Almost 8 years since my tummy tuck. Do I have dog ears? (Photo)

Question

It's been almost 8 yrs since my tummy tuck. I'm curious if I have dog ears. I can't tell, i just know I hate those bulges. I don't know if it's just fat since Ive gained a little weight lol or if it's dog ears. I am thinking of having lipo if at all possible. Thank you!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

These are not dog ears, just residual fat (and maybe some skin) that was not addressed 8 years ago.
A little liposuction (and possibly a little more skin), and you'll have the contour you want!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether you have dog ears, almost 8 years after your tummy tuck.  Thank you for your history in your pictures.  A dog ear is excess skin and fat at the end of an incision.  If this excess skin and fat were there after your tummy tuck, these may be dog ears.  However, if excess skin and fat were not apparent at the end of your tummy tuck, and this fat has accumulated over the past eight years, then this is not a dog ear.  These areas of excess fat are probably due to your recent weight gain.   Whether these areas are dog ears or not, if these areas bother you, you should consider treatment.  Options to reduce the excess skin and fat of your lateral hips would include extending your tummy tuck incision to the top of the buttocks.  Alternatively, you could do some liposuction of these areas.  If you want anything augmented, like breasts or buttocks, the liposuctioned fat can be transferred.  Alternatively, you may consider fat transferred to the dorsal aspect of the hand to make your hands look younger.  I hope I’ve answered your question regarding whether you have dog ears eight years after your tummy tuck.    Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks.  Do your research.   If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear FitMom33,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Dog ears will appear at the end of incisions and they will be seen in early postoperative period. If you didn't have them earlier, then it is fat tissue. I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, you have excess fat in your flanks. I would suggest liposuction to correct this. Your skin tone appears to be good and I think you will have a very good result.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

No "dog ears," those bulges are fat and should respond well to liposuction and weight loss.  Dog ears are easily corrected , and an expected consequence of well done tummy tuck in many circumstances.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest the fullness you are seeing is primarily excess fat, rather that the extra skin commonly found in "dog ears." If this is confirmed, then the fullness could be reduced through liposuction of the area. It is possible that liposuction alone could then lead to skin excess requiring resection. I would suggest a return visit to your surgeon for a proper evaluation and discussion of treatment options.

Zeshaan Maan, MD · Answer

Hi - its hard to say for sure without examining you, but it may be both a small dog ear that has become more prominent with age and weight fluctuations. I suspect a combination or liposuction, dog ear revision surgery (much smaller and easier to recover from than a tummy tuck surgery, though your scar gets longer), and some fat grafting to your hip dips has the potential to really improve your lower body contour and enhance your hourglass figure.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

It's challenging to provide a complete assessment without preoperative photos and an examination. However, from your description, it seems there is excess fat and skin at the ends of the tummy tuck incisions. Notably, the presence of hip dips can make this fullness appear more pronounced.

Liposuction might help reduce the fullness by addressing the excess fat, but it's important to note that it may not completely resolve the issue due to the presence of excess skin. In cases like these, extending the incision to remove this excess skin might be necessary to achieve a more contoured and balanced appearance.

Additionally, addressing the hip dips could also be considered. This might involve techniques such as fat grafting to create a smoother transition in the contour of your hips and sides, which could complement the results of the tummy tuck.

For a more comprehensive evaluation and to discuss potential treatment options, I recommend a detailed consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon who can review your case in the context of your preoperative condition and current results.

#Staybeautiful @RealDrWorldWide

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Strictly speaking it does not appear that you have dog ears at the end of your incision, but I do note the contour irregularities you dislike. I do think you can refine these results through liposuction to smooth the transition from your back to waist and hips.  Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like extra fat more than extra skin and liposuction would probably take care of that area nicely. If any excess skin remains, then it can later be trimmed.

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