Dog-ears: A review

BACKGROUND. The closure of any circular or asymmetric wound results in puck ering 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 t he plastic and dermatologic surgery literature. This review provides a prac tical outline of nine methods of dog-ear correction along with pertinent sc hematic and clinical illustration. RESULTS. A comprehensive approach to dog-ears requires knowledge of tissue dynamics, adherence to proper surgical technique, and strategies for the ma nagement of dog-ears. CONCLUSIONS. A thorough understanding of dog-ear formation and correction a llows the surgeon to choose the most appropriate management for dog-ears in any clinical setting.