, cannabis and digitalis), obesity, fluctuating body weight and/or after losing considerable body weight. Although one sided excessive breast development is possible, the condition is usually approximately symmetrical.

Surgery is indicated whenever correction of any of the above factors does not lead to resolution of the complaint and/or when the gynecomastia is causing significant embarrassment and lifestyle impedance.