Recovery After Dog Ear Removal?

Question

Tummy tuck was done 7 months ago and been happy with it. Doctor recommended dog ear removal after 6 months post tummy tuck which I had yesterday plus liposuction and it looks like he moved the scar line lower so he moved the skin down. When I read on the dog ear recovery, I thought it would be an easier recovery but with the lipo and scar line moved down...when will I start feeling normal?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The vast
majority of patients who undergo dog ear correction don’t have significant
pain. They seem to do well following
this procedure and resume most of their normal activities within days. Unfortunately, the recovery from liposuction
is more difficult and is often associated with pain.In your case, I suspect that most of
your issues are related to your liposuction and not your dog ear revision. Most liposuction patients are able to resume
normal activities within a week. This
doesn’t mean that they won’t have pain or discomfort. This is common following liposuction and is
usually easily controlled with pain medications.Under these circumstances, it’s
important to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to provide you
with information to make this a more comfortable experience.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#TummyTuckRevision surgery Revision surgery is unusual but may be desired for several reasons. Most revisions should be done after 9-12 months.  One cause for revision surgery are “dog ears” at the ends of the incisions. These are small folds of excess skin that do not flatten over time.  They can be excised, suctioned or both.Excess fat or loose skin may require liposuction and skin excision to obtain the best result.Healing is likely from liposuction and some excision workPlan on 6 weeks and feeling normal by 3 months

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Most dog-ear excisions take a short time to recover.  Some residual swelling may last several weeks, but that should quickly subside. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, revisionary tummy tuck surgery involves less discomfort and “recovery time” compared to the initial tummy tuck operation. This is especially true if no abdominal wall muscle work is necessary during the revisionary  tummy tuck operation. Commonly performed revisionary steps may include scar revision, lowering of the abdominal wall scar, excision of “dog ears” and additional liposuction surgery…

	 Of course, your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to more precise information and/or reassurance.

	 Best wishes; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for the question.  A dog ear revision is simply an excision of the excess skin without undermining (dissecting) the tissue.  Since your scar was lowered I suspect you had some undermining of the tissue which is of course more in depth than a dog ear excision.  Liposuction also can involve a large surface area if a sizeable amount of liposuction is performed.  The combination of the two procedures can almost be like a revision tummy tuck.  I suspect that you will feel better in 1-2 weeks and perhaps 3-4 weeks to be able to stop wearing the abdominal binder.

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Recovery After Dog Ear Removal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Recovery after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Recovery after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: The liposuction is likely the bigger recovery component

Answer: The liposuction is likely the bigger recovery component

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Recovery After Dog Ear Removal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Recovery after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: Recovery after Revisionary Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Answer: The liposuction is likely the bigger recovery component

Answer: The liposuction is likely the bigger recovery component

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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