How is a dog ear revision performed?

Question

I was wondering how a dog ear revision is performed? Is it extending the incision (cutting) so it will be longer than it is presently? At this point, mine is approximately an inch above my elbow. I had a brachioplasty and the incision is longer than I was told it would be. I have what I believe is dog ears right above my elbows. Does that mean I will need a longer incision to go to the elbow or beyond? Or is there another form of revision? Thank you Jennavereb

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct...most dog ears require a slight extension of the original incision.  They can usually be reduced a lot, and there is also the chance of raising or lowering the ends of the incision if you like.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dog-ears are excess skin and fat at the edge of the incision. Many dog-ears resolve on their own, however, if the dog-ear has not disappeared it may be a minimal to surgical incision. If the dog-ear is quite “large” you may require general anesthesia. So if a dog-ear is large or in a complex area. If the dog-ear is small it may require just a small in office procedure. The area is usually locally anesthetist and the area is made sterile then using a scalpel or curved scissors the excess dog is tented upward. A triangular area of skin and fat is excised on each side of the dog-ear. Then layers of suture are places to re-approximate the skin. Typically dog-ears should heal in 10-14 days depending on the size of the dog-ear a drain may need to be inserted.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, revision of the dog ear can be done in the office setting using local numbing medication. Unfortunately, to treat the dog ear, it usually involves lengthening the incision in some manner. The incision does not have to be extended in a strait direction...it can often be curved or routed in a different direction...but it most likely will be longer.  Sorry.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  Dog ear revisions are commonly performed as a relatively quick outpatient operation, with local anaesthetic.  The skin and some of the underlying fat is cut away so it no longer puckers away from the surface of your skin like a cone.  The incision is often extended in the same direction as your original scar, but it doesn't have to be.  Your plastic surgeon will take into account several factors when deciding how to orient the scar, including the most cosmetic result, avoiding crossing joint creases, etc.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Traditionally dog ears are treated by extending the incision. Occasionally, liposuction alone can be useful. Unfortunately, these are the best options.

How is a dog ear revision performed?

Answers (5)