With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Question

How can I avoid getting dog ears. Does the location of the drains cause the dog ears? Is there a certain suture that has better results in Not getting these? I am 20 pounds overweight which I understand could make these more likely. Anything I can do myself, to help this not to occur.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There is nothing you could do yourself (except carefully select your plastic surgeon) to help avoidance of dog ears.  Dog ears refer to  the "gathering" of tissue on the ends of incision lines. With appropriate planning/execution of the procedure, they can usually be avoided.   Again, careful selection of plastic surgeon will be key. Also, best (for many reasons) to achieve your long-term stable weight prior to undergoing elective breast surgery.  In "borderline" cases where there is doubt whether breast lifting is necessary or not, I advise patients to undergo explantation only and to give their breasts the benefit of the doubt  before deciding whether breast lifting would be beneficial.  Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best way to help avoid these is with surgeon selection.  I recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in implant removal and lifts.  Examine credentials and look at before and after photos of the surgeon's work.  Most of all, discuss your concerns with the surgeon to facilitate a dialogue about what you can expect from surgery.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

This would be uncommon after an explant with a lift in my experience. If, for whatever reason, you did develop "dog ears" at the end of the surgical incision, this could be corrected under local in the office.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Dog ear formation is the result of improper incision length development (trying to keep scars as small as possible).  Avoidance of formation is the result of selecting the right type of lift needed to excise your excess brest skin appropriately and not from drain placement or suture material.  Hope this helps.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Dog ear removal is part of the procedure.  If a dog ear of skin appears during the recovery, it can be massaged down.Small dog ears are easily revised and removed under local anesthesia with re-suturing.

With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

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Answer: With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Answer: With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Answer: Dog Ears

Answer: Dog Ears

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Answers (8)

Answer: With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Answer: With breast explant and lift, how can I avoid getting dog ears?

Answer: Dog Ears

Answer: Dog Ears

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.