Gynecomastia (more commonly known as moobs or man-boobs) is a medical term meaning male breast enlargement. In the majority of cases, there is no known cause and, although rarely talked about, it is a common condition. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can be helpful. The procedure removes tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases excess skin.

Most teenage boys experience some degree of breast enlargement affecting one or both breasts. However, by early adulthood less than 10% have a residual problem. This incidence rises with age, reaching approximately 30% (1 in 3) in older men.

The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. This involves sucking out the tissue through a small tube. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised with a scalpel. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars.

At your consultation, your surgeon will explore possible causes for the enlargement, assess the nature of the problem and decide with you the type of surgery, if indicated, and the type of anaesthesia.