What is a “dog ear” and what can be done to prevent it?
A “dog ear” is a fold or pleat of skin that can occur at the end of a scar when skin is removed. In general, when removing skin, it is done as an ellipse with a length to width ratio of about 4:1. If it is less than this, a “dog ear” may develop. It is prevented by proper design of the incisions. If I see a “dog ear” develop when I am closing the incisions, I simply sake out a little more skin.
