Research

An oncoplastic technique to reduce the formation of lateral 'dog-ears' after mastectomy

Haresh Devalia^{* 1} , Anushka Chaudhry^{* 1} , Richard M Rainsbury^{* 2} , Neda Minakaran^{* 1} and Dibyesh Banerjee¹

¹St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, UK

²Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, Hants, UK

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

International Seminars in Surgical Oncology 2007, 4:29doi:10.1186/1477-7800-4-29

Published:	17 December 2007

Abstract

Background

Lateral skin folds or 'dog-ears' are frequent following mastectomy, particularly in patients with large body habitus.

Methods

We describe a method of modifying the mastectomy incision and suturing to eliminate these lateral 'dog-ears'.

Conclusion

This surgical technique, as compared to others described in the literature, is simple, does not require additional incisions and is cosmetically acceptable to the patient.