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Written By: Jeffrey Atlas, PA-C, Health Content Writer
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Gopal Grandhige, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon
Last Reviewed: May 19, 2026
Dog ears after a tummy tuck are caused by excess skin that bunches or folds at the ends of the abdominal incision during closure. They form at the lateral edges of the cut the transition point where skin removal stops and are one of the most predictable complications of abdominoplasty when surgical technique doesn’t account for them. Knowing what drives this outcome helps patients ask the right questions before choosing a surgeon, and resources like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offer useful patient safety guidance when researching procedures.
Several factors contribute to dog ear formation: the amount of loose skin being removed, the natural limitations of skin elasticity, and how the surgeon handles the incision endpoints at the close of the procedure. The more redundant skin a patient has going in, the longer the incision needs to be and the higher the likelihood of puckering at the ends if not actively managed during surgery. Patients exploring body contouring options will find that this risk is consistently noted across abdominoplasty literature. Weight history and body composition also play a role. The Harvard Health resource on diet and weight management outlines how these factors affect skin quality over time.
At Formation, Dr. Gopal Grandhige treats dog ear prevention as a non-negotiable part of every abdominoplasty. Before closing, he inspects and corrects any skin irregularities directly on the operating table using liposuction or direct excision. For patients who develop minor puckering during the healing phase, treatment options range from compression garments to a minor in-office revision.
During an abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat are excised through a lower abdominal incision. This incision sits roughly in the same position as a C-section scar typically near the upper edge of the pubic area and extends outward toward the hips. Its length depends on how much redundant skin needs to be addressed. Dog ears develop at the lateral ends of this incision: folds or flaps of skin that fail to lie flat against the body, creating visible puckering at the incision corners. Patients considering abdominoplasty for men or women should understand this risk as part of their pre-surgical research.
These folds are a well-documented risk following a tummy tuck. They aren’t painful or medically dangerous; they’re simply an aesthetic concern. Other procedures can produce similar scarring issues. C-section scars, for example, frequently pucker or become indented over time, and surgical correction may be needed to improve their appearance. The Cleveland Clinic’s overview of body contouring covers how incision placement and skin quality affect surgical outcomes across multiple procedures.
Dr. Gopal Grandhige performs a high volume of tummy tucks each year alongside Dr. Ahmad Saad, and the surgical team at Formation applies meticulous attention to technique to deliver the best possible outcomes. Abdominoplasty is one of Dr. Grandhige’s primary areas of focus. So what does his approach look like when it comes to minimizing or eliminating dog ears?
Prevention happens at the very end of every abdominoplasty. Before closing, Dr. Grandhige inspects the incision line for any skin flap, loose tissue, or puckering. The most effective way to avoid a dog ear is to actively look for it on the operative table and address it before the procedure is complete. Two primary methods are used: liposuction or direct excision. The first step is to use liposuction for men techniques or comparable approaches to flatten any pucker by removing excess fat so the skin lies smooth. If that isn’t sufficient, the incision is extended slightly and the excess tissue is excised. Both techniques are essential to preventing dog ears surgically, and they carry a high success rate in Dr. Grandhige’s experience. Research published in peer-reviewed surgical literature supports active intraoperative management of lateral incision endpoints as best practice.
That said, the risk never reaches zero. No tummy tuck leaves the operating table with visible puckers or dog ears on the surgical table, that rate is zero. But healing doesn’t always follow a straight line. Poor skin elasticity during recovery can allow small dog ears to develop even after a clean closure. This is one of the more frustrating realities of the procedure: the transition zone where skin removal ends is inherently vulnerable to minor puckering despite a technically sound operation. Patients curious about how body composition and weight history affect skin elasticity may find the NIDDK’s weight management resources a helpful reference point.
Surgeons who don’t actively address this area during closure are more likely to produce large dog ears as a result of inadequate technique. By making zero dog ears at closure a non-negotiable standard, the vast majority of patients who undergo procedures through Formation’s men’s aesthetic surgery program or women’s services avoid the issue entirely. Even so, small ones can occasionally develop during healing and may require follow-up treatment. Reviewing the Formation before and after gallery gives prospective patients a realistic view of surgical outcomes and scar placement.
The treatment approach closely mirrors the prevention methods used during surgery. The first line of treatment, however, is compression wraps. Post-operative swelling and bruising can cause puckering and unevenness along the ends of the incision. This is a normal part of healing and is managed with an abdominal binder or compression garment. At Formation, patients are instructed to wear the binder firmly after drain removal though it should not be worn tight in the early post-op period until specifically directed. Compression garments play a critical role in recovery by helping the body expel excess fluid, reduce swelling, and minimize bruising. For small areas of puckering, they carry a high success rate in flattening out irregularities. Patients who have undergone body contouring after bariatric surgery are often especially familiar with how compression supports post-surgical healing.
Compression also directly benefits the scar itself. Pressure from the binder is one of the single most important factors in achieving a flat, well-healed incision after surgery. It supports collagen remodeling and encourages the scar to settle smoothly. Burn patients with severe scarring are often instructed to wear compression over affected areas for a full year or more the same principle applies to tummy tuck recovery. Consistent compression wear is non-negotiable for the best possible outcome, a philosophy that aligns with Formation’s approach to surgical care.
