Although certain drugs, obesity and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

Gynaecomastia surgery can be very rewarding for patients who are bothered by their overdevelopment of breasts and who: are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight do not smoke or use drugs have realistic expectations from surgery

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future if breast development is not complete at the time of the procedure.

Any surgical treatment to correct gynaecomastia will require incisions and while most incision lines are concealed within natural contours of the skin, some may be visible post surgery.

Gynaecomastia surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, often in day surgery and occasionally with an overnight stay. Time off work to recover is usually 1-2 weeks and vigorous exercise can usually be resumed after 6 weeks.