Breast reduction surgery reshapes and lifts the breasts by removing excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue. While results are generally excellent, some patients develop what are called "dog ears", small puckers or folds of excess skin at the ends of the incision lines. Though frustrating, dog ears are a recognized and correctable complication that your surgeon can address.
What Are Dog Ears?
A dog ear is a small mound or triangular fold of skin that bunches up at the lateral (outer) end of an incision. The name comes from the vague resemblance to a dog's floppy ear. They occur when there is a mismatch in the length of skin on either side of a closure, leaving extra tissue that puckers rather than lying flat. Dog ears can appear immediately after surgery or become more visible as swelling subsides over the first few months.
Why Do Dog Ears Develop After Breast Reduction?
Several factors contribute to dog ear formation:
- Significant differences in skin elasticity between the medial and lateral flaps
- Large volumes of tissue removal that create length disparities at closure
- A patient's body habitus, particularly in the lateral chest or back area
- The specific incision pattern chosen (anchor, lollipop, or crescent)
- Swelling during healing that temporarily obscures the deformity, which becomes apparent once resolved
Will Dog Ears Go Away on Their Own?
Mild dog ears may improve as post-surgical swelling resolves and the skin retracts over the first six to twelve months. However, true tissue excess will not disappear without intervention. If the dog ear persists beyond a year, surgical revision is typically recommended. Waiting at least six to twelve months before seeking revision gives your body adequate time to heal and allows your surgeon to make the most accurate assessment.
Treatment Options for Dog Ears
Correction is straightforward and usually performed under local anesthesia:
- Dog ear excision: The surgeon removes the excess skin triangle and re-closes the incision in a smooth, flat line. Recovery is quick, most patients return to normal activity within one to two weeks.
- Scar revision with Z-plasty or W-plasty: Used when the dog ear involves a tight or irregular scar that needs to be redirected for a better cosmetic outcome.
- Liposuction: If the dog ear contains a fatty component rather than just skin, small-volume liposuction may be combined with excision.
At Svelta Plastic Surgery in Miami, our surgeons perform all breast reduction revisions with the same care and precision as the original procedure. If you are concerned about your breast reduction results, schedule a follow-up consultation for an honest evaluation.