If isolated neck lift “dog ears,” how is it corrected?

Question

I really only need a neck lift. My worry is if it “dog ears” I read that then you need a much bigger scar to fix it...

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

A "dog ear" aka "standing cone deformity" occurs when too much skin is removed from too short of an incision resulting in the skin being smooshed together along the incision line.  So, actually a properly planned longer incision will prevent the dog ear.  I would focus more on selecting an experienced surgeon versus how to fix specific things.  Ultimately a longer incision will prevent the dog ear.  I have performed thousands of neck lifts and have never had to fix my own dog ear.  This comes with proper training, technique, and experience.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If there is any excess skin in the neck, a lower face and neck lift is required, so it's very important to choose the right procedure to correct the presenting issues. In our practice, a neck lift does not remove any skin,  it tightens the platysma muscle and removes fat in the neck. Patients must have excellent skin tone and are less than 50 years of age. For many examples of neck lifts and face lifts, please see the link and the video below

Christine A. Hamori, MD · Answer

The scars for neck lift are concealed around the ear so the excess skin of the neck can be removed with out dog ears. A youthful neck consists of natural contours of the underlying muscle and the skin. In performing a neck lift a small incision is necessary under the chin to access the platysma muscle which is contoured to shape the neck and jaw. The excess skin is then removed primarily behind the ear and sometimes extending to the hairline behind the ear.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If good technique is used for a necklift,
this can be done with minimal scarring and can result in a natural look, not
over-done look, with rejuvenation of your face.  The incisions can be hidden behind the ears.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect
is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

If there are dog ears behind your ears usually they resolve without additional procedures. A little increase in tissue can be reduced with a steroid injection. A longer incision usually avoids a dog ear. The incisions can be hidden in the seams of the face and the hairlines. Good luck...

Prashant Soni, MD · Answer

generally, most people who are a good candidate for an isolated neck lift do not have excessive skin. If that were the case, a facelift may be preferable.  Dog ears in a neck lift can be prevented by placing the posterior scalp incision  just within  the hairline and performing adequate release of the skin. In this fashion, the skin will settle out and any scars are hidden just above the hairline.

Daniel Driscoll, MD · Answer

when ever skin is removed the amount in the center is "cheated out" along the incision in something of an ellipse.  The shorter the ellipse the shorter the incision and the more likely the 'dog ear' redundancy at the ends.  to correct it just means the incision has to be made longer.  the likelihood of a dogear is also dependent on the elasticity of the skin, as they tend to get much better over time in people with good skin elasticity.  good luck, hope this helps.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Dog ears are usually corrected by removing the excess tissue, which extends the incision a bit longer.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. rsrs

If isolated neck lift “dog ears,” how is it corrected?

Answers (9)

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