What is the Recovery Time for Correction of Dog Ears?

Question

I had a tummy tuck 9 months ago. I have small dog ears. If they get corrected, will I be able to go back to work right away, pick my 2 yr old up, and excercise? Also, I had a hematoma (Dr. says I was kicking right after surgery) when I had the tummy tuck and I am worried that I might get another one if I correct the dog ears. What are the risks? Thank you!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The recovery time is from 7 to 10 weeks.I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

With very careful planning and execution, “dog ear" occurrence can be minimized. Occasionally (despite best efforts), after tummy tuck surgery surgery, patients will have excess skin or adipose tissue at the very end of their incision lines. These may be referred to as “dog ears”. "Dog ears"  refer to a bunching up of tissue at the end of a incision line/scar. Generally they occur  because a surgeon,  in his/her attempt to keep the scar as short as possible,  has a discrepancy between the lengths  of the upper and lower tummy tuck incision lines. They can be avoided by extending the incisions and removing additional skin and subcutaneous tissue. Most patients will much prefer a longer incision line than  the bunching up of tissue and contour elevation, which is visible and palpable with and without clothing.  Often, excision of the dog ear, if it's still a concern roughly one year postoperatively can be corrected easily under local anesthesia. The procedure is relatively minor, and associate with minimal discomfort/recovery time. I hope this helps.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Corrections of dog ears are a minor procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia in most cases. Other than avoiding direct trauma to the area there are few if any restrictions and you should be able to return to your usual activities promptly. Your surgeon will provide specific information for you.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Dog ear excision is simple and does not require much of a recovery time.  The recovery time is short and there is no restrictions as far as moving and lifting.
Just make sure you discuss this with your surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A small dog ear correction surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and typically there are minimal post-operative activity limitations or restrictions. As long as you do not have a coagulopaty, your risk of a hematoma should remain low.

What is the Recovery Time for Correction of Dog Ears?

Answers (9)

Answer: Dog Ear Excision

Answer: Dog Ear Excision

Answer: Dog ear revision

Answer: Dog ear revision

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What is the Recovery Time for Correction of Dog Ears?

Answers (9)

Answer: Dog Ear Excision

Answer: Dog Ear Excision

Answer: Dog ear revision

Answer: Dog ear revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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