Even with precise surgical technique and diligent compression use, some patients will still develop dog ears. When that happens, the primary treatment options are liposuction or surgical revision both performable under local anesthesia. Patients who want a minimally involved recovery may be good candidates for awake liposuction as a corrective approach. In some cases, targeted liposuction is enough to smooth the area. Others may need a minor surgical revision where a small amount of additional skin is excised. Either way, recovery is typically straightforward. The FDA’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel provides additional regulatory context on the tools and devices used in these corrective procedures.
The psychological dimension of body image recovery is also worth acknowledging. Research from Psychology Today on body image highlights how visible post-surgical irregularities even minor ones can affect a patient’s confidence and satisfaction with results. For younger patients or those still forming their relationship with their appearance, KidsHealth’s body image resource offers additional perspective on how physical changes intersect with self-perception. Addressing dog ears promptly and effectively is part of delivering outcomes that hold up both physically and emotionally. Patients can read more about procedure-specific outcomes on the Formation blog or explore whether high-definition liposuction is an appropriate complement to their abdominoplasty plan.
Patients recovering from a tummy tuck who are also interested in complementary procedures can explore options like BBL for men or Botox for men to further refine their overall aesthetic result once fully healed.
Dog ears are a known risk of abdominoplasty, but they are far from inevitable. With the right surgical technique actively inspecting the incision line at the close of every procedure and addressing any puckering before leaving the operating table the overwhelming majority of patients finish their tummy tuck without this complication. At Formation, Dr. Gopal Grandhige treats zero dog ears at closure as a standard, not a goal. For the small number of patients who develop minor puckering during recovery, effective solutions exist: compression garments, liposuction, or a minor surgical revision. Understanding this complication ahead of time allows patients to set realistic expectations and take an active role in their recovery starting with something as straightforward as wearing their compression garment consistently. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Formation directly.
Not necessarily. Small dog ears that develop during healing can often be resolved with consistent use of compression garments. Those that persist may require a minor in-office procedure such as liposuction or surgical revision.
Dog ears are not painful or medically harmful. They are purely an aesthetic concern folds or puckers of skin at the ends of the incision that simply don't lie flat. Most patients describe them as bothersome in appearance rather than physically uncomfortable.
They typically become noticeable during the healing phase, after post-operative swelling begins to subside. In some cases, what initially looks like a dog ear is actually swelling that resolves on its own with compression.
Yes, in many cases. Compression garments are the first treatment approach and carry a high success rate for small puckers. When compression alone isn't enough, liposuction under local anesthesia is often sufficient to smooth the area without a full surgical revision.
Recovery from dog ear treatment is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients return to work and daily activities shortly after the procedure. Compression is worn afterward to support healing and optimize the final result.
The next step after losing 100 pounds.
After significant weight loss, the skin doesn’t always shrink back to match the body’s new shape. And no amount of exercise can remove that excess skin.
In this surgery, Dr. Gopal performs a 360° circumferential body lift to remove excess skin and reshape the patient’s waistline, abdomen, and lower back.
The approach involves lifting the skin on the back and pulling it downward on the front to create a smoother, flatter contour while positioning the incision low enough to be concealed by underwear.
This patient lost over 100 pounds. During surgery, Dr. Gopal explains how approximately 3 pounds of skin were removed from the back, with another 5 pounds planned for removal from the front.
It’s not just about removing skin. It’s about reshaping the body after a significant weight-loss journey.
📍 Dr. Gopal Grandhige | Formation, South Tampa
Interested in body contouring after major weight loss? Schedule a consultation to explore your options.
#BodyLift #CircumferentialBodyLift #ExcessSkinRemoval #WeightLoss #BodyContouring
There’s lean. Then there’s sculpted.
High-definition liposuction goes beyond traditional fat removal. It’s about strategically sculpting around the underlying muscles to create more visible definition in the chest, abdomen, and waist.
For this patient, the goal was a leaner, more defined, athletic appearance without an exaggerated look.
Dr. Gopal Grandhige specializes in male HD liposuction, customizing each procedure to the patient’s anatomy, muscle structure, and desired level of definition.
The result? A more sculpted physique that complements his natural build.
Interested in HD liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation Tampa. Link in bio.
Actual patient photos. Individual results vary.
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #HighDefinitionLiposuction #BodySculpting #Tampa
“That responsibility means everything to me.”
When a patient chooses a plastic surgeon, they’re placing an extraordinary amount of trust in someone else’s hands.
And that responsibility goes far beyond what happens in the operating room.
For Dr. Gopal, it means taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, carefully planning their procedure, making thoughtful decisions throughout surgery, and being there for them during recovery.
Every detail matters because there’s a real person behind every procedure, with hopes, concerns, and expectations.
And that person deserves to feel cared for every step of the way.
#Tampa #CosmeticSurgery #PatientCare #bodycountouring #hdliposuction
Every body needs a different plan.
