Exaggerated love handles after Diep Flap, what can be done? (photo)

Question

Is it normal to have extreme protrusion of love handles after breast reconstruction with Diep flap? What can be done about it?

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

These areas are commonly referred to as 'dog ears'. A dog ear revision could be performed to treat these areas. This would involve surgical removal of the skin and underlying fat. This could be combine with liposuction of the waist to improve contour.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello, in my opinion, the picture appears to show what is known as "dog ears" or excess skin and tissue at the ends of a surgical incision. This can be commonly been treated under local anesthesia with a "dog ear excision" procedure. I would encourage you to seek an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon for some patients to have dog ears after a DIEP flap. Ideally this is avoided during the index operation in order to provide you with a flat, aesthetically pleasing abdominal contour. During revision surgery this can be excised. You can also undergo other ancillary procedures to help shape your breasts, make a nipple etc. good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We call them dog ears and you can correct them with scar correction.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photo, it looks like you would benefit from a dog ear revision. The protrusions you are describing, or dog ears are areas of excess tissue that can happen after procedures like DIEP flaps or abdominoplasties. These can usually be removed in a short operation. I recommend talking to your plastic surgeon for further evaluation and to discuss your concerns.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You will benefit from removal of the “dog ear” scars and revision of that area.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear whatamidoing2,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you would benefit from scar revision that can be done under local anesthesia. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, whatamidoing2! Thank you for your question! 
These skin excesses are called "dog-ears" and can be corrected with liposuction and extension of the scar posteriorly.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

What you have is an extra fold of skin that has puckered because of the tightness of the abdominal skin closure after removing the tissue used for breast reconstruction.  It occurs because the skin beyond the end of the scar is looser than skin along the scar itself, creating a mound of excess skin where the incision ends. Commonly this is referred to in Plastic Surgery as a dog ear. 
If the area doesn't settle down after the body has healed from surgery and all the surgical swelling has resolved, it can be treated.  It can be treated with liposuction to remove the fat in the area, or skin excision if there is still too much skin.  Often both are required.   I would not recommend treating the area before at least 6 months after surgery, often it is worthwhile to wait a full year.

Vasfi Celik, MD · Answer

Hello, Liposuction for sides and scar revision can be fullfiled for dog ear situation occured after surgery. It is ideal to fulfill at least 6 months after the surgery.

Exaggerated love handles after Diep Flap, what can be done? (photo)

Answers (12)

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