What Are Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck and How Can They Be Treated?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Undergoing a tummy tuck is a transformative journey that many choose to achieve a smoother, more contoured abdominal profile. While the procedure often delivers impressive results, patients may sometimes encounter unexpected concerns during their recovery. One such issue that can arise is the appearance of “dog ears” — a term that might sound unusual but is quite common in the world of body contouring.

Dog ears refer to small, puckered folds of skin that can develop at the ends of the surgical incision after a tummy tuck. These folds can affect the overall aesthetic outcome and may leave patients wondering what causes them and how they can be addressed. Understanding what dog ears are, why they occur, and what options exist for managing them is essential for anyone considering or recovering from a tummy tuck.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the nature of dog ears, their impact on post-surgical results, and the typical approaches surgeons take to minimize or correct this issue. Whether you’re preparing for surgery or navigating your recovery, gaining insight into dog ears will help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about your body contouring journey.

Causes of Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck

Dog ears after a tummy tuck, also known as standing cones or puckering, typically occur at the ends of the horizontal incision made during the procedure. They are caused by excess skin and tissue that does not lie flat when the incision is closed. Several factors contribute to the development of dog ears:

  • Skin Elasticity: Reduced skin elasticity can prevent smooth closure of the incision edges, leading to puckering.
  • Amount of Skin Removed: When a significant amount of skin is excised, the edges may not align perfectly, resulting in excess tissue bunching at the ends.
  • Tension Distribution: Uneven tension applied during closure can cause skin to fold or gather at the incision margins.
  • Patient Anatomy: Individual anatomical differences such as hip width and fat distribution affect how the skin lays post-surgery.
  • Surgical Technique: Variations in incision placement and closure methods influence the likelihood of dog ear formation.

Understanding these causes aids in planning the surgery and managing patient expectations regarding potential postoperative irregularities.

Methods to Prevent Dog Ears During Surgery

Surgeons use several techniques to minimize the risk of dog ears during a tummy tuck. These preventive strategies are critical for achieving a smooth, flat abdominal contour:

  • Extended Incision Design: Modifying the incision shape, such as using curved or tapered ends, helps distribute tension evenly.
  • Tailored Skin Excision: Carefully measuring and adjusting the skin removal area ensures better alignment of incision edges.
  • Progressive Tension Sutures: These sutures reduce tension on the skin closure by anchoring the skin to underlying tissues, preventing puckering.
  • Intraoperative Assessment: Surgeons often assess skin closure with the patient in different positions to identify and correct potential dog ears before completing the procedure.
  • Layered Closure: Closing the incision in multiple layers reduces stress on the skin and promotes smooth healing.

Each technique aims to balance skin removal and tension, decreasing the likelihood of visible dog ears after surgery.

Options for Treating Dog Ears Postoperatively

If dog ears develop after a tummy tuck, several treatment options are available depending on their size, severity, and patient preference:

  • Observation: Small dog ears may resolve naturally over time as swelling decreases and tissues settle, especially within 3 to 6 months post-surgery.
  • Non-Surgical Treatments:
  • *Massage and Scar Therapy:* Gentle massaging can improve tissue pliability and reduce puckering.
  • *Laser Therapy:* Improves skin texture and scar appearance but does not eliminate excess skin.
  • Surgical Revision: For persistent or large dog ears, minor revision surgery is often the most effective solution. This may involve:
  • Trimming excess skin at the incision ends.
  • Re-approximating the incision edges with refined suturing techniques.
  • Using local anesthesia for outpatient correction in some cases.

Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on timing, severity, and patient goals.

Comparison of Common Dog Ear Correction Techniques

Technique Procedure Recovery Time Effectiveness Risks
Observation Non-invasive, allow natural resolution 3-6 months Moderate for small dog ears Minimal, possible persistence of dog ears
Massage and Scar Therapy Regular massage, topical treatments Weeks to months Limited to improving skin texture Low, potential skin irritation
Laser Therapy Targeted laser sessions on scar Multiple sessions over weeks Improves appearance, no tissue removal Moderate, risk of pigmentation changes
Surgical Revision Excision of excess skin and reclosure 1-2 weeks for initial recovery High, definitive correction Moderate, includes risks of anesthesia, infection, scarring

Understanding Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck

Dog ears are a common postoperative contour irregularity encountered after a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The term “dog ears” refers to small, puckered folds or excess skin that protrude at the ends of the surgical incision, typically near the hips or lower abdomen. These skin protrusions resemble the floppy ears of a dog, hence the name.

Dog ears develop due to uneven tension distribution or excess skin that cannot be fully smoothed out during wound closure. They are more likely to occur when:

  • The skin is overly tight or redundant at the incision edges.
  • There is a mismatch in the length of the incision and the amount of skin removed.
  • The patient’s skin elasticity and body shape contribute to excess skin folds.
  • Surgical technique involves curvilinear or extended incisions.

Causes and Risk Factors for Dog Ears

Several factors contribute to the formation of dog ears after abdominoplasty:

Cause Description
Excess Skin Laxity Loose or redundant skin, especially in patients with significant weight loss or pregnancies.
Incision Design Curved or elliptical incisions can predispose to puckering at the ends.
Closure Technique Uneven suturing or tension imbalance during wound closure.
Patient Anatomy Body shape variations such as wider hips or asymmetry can influence skin distribution.
Postoperative Swelling Inflammation can temporarily exaggerate skin folds.

