Are these dog ears (1 year after tummy tuck surgery)? (Photo)

Question

I have been noticing these 2 mini pouches of skin on the end m my tummy tucky scar! It has been an year that I went through the surgery and unfortunately I cant afford them to be removed! Are they going disappear if I lose weight? Thank you!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding dog ears 1 year after a tummy tuck. Yes, it appears that you have two residual dog ears at the ends of your tummy tuck scar. I recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss this issue. Typically, dog ears can be easily addressed in the office under local anesthesia. Depending on your surgeon's policy, there may be minimal or no additional charge for this procedure since the dog ears were left after the initial surgery. While losing weight may help improve the area's appearance, it's important to address the excess skin directly to achieve the desired results.

The video below shows how dog ears are removed after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

The video below shows how dog ears are removed after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear babi2024,
I understand your concern. Based on your photo, it looks like those are dog ears. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Roni Prucz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photo! The excess skin at the end of your tummy tuck scar is considered a dog ear. These will not resolve with diet or exercise since it is excess skin. Fortunately, the procedure to fix them is relatively simple and can be performed at a very reasonable price in clinic. Many surgeons (including myself) will often do the revision at minimal to no cost for our own patients. You should discuss your care with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to provide more information. Thank you for your question!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. The little “mini pouches” at the two ends of the scar are small dog ears and can be easily corrected by your surgeon, if you wish. The procedure is minor and is done in the office under local anesthesia. Please discuss this with your surgeon. All the best!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, those are excess tissue at the lateral aspect of your scar (dog ears). Your surgeon should easily be able to fix that under local anesthesia. I would believe that almost every good surgeon would not charge you at all to do this on their own patient and you should definitely discuss this with your surgeon.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture.  Those could be called dog ears or just lateral skin excess.  They are easily corrected and can even be done under local anesthesia.  Did you ask your PS to make the scar as short as possible thus resulting in this skin excess or did the PS just do that during the surgery?  In either case, you should return to your PS and he or she should definitely offer you a revision at no cost to you.

Chad Douglas Tattini, MD · Answer

They always have a chance to improve with weight loss. However I would encourage you to discuss this concern with your surgeon. Often your original surgeon can repair these under local which can keep cost down. Perhaps they even have a discount for existing patients.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation is best but from the photo it does appear those are dog ears.  You may want to contact your surgeon.  They can often be addressed in the office surgical suite under local anesthesia.  they will not resolve with weight loss.

John J. Obi, MD · Answer

The photo submitted does confirm what appears to be dog ears at the lateral extent of the abdominoplasty scar.

Follow up with your surgeon who should be able to easily correct the issue.
Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you have two dog ears left. I suggest going back to your surgeon and ask him/her to remove them in the office under local anesthesia. Perhaps there will not be a charge or a minimal one since the ears were left.  Losing weight might help, but does not remove the excess skin.

Are these dog ears (1 year after tummy tuck surgery)? (Photo)

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