Dog ear revision or full tummy tuck revision surgery? (Photo)

Question

I'm 8 months post op from a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and breast augmentation. Most days I'm totally in love and greatful for my new body and the overall great service and effort my surgeon and his team where able to achieve. But a part of me knows I should bring this to his attention. My biggest concern is mainly being told that I would have to come out of pocket (my surgery was paid in full the day of) for any corrections. Is this an easy fix? Worth bringing up during PO visit?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Typically, simple dog ear revision that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia are done at no charge. However, if you are looking to get your entire scar revised, you will need to go back to the OR and most surgeons will charge for that. Best to discuss your areas of concern and the best way to address those with your operating surgeon. Good luck!

Donald W. Hause, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Dog ears happen because the corner of the closure is a pivot point that can bunch up and be a little higher when the incision is closed. Also, many patients have extra skin not just on their abdomen, but circumferentially around their body. In patients that have lost large amounts of weight, they may need a Full Body Lift (tummy tuck that goes completely around the body) to remove all the extra skin. It is common to have small dog ears for up to 12 months after the tummy tuck. If they need revision, it involves taking a little skin out and maybe a little touch up liposuction/ fat removal. All Plastic Surgeons see these in their patients. Also, the one picture you took with you sitting brings up another issue. The reason patients  need Tummy Tucks is that the skin loses its ability to shrink back after being stretched. Our techniques of Tummy tuck do not restore the elastic properties of the skin so we only take out what we must to get the best result with the person standing. Because of that, when they sit down, there is always extra skin (otherwise you could not stand up straight). Your result looks good and touch up dog ear revision should improve the corners of the incision. Most Plastic Surgeons will do these small revisions under local anesthesia with a small charge for supplies. Best of luck.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

You have enough laxity present that the "dog ears" could not be removed awake with local anesthesia. Some PS (like myself) offer "free revisions" meaning you only pay for the operating room and anesthesia expenses. This is very generous. A large number of PS will also charge a surgeon fee for any revisions. It is usually discussed prior to surgery what the office or doctor's policy is.

Tahira Prendergast, MD, FACS · Answer

I think you should have a discussion with your surgeon about what bothers you. I see the dog ears and they definitely can be excised, sometimes this can be done under local anesthesia. However if it's the entire scar that bothers you then a revision can be done. I would definitely let your surgeon know your concerns.

Dog ear revision or full tummy tuck revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision vs excision

Answer: Revision vs excision

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Dog ear revision or full tummy tuck revision surgery? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Revision vs excision

Answer: Revision vs excision

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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.