An HD liposuction consultation with Dr. Gopal is much more than discussing which areas to treat.
He takes the time to evaluate each patient’s anatomy, explain what he’s seeing, and walk through exactly how he would approach the procedure.
Where should fat be removed? Where should it be preserved? How can the waist be sculpted while maintaining natural curves? And when might additional skin tightening be needed?
These are just some of the decisions Dr. Gopal walks patients through, explaining not only what he recommends, but why.
This Reel is a small glimpse into a consultation that typically involves a much more detailed conversation, with time for patients to ask questions and understand their options.
📍 Formation | South Tampa
Considering high-definition liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal to discuss your goals and explore what’s possible.
#HDLipo #HighDefinitionLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
There’s lean. Then there’s sculpted.
For some men, even years of consistent training and cutting cycles don’t produce the abdominal definition they’re working toward.
Here’s what one patient shared in his Google review of Formation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Waited a few months to write this because I wanted to make sure the results held up.
The HD technique did what years of cutting cycles couldn’t. Abs actually show now, even relaxed, even in bad lighting. If you’ve chased a six pack for years you know what that means. Recovery was more involved than I expected and the bruising was wild for a bit. But the result looks like me, just leaner and more defined. Doesn’t look surgical, which was my biggest fear going in. Would recommend, but only if you’re already putting in the work.”
Dr. Gopal Grandhige specializes in male high-definition liposuction, an advanced body-contouring technique that goes beyond traditional fat removal.
By strategically removing fat around the underlying muscles, HD liposuction can enhance natural muscle definition and create a leaner, more sculpted, athletic appearance.
The goal isn’t to create artificial abs. It’s to reveal and enhance the muscle contours already there, with the level of definition customized to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
📍 Formation, South Tampa
Interested in male HD liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal to explore your options.
Google patient review.
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
Crunches can only do so much.
You can spend hours strengthening your abdominal muscles, but that doesn’t guarantee visible definition.
A layer of fat sits between the muscles and the skin, and crunches can’t specifically target that fat.
For many people, exercise and reducing overall body fat can help reveal their abs. But even people who are already lean and fit can have stubborn fat that hides their natural muscle definition.
That’s where high-definition liposuction may help.
Dr. Gopal uses HD lipo to selectively remove fat around the natural contours of the abdominal muscles, helping reveal the definition that’s already there.
📍 Formation | South Tampa
Interested in HD lipo? Schedule a consultation to learn more.
#HDLipo #HighDefinitionLiposuction #AbdominalSculpting #BodyContouring
Which one had surgery 1 or 2? 👀
High-definition liposuction goes beyond traditional fat removal. Instead of simply reducing fat evenly, the surgeon strategically removes fat around the underlying muscles to make their natural contours more visible.
But here’s what makes it interesting: HD lipo doesn’t create the same six-pack on everyone. Each person’s anatomy, muscle development, and desired level of definition influence the final result.
Now take another look at these two patients.
Which one do you think had HD liposuction, 1 or 2?
Drop your guess below, then check the pinned comment for the answer!
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
There’s a story behind every decision.
Cosmetic surgery is a personal decision. Yet people who choose it often find themselves having to explain or defend that choice to others.
Some want to restore changes after pregnancy or weight loss. Others have worked hard to get in shape but still have areas they’d like to improve. And some simply want to feel more comfortable with their appearance.
The reasons are different for everyone. And they don’t have to make sense to anyone else.
At Formation, Dr. Gopal believes the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery should be guided by a patient’s personal goals, realistic expectations, and what’s medically appropriate for them.
Because ultimately, the person making that decision is the one who will live with it.
#Tampa #CosmeticSurgery #BodyContouring #Liposuction
Our first four-legged patient. 🐾
Dr. Gopal takes his liposuction and body contouring very seriously.
Even when his patients have four legs.
From loose skin and neck liposuction to a jawline that deserves its own before-and-after reveal, this might be his most dramatic transformation yet.
And yes, he even got the patient’s permission to share the results. 😂
A little Halloween fun from Dr. Gopal and his two very patient pups! 🎃🐶
No dogs underwent surgery. Just two willing participants and one very committed surgeon.
#SurgeonLife #tampa #necklipo
What weight loss can’t fix.
After losing over 100 pounds, this patient had achieved significant weight loss, but was left with excess skin around his abdomen and back that weight loss alone couldn’t address.
During an 8-hour surgery, Dr. Gopal performed a circumferential body lift, a procedure that removes excess skin around the entire midsection to improve body contour.
In this video, Dr. Gopal walks through the procedure, explaining how he removed approximately 3 pounds of skin from the back and estimated another 4–5 pounds would be removed from the abdomen.
He’s also using a small amount of fat collected during the procedure to add volume to the upper chest, improving its contour without performing a separate chest lift.
For patients who have experienced major weight loss, body contouring can help address the excess skin that remains after the weight is gone.
Considering surgery after weight loss? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation in Tampa to explore your options.
Actual patient footage. Individual results vary.
#BodyContouring #BodyLift #ExcessSkinRemoval
