Dog Ears

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janimil
janimil Member Posts: 4
edited April 2015 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi all. I recently had a bi-lat, no recon, due to cancer past and the pre-cancers I keep getting now. So, well, I thought I knew what to expect, bc I did a lot of research, and used a surgeon who had done other surgeries for me, so I had some idea about his incisions and staple-use and all. But I am certainly dealing with more than I expected in the number of staples and the overall appearance. Not pretty. But what I really don't understand is these "dog ears" on the ends under my arms. I have to go back to my surgeon for a follow-up, and I have been crying over these, and I just don't know what to say to him. He had help, another surgeon doing the opposite side, but I know my surgeon is very detail-oriented and has high standards, so I trusted he would work with someone to create some kind of symmetry. But these things are not both the same size--one indents, and one doesn't. And one shows from under my shirt. I am reading online about how some people get these revised, and boy, I just feel sick about having to submit to more cutting. I had a PS do my first work the first go-round, and I have had several other surgeries since, for other medical reasons (hence my familiarity with this surgeon). It feels like enough is enough. Has anyone had dog ears revised successfully? Who did it, the same surgeon, or a plastic surgeon? Thanks all.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited March 2015

    janimil - Ariom had a dog ear revision and it is well chronicled at BreastFree.org. Here is a link. http://breastfree.org/photos.php?ref=120

    Ariom is incredibly helpful and I know she'd have lots of good advice for you. She is in Australia so may not check in here for a bit. Best of luck!

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited April 2015

    Hi farmerlucy, thank you!

    Hello janimil, don't cry, it is very fixable! I know just how you're feeling, I was so disappointed when I discovered I had this shelf under my arm and it zapped and zinged from the cut nerves. I put up with it for about 15 months, hoping it may get better with time. I had spoken to my surgeon about it, very early on and although I don't blame him for it, I wanted it explained. He explained that it is actually flesh, that used to be pulled forward, by the weight of the breast and when they are doing the Mx surgery , they have to stop the incision somewhere, so sometimes that flesh remains and becomes a pouchy, dog ear.

    I felt just like you, I didn't want more surgery, but I certainly didn't want to put up with this thing either. Initially my surgeon wanted me to go into Hospital and have it done, with a general anesthetic. I hate how the drugs make me feel, so I asked him to do it with a local anesthetic, he wasn't convinced at first, but he finally agreed. He hadn't done this kind of revision without anesthetic before, in fact he said it is rare for women to do this revision at all, but he is really pleased with the result, as I am.

    In saying this, it isn't for everyone, to have it done this way, but for me, it was very easy, the actual surgery took about 35 minutes. The final result that you saw on breastfree, was pretty good, but now, about a year later, it is barely visible and no discomfort from the nerves, just numb. The revision added abut 7cm or 3" to the original scar and the recovery was actually similar to the Mx, no lifting, or stretching for a few weeks, a little discomfort, but it healed very quickly and I really couldn't be happier with the result. I'd do it again, in a heartbeat!

    Please feel free to ask anything, PM me, if you like.

    Just know, if you want to repair it, it can be done at any point, there is no rush! It is very early days for you and things will change over the next few months. I wish you all the best with it.

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  • janimil
    janimil Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2015

    Thank you so much, farmerlucy and Ariom. I went to the link, and yeah, that is a lot better! It would be a relief to have that good of results! I can't believe they really have to leave something sticking out like that the first time, but I guess I don't understand everything about surgery.

    I saw my surgeon the other day, and he said after time for healing, if they are still bothering me, we will get a plastic surgeon to fix them. It will probably be the same one who did my initial surgeries some years back, when I first had cancer and tried to save them with a double reduction/partial mastectomy. Long story, but basically I would have to go back and tell him the news that his work is gone. Well, he would probably be the best one for the revisions, and I pray it would be cake compared to this bi-lat.

    Thanks again!

    ~J

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited April 2015

    janimil, you're welcome! It is good to know, that it can be fixed, if you choose to do it. All the best!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2015

    I too had revision surgery to remove dog ears that poofed out under my arms and made my breasts look square. My surgeon said it was due to the skin no longer being pulled forward by my old breasts. My implants were smaller than my breasts, so there was extra skin that collected there and contributed to the dog ears. I had the revision only 10 days ago and can already see such a significant improvement! The recovery was considerably easier and virtually painless- only soreness. I wish you well my dear!

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