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A dog ear is a common minor complication that can occur after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This issue involves small protrusions of excess skin or fat at the edges of the incision site, typically at the hips or flanks, where the surgical incision ends. While dog ear removal after tummy tuck can develop after various surgeries, they are most often associated with tummy tuck procedures due to the significant skin and tissue removal involved.

What Causes Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck?

Dog ears usually occur when there is uneven tension along the incision line or when the body heals in a way that causes skin to gather at the ends of the incision. Some specific contributing factors include:

Excess skin or fat: If there is an uneven amount of tissue remaining at the edges, a small bulge can form.

Wound healing: The natural healing process can sometimes lead to small folds or puckering at the incision site.

Body shape: A patient’s unique body contour can influence the likelihood of developing dog ears, particularly if there is residual fat around the hips or flanks.

Incision length: A shorter incision may not account for all the excess skin, making dog ears more likely to develop.

How Are Dog Ears Treated?

Dog ears are usually a minor concern and can often be corrected through a relatively simple revision surgery. The treatment may include:

Minor revision surgery: The surgeon will trim the excess skin or fat and smooth out the contour. This can often be done under local anesthesia and involves minimal downtime.

Non-surgical options: In some cases, liposuction can be used to remove small amounts of excess fat that may contribute to the dog ear effect.

Healing over time: In some instances, minor dog ears may improve on their own as the tissue settles and heals.

Can Dog Ears Be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent dog ears, there are steps that surgeons can take to minimize the risk:

Extended incisions: Making a longer incision allows the surgeon to remove more excess skin and avoid puckering.

Liposuction: Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction around the flanks can help smooth out the transition and prevent excess fat from contributing to dog ears.

Tension control: The surgeon carefully controls tension along the incision line to ensure that the skin is evenly distributed.

Conclusion

While dog ears can be an unwanted outcome of a tummy tuck, they are generally easy to correct. Patients should maintain close communication with their surgeon throughout the healing process to address any concerns and determine if a minor revision is necessary.