The term ‘dog ears’ refers to the skin or tissue protruding from the ends of a closed incision and is a potential side effect of skin-tightening procedures such as a tummy tuck. In surgery, dog ears are unfortunately a common and sometimes unavoidable result following wound closure. Here are some things you can do to help avoid dog ears after tummy tuck surgery.
Do Your Research
After tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty, if a portion of skin protrudes from the incision site, revision surgery to remove the dog ears may be able to be performed right in Dr. Kolder’s office, under local anesthesia. Excision of this skin involves extending the incision to be a bit longer before cutting away and removing the excess skin. The result is a potentially longer scar, though the dog ear folds of skin will no longer be visible.
Dog ears may occur if the length of the incisions is unequal, causing the skin to bulge.
Careful Planning and a Skilled Surgeon
When someone has a tummy tuck, there is no way to tell ahead of time whether or not they will develop dog ears after their surgery. Fortunately, there are things that can be done beforehand that may reduce the risks of such complications from happening in the first place. Proper placement of the incision as well as creating a longer incision with less skin tension during suturing could potentially help avoid the development of dog ears.
What Should You Expect From Your Surgeon?
Dr. Kolder will be able to explain how to reduce your risk of developing dog ears after a tummy tuck so that you achieve the outcome you’re hoping for. Dr. Kolder is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck procedures. He has helped many men and women in Camarillo and beyond achieve a more defined and tighter physique. Ask to see his before and after photos and examples of his previous surgical work in order to see their successes and put your mind at ease.
