Fixing Dog Ears After Tummy Tuck Surgery in Los Angeles
Dog ears are a relatively common concern that can appear after tummy tuck surgery and are a normal part of the healing and body-contouring process for some patients. The term “dog ears” refers to small areas of excess skin and fat that form at the outer edges of a surgical incision, typically near the hips or flanks following abdominoplasty. While a tummy tuck successfully removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the core, residual fullness along the sides of the waist may become more noticeable as the central abdomen becomes flatter. Correcting dog ears is a specialized form of body contouring surgery designed to refine the final result and create smooth, natural transitions between the abdomen and flanks.
Dog ears often develop because the abdomen and flanks store fat differently. Many patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery have varying degrees of excess flank fat or skin laxity extending beyond the area addressed during the initial procedure. When the abdominal skin is tightened and pulled toward the center, tissue at the ends of the incision may bunch slightly, creating a raised or protruding contour. This outcome is not considered a surgical complication but rather a predictable anatomical response, especially in patients with significant weight loss, thicker tissues, or persistent fat deposits along the waistline.
Excess flank fat is one of the primary contributors to dog ears. Even when the abdomen is flat, untreated fat along the hips can push outward against the incision line, preventing a seamless contour. Over time, swelling resolves and tissues settle, but some patients continue to notice asymmetry or fullness at the edges of the scar. In these cases, secondary body contouring procedures are often recommended to complete the aesthetic transformation initiated by the tummy tuck.
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with more than twenty years of surgical experience, specializes in dog ear correction following tummy tuck surgery. Practicing in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, Dr. Karamanoukian is known for his meticulous approach to revision body contouring and his ability to refine surgical outcomes while preserving natural proportions. His extensive experience allows him to evaluate each patient’s anatomy carefully and determine the most effective combination of treatments to achieve a balanced result.
Treatment options for dog ear correction vary depending on the severity of the contour irregularity. In mild cases, targeted liposuction may be sufficient to remove excess flank fat and smooth the transition between the abdomen and hips. Dr. Karamanoukian frequently utilizes advanced Hidef liposuction techniques to sculpt surrounding areas precisely, enhancing waist definition while minimizing additional scarring. For patients with excess skin or widened scars, scar revision surgery can reshape and reposition the incision to create a flatter, more refined appearance.
In more significant cases, a limited tummy tuck revision may be recommended. This procedure allows removal of redundant tissue and adjustment of skin tension along the incision line, producing improved symmetry and contour continuity. By combining liposuction, scar revision, and surgical refinement, Dr. Karamanoukian customizes each correction to address both cosmetic and structural concerns. Fixing dog ears after a tummy tuck is often the final step in achieving optimal body contouring results. With advanced techniques and decades of expertise, Dr. Karamanoukian helps patients complete their transformation, creating smoother contours, improved balance, and renewed confidence in their surgical outcome.