Popcorning technique for gynecomastia revision?

Yes you are correct. The popcorn technique is a descriptive technique used in breast implant revision surgery, done to reduce the size of the capsule that forms around an implant. The cautery (which is hot at the tip) is held to the capsule and the capsule will shrink in the area due to the heat. A soft popping sound is often heard as the capsule shrinks.
I am not familiar with the term as it relates to gynecomastia surgery, and have been in practice for 20 years.
I suggest you ask your surgeon for more detail as to the procedure they have in mind.

Providing that you already have a scar after gland excision, removal of residual tissue should not be a problem in local anesthesia. Discuss details of that particular technique with your surgeon and see what are the benefits in comparison to simple re-excision. Good luck.

Dear Modest970377,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

The majority of patients getting gynecomastia surgery probably wish their results were better than what they get.
There are three tissue variables that can limit the outcome. These are skin laxity, excess subcutaneous fat or residual glandular tissue.
The easiest way to differentiate is to put the pectoralis muscle and skin under tension by one at a time stretching your arms behind your head. with the skin and pectoralis muscle under tension with one arm behind your head you can easily palpate the thickness of subcutaneous fat and see the contour of the glandular tissue. you can also watch the contour change as you slowly put your arm back down and see the impact that skin laxity has on the chest contour.
Any man who’s had any significant weight fluctuations or men over the age of 35 will have some skin laxity that will inherently limit a high-quality outcome. that is not to say there can’t be improvements and often the procedure may not have been done sufficiently. The best way is to assess which tissue component is causing the problem and that is best done by putting the skin under tension.
I watched the YouTube video on the popcorn technique and left a comment. I don’t think that is going to work in the female patient and it makes no sense whatsoever for gynecomastia surgery.
The key to any successful operation is to first and foremost have a clear understanding of what the problem is. Make an accurate diagnosis before prescribing an operation.
Good luck,
Mats Hagstrom MD