Though some drugs and conditions have been linked with male breast enlargement, there is no known cause for this condition whose name derives from the Greek word for "women-like" breasts."

There are two types of Gynecomastia: primary and secondary. Primary Gynecomastia usually develops during puberty. There is no underlying cause for primary Gynecomastia. Secondary Gynecomastia develops because of some underlying cause. Causes of secondary Gynecomastia are obesity and the use of certain drugs such as steroids, alcohol or marijuana. Up to 60% of men may be affected by Gynecomastia and it may affect one or both breasts.

If a patient is obese, drinks alcohol in excess, smokes marijuana or takes steroids, they will discouraged from having surgery and asked to stop using these drugs to see if breast fullness is reduced.

In the treatment of primary Gynecomastia, once your surgeon knows how much fat and glandular tissue is within the breasts, he or she can choose a surgical approach to best suit your needs.

The best candidates for this surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to a new contour after surgery. Surgery for Gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgery itself takes about an hour and a half.

Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general, or local anesthesia plus sedation. Dr. Mclean will discuss with you which option is best for you. The surgery to correct male breast enlargement removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts. If necessary, excess skin may also be removed.

The surgery is usually performed using a small incision near the nipple that permits the excess tissue to be removed. Liposuction is often performed around the edges of the breast to ensure a smooth, natural-looking final result.

In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or tissue are removed, the skin may not adjust well to the breast contour. In this case, excess skin may be removed to allow the breast to adjust to its new shape.

Complications related to surgery are infrequent and usually minor. The risks associated with this surgery are: infection, excessive bleeding, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. Noticeable scars can also result from this surgery as can permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or asymmetrical breasts or nipples. If asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed.

The temporary effects of male breast reduction surgery include numbness which may last up to a year. To help reduce swelling, you will probably be advised to wear an elastic pressure garment for a week or two after surgery.

You can expect to be back to normal daily activities within a week but you will be restricted from heavy physical activity for about a month. It will take about 3 months before you see the final result of your surgery.