Gynaecomastia refers to a condition in which men have enlarged breasts due to an increase in the amount of breast tissue. The excess breast tissue may be on one side (unilateral) or on both sides (bilateral). Men with this condition often feel embarrassed and may be hesitant to be seen in T-shirts or to take their shirts off in public, such as at the beach.

Gynaecomastia is usually a physiological condition occurring at puberty and in older age, due to increased sensitivity of the breast tissue to circulating hormones. It may also be due to certain therapeutic drugs, or to the use of anabolic steroids or growth hormone in body builders. Occasionally gynaecomastia is due to a testicular or pituitary tumour or is part of a genetic condition. All patients with gynaecomastia therefore must have a full medical assessment before surgery can be considered. Unfortunately the increase in breast tissue does not generally resolve despite adequate treatment of any underlying cause. Some patients present with'pseudo-gynaecomastia' where the breast enlargement is due to an accumulation of fat rather than true breast tissue. This group responds well to liposuction alone. 'True' gynaecomastia requires removal of the actual breast tissue by surgical excison with or without liposuction.