The term “Dog Ears” is commonly used in the medical field and among patients following breast reconstruction surgery. But what does the term mean? Dr. Nastala provides a detailed explanation in the video below:
What are “Dog Ears?”
“Dog Ears” is a term surgeons use routinely in plastic surgery almost every day. To someone not in the medical field, the term may be unfamiliar. During surgery, a wound is closed in a linear fashion (meaning the scar is like a line). But when skin or tissue is removed, it is in a circular or football shaped incision pattern. Closing a rounded shaped wound into a straight line can result in some puffiness at the ends of the incision. This is what is referred to as a “dog ear.”
Are “Doge Ears” permanent?
There are steps surgeons can take to reduce or eliminate the appearance of “dog ears.” The protruding skin and tissue can be removed after the original wound is healed. This procedure does increase the length of the incision and scar but reduces the bothersome pucker of skin and tissue.
For breast reconstruction patients, “dog ears” are typically address and reduced/removed during Stage 2 reconstruction (AKA Revision Surgery).
Author: Dr. Chet Nastala and Courtney Floyd
“Dog Ears” is a term surgeons use routinely in plastic surgery almost every day.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
What Does The Term “Dog Ears” Mean?
3 Tips to Help a Loved One After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
3 Tips to Help a Loved One After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A cancer diagnosis overwhelming. It can also be devastating to hear that a loved one has received this terrible news. Once the initial blow of the news of a loved one’s diagnosis has passed, many are left […]
Is DIEP Flap Surgery the Same as a Tummy Tuck
Is DIEP Flap Surgery the Same as a Tummy Tuck July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction uses a patient’s lower abdominal tissue to recreate a warm, soft, natural breast following a mastectomy. It is often said the abdominal skin and fat used during DIEP flap surgery is removed in a […]
Artificial Intelligence May Improve the Accuracy of Mammograms
Artificial Intelligence May Improve the Accuracy of Mammograms July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) system created by Google has shown to be as effective in detecting breast cancer as an expert radiologist a recent study reports. Google is using its AI to interpret mammogram results and screen for […]
PRMA Presented ERAS Study at SABCS 2019
PRMA Presented ERAS Study at SABCS 2019 July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Each year, healthcare experts and patient advocates gather in San Antonio to present the latest research findings and updates on clinical trials at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. This year, PRMA was honored to present our research finding from […]
Record 727 Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedures in 2019
Record 727 Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedures in 2019 July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin 2019 was another incredible year at PRMA Plastic Surgery | Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction. This year we celebrated the practice’s 25th anniversary, completed our record breaking 8,500th flap based breast reconstruction procedure AND closed out the year setting a new annual […]
Are Breast Implants Permanent?
Are Breast Implants Permanent? July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What are breast implants? Breast implants are commonly used for cosmetic reasons (breast augmentation) to enhance a natural breast, or for reconstruction following a mastectomy to restore the shape and size of the breast. Implants consist of silicone shells filled with either saline or silicone gel. They are available […]
Wound Dressings After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Wound Dressings After Breast Reconstruction Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin After any type of surgery, it is important to keep all incisions clean and dry to reduce the likelihood of post-surgery infections. Following breast reconstruction, patients can expect to have wound dressings on the breast and possibly other areas of the […]
Implant VS “Flap” Breast Reconstruction: Patient Reported Outcomes from Thin and Obese Patients
Implant VS “Flap” Breast Reconstruction: Patient Reported Outcomes from Thin and Obese Patients July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Does weight impact quality of life and satisfaction rates after “flap” breast reconstruction? Patients today have many options to consider for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Reconstruction options include implants and microsurgical “flap” procedures like the DIEP flap. […]
Can You Get Breast Cancer in a Reconstructed Breast?
Can You Get Breast Cancer in a Reconstructed Breast? July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is breast cancer recurrence? Even after treatment, it is possible for breast cancer to return. This is referred to as a “recurrence.” Although the goal of treatment (whether it be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of […]
No Comments