What complications could dog ear removal cause?

Question

For a dog ear removal, I’ve read it a fairly simple procedure done in office with a local to the area but what, if any, complications can arise? I had a tough recovery initially about a year ago when I did my tuck so I’m terrified that an infection or necrosis may happen no matter how small an area of treatment is. I want to feel better going in since this is no where near the big surgery a year ago but then I think perhaps I should just live with the small dog ear instead?

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Dog ear revision in the office is very simple and straightforward with minimal risk compared to tummy tuck surgery. The risks of necrosis are quite negligible. However as with any minor procedure, there are minimal risks of bleeding, infection, wound separation, recurrent dog-ears or suture reactions. These risks can be further minimized by protecting the incision afterwards and following your post-procedure activity restrictions and instructions. I wouldn't worry...

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Bleeding and infection are always a possibility with any surgery. Necrosis would be unlikely.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Newbutton,    Posting front and side view pictures would have been helpful. It has been my experience in my over 31 years of practice, that women hate the dog ears more than a longer scar, so , my patients do not end up with dog ears.   In any event, dog ear removal is a very simple procedure for an experienced board certified plastic surgeons. A small to moderate size dog ears can be removed under local anesthesia, whereas large ones should be done under general anesthesia for patients' comfort.   Infection or necrosis should not occur if you take antibiotics and the procedure is being done under sterile condition.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, improved body posture, low scar and no dog ears.                          Best of luck,                                         Dr Widder

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

This is a very straightforward procedure with very little risk. However, with any surgery there are risk of bleeding or infection. These risk with dog ear revision are very low.

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. It is a very simple procedure. We prefer to leave dog ears instead of doing a longer incision in certain cases, since is better and easier to revise them than for the patient to deal with a longer incision and scar. Do not be afraid of it no complication is expected.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
25 years experience

What complications could dog ear removal cause?

Answers (5)