Dog Ear Revision in Portland: What to Expect and How to Prevent It

One of common question I hear from new patients is, “I’m worried about getting a dog ear from surgery.” What is a dog ear and how do I prevent it?

Despite the unusual name, dog ears can occur with surgical healing and do not necessarily mean anything dangerous occurred. In fact, even with careful planning and excellent surgical technique, dog ears can still occasionally occur. Fortunately, when they do happen, they are often straightforward to correct.

At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I help patients from Portland, Happy Valley, Clackamas, Lake Oswego, Gresham, and West Linn understand their options for scar refinement and revision procedures.

What Is a Dog Ear?

A dog ear is a small area of excess skin or scar tissue that develops at the end of a surgical incision after the wound is closed. Instead of lying completely flat, the tissue bunches slightly, creating a raised fold or small bump.

The name comes from its resemblance to the folded tip of a dog’s ear.

Dog ears can occur after many procedures, including:

• Tummy tuck surgery
• Breast reduction surgery
• Breast lift surgery
• Gender-affirming top surgery
• Skin cancer reconstruction
• Large mole removal
• Massive weight loss body contouring procedures

Why Do Dog Ears Happen?

Dog ears develop when there is a mismatch between the amount of skin being removed and the remaining skin that needs to come together during closure.

Think of wrapping a flat piece of paper around a curved surface. Excess material often gathers at the edges. Skin behaves in a similar way.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of a dog ear:

• A wide removal of tissue
• Differences in skin elasticity
• Thicker fatty tissue beneath the skin
• Significant weight fluctuations
• A large amount of excess skin

Can Dog Ears Be Prevented?

There is no guarantee that a dog ear will not occur. Every patient’s anatomy heals differently, and tissue behavior can be difficult to predict perfectly.

However, surgeons can use several techniques to reduce both the risk and the size of dog ears.

Careful Surgical Planning

Thoughtful incision design helps distribute tension more evenly across the wound.

Extending the Incision When Appropriate

Sometimes a slightly longer incision allows the surgeon to remove excess tissue more smoothly. While this creates a longer scar, it may produce a flatter and more natural contour.

Tissue Thinning and Contouring

Surgeons can carefully shape underlying tissue to create a smoother transition between areas.

Changing the Shape of the Scar

Curving a scar or changing the design to a V shape can help distribute excess skin within the line of the closure.

Even with these techniques, some patients will still develop small dog ears. Fortunately, many improve naturally as swelling decreases and tissues settle.

Will a Dog Ear Go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes.

During the first several months after surgery, swelling gradually decreases and scars soften. As this process occurs, small dog ears may flatten significantly.

For this reason, I often recommend waiting up to a year before considering revision unless the dog ear is particularly noticeable or uncomfortable.

Patience during the healing process can sometimes avoid the need for additional treatment.

What Is Dog Ear Revision Surgery?

If a dog ear remains visible after healing, a revision procedure can often improve the contour.

The goal is simple: remove the excess tissue and create a smoother transition along the scar.

For relatively small dog ears, correction is frequently performed as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia.

• Typically takes about one hour
• Performed in the clinic
• Local anesthetic keeps the area comfortable
• Patients return home immediately afterward
• Minimal downtime compared with the original surgery

During the procedure, I remove the excess tissue and carefully re-close the incision to create a flatter contour.

Larger dog ears may require a more extensive revision depending on the location and amount of tissue involved.

What Is Recovery Like After Dog Ear Revision?

Recovery is usually much easier than the original operation.

Most patients experience:

• Mild soreness
• Temporary swelling
• Minor bruising
• A short period of activity restrictions – generally 4 days rest from cardio exercises

Many patients return to desk work within a day or two, depending on the area being treated.

The final contour continues to improve as swelling resolves and the scar matures.

Can Dog Ears Return After Revision?

In nearly all cases, revision provides a lasting improvement.

However, healing is never completely predictable. Factors such as skin quality, body shape, scar formation, and future weight changes can influence long-term results.

This is another reason why experienced surgical planning and careful closure techniques remain important from the start.

When Should You Consider a Consultation?

If you have a raised area at the end of a surgical scar and are unsure whether it is a dog ear, an evaluation can help determine the best next step.

Sometimes observation is appropriate. Other times, a simple in-office procedure can improve the contour and help the scar blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.

At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I work closely with patients to determine whether a dog ear is likely to improve with time or whether revision would provide a meaningful benefit.

Related Resources

• Scar Massage and Silicone Sheeting: Improving Scar Healing
• Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Drainless Abdominal Surgery Techniques
• Healthy Habits to Optimize Surgical Healing