After a tummy tuck, some patients notice small pucker or bulge of tissue at one or both ends of the horizontal scar. These are colloquially called "dog ears", a term used to describe excess skin or tissue that folds upward at the lateral (outer) ends of the incision. They are one of the more common aesthetic concerns following abdominoplasty.
Why Do Dog Ears Occur?
Dog ears occur when there is a discrepancy between the length of skin being removed and the length of the incision used to close the wound. When the surgeon removes a curved or uneven section of skin, the remaining skin edges may not lie perfectly flat, creating a small fold or pucker. Factors that increase the likelihood of dog ears include:
- Larger amounts of skin being removed in a limited incision length
- Significant skin laxity in the flanks or hips beyond the incision endpoints
- Weight gain after surgery that adds volume to the flank area
- Individual variations in skin elasticity and fat distribution
Will Dog Ears Resolve on Their Own?
In some cases, minor dog ears that are caused by residual swelling and not true skin excess will flatten on their own as swelling resolves over 3 to 6 months. Surgeons typically recommend waiting a full 6 to 12 months before deciding to pursue correction, as the final result cannot be assessed until healing is complete.
How Are Dog Ears Corrected?
When dog ears are persistent and caused by true skin excess, a minor revision procedure can correct them. This is typically a straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia that extends the incision slightly to remove the excess skin fold. The revision creates a flatter, smoother scar line. Recovery from dog ear correction is minimal, most patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Preventing Dog Ears in the First Place
An experienced surgeon minimizes dog ear risk by designing the incision pattern precisely to match the amount of skin being removed, extending the incision as far as needed to achieve a smooth closure, and addressing flank skin laxity with Lipo 360 or flankplasty when appropriate. Discuss your concerns about scar placement and dog ears during your pre-operative consultation.