What Are ‘Dog Ears’ After a Tummy Tuck?

Most tummy tuck patients look forward to a smoother, flatter abdomen after surgery. Occasionally, though, small folds or puckers of skin may appear at the ends of the incision line near the hips. This is a relatively common and usually minor issue called “dog ears.” Understanding what causes them and how they’re treated can help you feel more confident about your results and recovery.

What Causes Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck?

Dog ears develop when excess skin or fat remains at the outer edges of a surgical incision. During tummy tuck surgery, loose skin is removed and the surrounding tissues are tightened to create a flatter contour. However, because of the body’s natural curves and slight variations in tissue thickness from one side to the other, small bulges can sometimes appear once swelling subsides and the tissues settle.

Several factors can contribute to dog ears forming after abdominoplasty:

• Skin elasticity: The loss of skin elasticity, often due to weight fluctuations, aging, or pregnancy, can lead to puckering near the incision line.
• Body contour or fat distribution: Uneven fat deposits at the flanks or hips can make achieving a perfectly smooth closure challenging.
• Incision length or placement: Extra skin can gather at the edges if the incision doesn’t extend far enough toward the sides.
• Healing and swelling: Postoperative swelling can temporarily exaggerate puckering, making it appear worse than it will once you’ve healed.

Preventing Dog Ears During Surgery

An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, such as those at Synergy Plastic Surgery, takes proactive steps during surgery to minimize the risk of dog ears. Our surgeons make meticulous incisions and ensure even tension distribution during the closure process. Extending the incision slightly farther around the hips or performing liposuction in the surrounding areas can help create a more even contour.

To customize the procedure, your surgeon will also consider your skin quality, body type, and aesthetic goals. Closely following all preoperative and postsurgical instructions helps support a smoother outcome.

How To Fix Dog Ears After a Tummy Tuck

If small dog ears persist for several months after surgery, a simple revision procedure can usually correct them. This minor in-office procedure involves removing the extra fold of skin and re-closing the incision under local anesthesia. It typically takes less than an hour, and recovery is much quicker than the original tummy tuck.

Sometimes, a surgeon may combine liposuction with surgical revision to refine the contour of the hips or flanks. Before performing any revision work, your surgeon will assess whether it’s best to wait until all swelling has resolved, usually about 6 months after the surgery.

It’s important to remember that dog ears are not a sign of a “bad” tummy tuck. Even with excellent surgical results, small asymmetries or subtle skin folds may appear as swelling subsides and tissues settle into place.

Tips for Ensuring the Best Results

While some risk factors can’t be entirely eliminated, you can take several steps to encourage optimal healing and minimize the chance of dog ears developing:

• Follow your surgeon’s recovery plan: Wear your compression garment as directed, and avoid strenuous activity until cleared.
• Maintain a stable weight: Weight fluctuations after surgery can stretch or loosen the skin around the incision.
• Avoid smoking: Nicotine restricts blood flow and can interfere with healing, increasing the risk of complications.
• Be patient: Swelling and skin tightness can take several months to resolve. Many mild dog ears improve naturally during this time.

A Smooth, Refined Contour Is Possible

Dog ears can be frustrating, but they’re usually simple to address and shouldn’t detract from your overall tummy tuck results. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon who prioritizes natural-looking outcomes and provides detailed postoperative care is vital. You can meet with one of our tummy tuck specialists in Austin and Round Rock, TX, by using the online form to request a consultation. Or, you can call our office at (512) 244-1439 to schedule an appointment.