Gynecomastia is rarely caused by a serious medical condition; in fact, its cause is seldom identified. However, because there can be medical problems leading to gynecomastia, your first step should be to see your family doctor. Some of the causes of gynecomastia can include hormonal imbalance, side effects of medications or the excessive use of marijuana, steroids or alcohol.

Surgical options include liposuction or excision (surgical removal) of the breast tissue. Most guys require a combination of both. The actual gland tissue is too dense to “suck out” with liposuction, so it is cut out through a very small incision around the areola (the brown skin surrounding the nipple). Liposuction is then performed to remove any excess fatty tissue.

Gynecomastia typically will not resolve without surgical intervention. If it occurs in very young boys, there is a chance of it resolving after puberty.