How Do You Get Rid Of A Dogear At The End Of A Scar?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I have a scar question.What about when a dog ear scar is right in the middle of your cheek.  I hate it and I have had it for almost 7years.  I am scared to undergo a scar revision as the excision will make the scar longer. Are there any alternatives?

A: Dog ears are excess tissue at the ends of scars or healed incisions. They are usually composed of skin and fat. To get rid of many dogears, it does require a scar revision by excision which will result in a lengthening of the scar. But some dogears can be flattened by defatting alone without skin removal. Through the end of the scar, fat can be excised without extending the scar. This technique relies on the overlying skin to flatten as the fat underneath it is removed. The fat can be removed through either direct excision or sometimes microcannula liposuction. Short of this approach, there are no other alternatives to the dog ear scar problem.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana