What Are Dog Ears in Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery, a constantly evolving field, aims to improve the appearance and self-confidence of individuals. One common issue that may arise following certain surgical procedures, such as abdominoplasty or breast reduction, is the development of "dog ears." In this article, we will explore what dog ears are in plastic surgery, why they occur, and how they can be managed and prevented.

1. Definition of Dog Ears

In plastic surgery, dog ears refer to the excess skin and tissue that can appear at the ends of a closure, creating a triangular or "dog ear" shape. They usually form where there is a significant change in the direction of the incision or where the closure line ends abruptly.

2. Causes of Dog Ears

Dog ears can occur due to various factors, including:

a) Tension on the closure: When the skin and tissue are pulled too tightly during the suturing process, dog ears may form at the ends.

b) Inadequate planning: Insufficient preoperative planning, including inaccurate marking of the incision lines, may result in the formation of dog ears.

c) Body shape and tissue elasticity: Individual characteristics, such as excess skin or poor tissue elasticity, can contribute to the development of dog ears.

3. Management of Dog Ears

When dog ears occur, plastic surgeons have several techniques to manage them:

a) Revision surgery: In some cases, a secondary procedure may be necessary to remove the excess tissue and reshape the area.

b) Liposuction: If the dog ears are primarily composed of fatty tissue, liposuction can be used to reduce their size and improve the contour.

c) Scar revision: Dog ears associated with noticeable scarring may require scar revision techniques to improve their appearance.

4. Prevention of Dog Ears

Preventing dog ears starts with careful planning and surgical techniques:

a) Precise marking: Accurate marking of the incision lines and identification of potential areas prone to dog ears can help prevent their formation.

b) Appropriate tension: Gentle handling of tissues during closure, avoiding excessive tension, can minimize the risk of dog ear development.

c) Layered closure: Utilizing layered closures with deep sutures can distribute tension evenly, reducing the likelihood of dog ear formation.

5. Dog Ears in Specific Procedures

Dog ears can be prominent in various surgical procedures:

a) Abdominoplasty: Due to the significant changes in contour and incision patterns involved in abdominoplasty, dog ears are a common occurrence.

b) Breast reduction: In breast reduction surgery, dog ears can form at the ends of the incisions around the breast mound.

c) Mastopexy: The repositioning of the breast tissue in a mastopexy procedure may result in the formation of dog ears.

6. Dog Ears: Temporary or Permanent?

Dog ears can be either temporary or permanent:

a) Temporary dog ears: In some cases, dog ears may resolve on their own as the tissues heal and settle over time.

b) Permanent dog ears: If temporary dog ears persist and do not improve, revision surgery may be required to address the issue.

Conclusion

Dog ears are a common occurrence in certain plastic surgery procedures, forming excess skin and tissue at the closure ends. They can be managed through revision surgery, liposuction, or scar revision techniques. Preventing dog ears involves precise surgical planning, appropriate tension handling, and layered closure techniques. Understanding the causes, management, and prevention of dog ears can help plastic surgeons provide optimal outcomes for their patients.