Dog-Ears: A Review

Background. The closure of any circular or asymmetric wound results in puckering or excess of tissue known as dog-ears. Objective. Facility in managing dog-ears is an invaluable tool in cutaneous surgery due to its common presentation. Methods. Methods for correcting dog-ears are extensively detailed in both the plastic and dermatologic surgery literature. This review provides a practical outline of nine methods of dog-ear correction along with pertinent schematic and clinical illustration. Results. A comprehensive approach to dog-ears requires knowledge of tissue dynamics, adherence to proper surgical technique, and strategies for the management of dog-ears. Conclusions. A thorough understanding of dog-ear formation and correction allows the surgeon to choose the most appropriate management for dog-ears in any clinical setting.