How to fix my dog ear and dents/dips after a tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had tummy tuck 14 weeks ago. It was suggested I also have small fat graft to my hips to counteract dog ears however I now do have a very obvious dog ear on my right side. I contacted my surgeon who suggested I now need a torso lift. I don't know what that is. I've d the large dent in my right thigh for years. Pretty sure I have lipodema, could lipo or fat graft improve that or make lipodema worse? Or would lipofirm pro work? Would an aqualex injection help diminish the dog ear?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. It will take 6 to 12 months to see the final outcome. However, even at this stage, it's clear that you will likely will need a revision procedure -- this is simply not right.

I recommend following up with your physician about their suggested after care protocol. I have my patients wear compression for 3 to 6 weeks straight and then overnight for 3 to 6 months after their procedure. I suggest adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding Vanquish for further fat removal; truSculpt iD, Exilis, Forma, and Venus Legacy for additional skin tightening; and Cellutone / ZWave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance.

Ultimately, if you are unhappy with your results, please speak to your physician and ensure that he/she was a full body VASER Hi-Definition liposuction physician with extensive experience in contouring and body shaping -- and not just traditional fat reduction. You can always get a revision procedure by an expert if needed. Best, Dr. Emer

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You will need a dog ear correction and I will suggest you also, belly, waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.

Kind regards

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I would recommend a posterior extension of your tummy tuck to create the 360 lift.  This should take care of the contour irregularities of your thighs better than anything else.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear shenad,
I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following a surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.You will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will need more time to heal from your tummy tuck before considering other interventions.  Typically dog ears can be addressed with either liposuction and/or a small amount of skin excision.  You will want to wait until 6-9 months from surgery to allow time for your incisions to heal and swelling to subside before considering addressing your concerns.

How to fix my dog ear and dents/dips after a tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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How to fix my dog ear and dents/dips after a tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Tummy tuck results

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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