Prepared Physician’s Monthly Pearl of Wisdom for May 2021 Dog Ears

Most wounds are not precisely created with perfect horizontal or circular symmetry. In the process of closing such asymmetric wounds, occasionally there is a bunched up flap of excess tissue on one or both ends of the wound. This is referred to as a “dog ear”.

One method of dog ear correct is to elevate the excess skin flap; then from the apex of the wound, make an oblique incision toward the flap. Trim off the triangle of skin this creates, and finish closing the wound.

Roberts, JA et al. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care, 2019; 683-684.

 Visit Prepared Physician and see our selection of suture kits, you can be prepared for any wound care at home or on the go this summer!

Nathan Whittaker, MD

Prepared Physician