The breasts of a man can also undergo excessive development, be it due to developmental abnormalities or hormonal alterations, although a mild enlargement of the male breast at the end of adolescence is physiologic and therefore normal. This disturbance can also appear after taking certain medications over a longer period of time. The excessive development of the breast in a man can occur secondary to an abnormal increase in glandular tissue or to fatty depositions.

The patients suffer from a considerable psychological stress, especially on the beach, when performing sport, and during sexual intercourse, even if they are not always prepared to admit this.

Depending on whether the disorder has resulted from an increase in fatty or glandular tissue, liposuction or proper surgical removal of the glandular body should be recommended. A combined procedure can also be used in mixed forms for this conditon. The incision is usually placed around the lower half of the areola, along the junction to non-pigmented skin.

The operation can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia if the fatty form is present. General anesthesia and a clinic stay of one day are recommended with the glandular form, and even longer if suction drains need to be inserted.

Complications which should be mentioned are the impaired viability of the areola and an overzealous clearance of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Both are very rare.