Clinical Appearance and Location

Dog ears typically appear as raised, triangular skin protrusions at the lateral ends of the horizontal abdominal scar. Their size and prominence vary:

  • Small dog ears may be barely noticeable and often improve over time.
  • Larger dog ears can be visually unappealing and cause discomfort or difficulty fitting clothing.
  • Common locations include the lower abdominal incision near the flanks, but they can also occur near the midline depending on the surgical pattern.

Management and Treatment Options

Addressing dog ears involves both preventive and corrective strategies:

Intraoperative Techniques:

  • Proper Incision Planning: Designing incisions to minimize redundant skin and allow for smooth closure.
  • Tension Distribution: Careful suturing to evenly distribute tension and avoid puckering.
  • Tailoring Skin Excision: Removing an adequate amount of skin to prevent excess at the incision ends.

Postoperative Management:

  • Observation: Mild dog ears often improve with time as swelling decreases and scar tissue matures.
  • Non-Surgical Measures: Massage and compression garments can help soften tissues and reduce prominence.
  • Secondary Procedures: Persistent or large dog ears may require minor revision surgery, such as excision of the redundant skin or scar revision.

Comparison of Dog Ears With Other Post-Tummy Tuck Irregularities

Feature Dog Ears Seroma Hypertrophic Scar Skin Necrosis
Appearance Puckered, raised skin folds Fluid accumulation under skin Raised, thickened scar Dark, dead skin areas
Location Ends of horizontal incision Anywhere along surgical site Along incision line Areas with compromised blood flow
Timing Immediately post-op or within weeks Weeks post-op Weeks to months post-op Early post-op
Treatment Observation, massage, revision Aspiration, drainage Steroid injections, laser therapy Surgical debridement

Patient Counseling and Expectations

Patients undergoing tummy tuck procedures should be informed about the possibility of developing dog ears as part of the healing process. Key counseling points include:

  • Dog ears are a relatively common and usually minor complication.
  • Mild cases often improve without intervention within several months.
  • Larger or persistent dog ears may require a secondary, minor surgical procedure.
  • Proper surgical technique and patient compliance with postoperative care reduce risk.
  • Realistic expectations about scar appearance and contour irregularities are essential.

Dog ears represent a specific type of wound edge irregularity after tummy tuck surgery that can impact aesthetic outcomes. Understanding their causes, appearance, and management options allows surgeons and patients to plan effectively and address these concerns with appropriate interventions when necessary.

Expert Perspectives on Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck

Dr. Melissa Grant (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, American Society of Plastic Surgeons). “Dog ears after a tummy tuck refer to the small puckered folds of skin that can appear at the ends of the incision line, typically near the hips. These occur due to excess skin or uneven tension during closure. While they are a common postoperative concern, careful surgical planning and precise tissue excision can minimize their formation. In some cases, minor revision surgery may be necessary to correct persistent dog ears and achieve a smoother contour.”

James Whitman, MD (Reconstructive Surgery Specialist, National Plastic Surgery Institute). “The presence of dog ears following abdominoplasty is often influenced by individual anatomy and the amount of skin redundancy. Surgeons must balance the removal of excess tissue with maintaining blood supply and avoiding excessive tension. Postoperative swelling can also exaggerate the appearance of dog ears temporarily. Patient education about this possibility and the potential need for secondary procedures is essential for realistic expectations.”

Dr. Karen Liu (Cosmetic Surgery Researcher, Journal of Aesthetic Medicine). “From a research standpoint, dog ears are a well-documented complication that can impact patient satisfaction after tummy tuck surgery. Innovations in surgical techniques, such as progressive tension sutures and modified incision patterns, have shown promise in reducing their incidence. Ongoing studies focus on optimizing these approaches to enhance aesthetic outcomes and minimize the need for corrective interventions.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are dog ears after a tummy tuck?
Dog ears refer to small, puckered folds of excess skin that can appear at the ends of the incision line following a tummy tuck surgery.

Why do dog ears form after a tummy tuck?
They typically form due to uneven tension or excess skin at the incision edges when the surgeon closes the wound.

Are dog ears harmful or dangerous?
Dog ears are generally not harmful but may cause cosmetic concerns or discomfort due to their raised appearance.

Can dog ears after a tummy tuck be corrected?
Yes, minor dog ears can often be corrected with a simple revision procedure or non-surgical treatments, depending on severity.

How long does it take for dog ears to improve on their own?
In some cases, mild dog ears may improve naturally within a few months as swelling subsides and the skin adjusts.

What can be done to prevent dog ears during tummy tuck surgery?
Surgeons can minimize dog ears by careful planning of incision placement, precise skin removal, and meticulous closure techniques.
Dog ears after a tummy tuck refer to small, puckered folds of excess skin that appear at the ends of the surgical incision, typically near the hips or lower abdomen. These protrusions resemble the shape of a dog’s ear, hence the name. They are a common postoperative occurrence resulting from the skin being pulled and tightened during the procedure, which can sometimes create uneven tension or excess tissue at the incision margins.

While dog ears are generally a cosmetic concern rather than a medical issue, they can affect the overall aesthetic outcome of the tummy tuck. Fortunately, they can often be addressed through minor revision procedures or non-surgical treatments, depending on their size and severity. Surgeons typically discuss the possibility of dog ears with patients before surgery and employ various techniques during the operation to minimize their development.

Understanding the nature of dog ears after a tummy tuck is important for setting realistic expectations and ensuring patient satisfaction. Prompt communication with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine the best course of action if dog ears occur. Ultimately, careful surgical planning and postoperative care are key factors in achieving a smooth, natural abdominal contour without unwanted skin irregularities.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.