If you are the victim of a dog attack, the emotional scars can be long-lasting. The physical ones need not be. Regardless of how severe or superficial your dog bite scars are, reconstructive facial surgery can help you feel confident and happy again.

Dog Bites: A National Problem

Every year, about 4.5 million people become victims of dog bites. These bites can result in skin lacerations, crushed tissue and bone, infection, and disfigurement. When a dog targets a person's head or neck, the lips are the most common body part wounded. For many of these victims, the attacks are so severe that reconstructive surgery is needed, especially if the face is involved.

Reconstructive Surgery for Dog Bite Victims

If you are a dog bite victim, the type of facial reconstructive surgery that is best for you will depend on your specific injuries. If you were involved in an attack where the dog tore off your ear or lacerated the tissue on your face, your plastic surgeon will need to not only replace the missing tissue, but also minimize the appearance of the wound scar.

A plastic surgeon can usually fix minor lacerations with one surgery. For more severe dog attacks, the surgeon might recommend several surgeries to fully repair your injuries and minimize the appearance of scars. This is especially true for child dog bite victims.

Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Right for Me?

The severity of your attack should not impact your decision to pursue plastic surgery. A small puncture wound on your cheek may not sound like a big deal to people who did not experience the attack, but you are the one who sees it in the mirror everyday. Your scar is a physical reminder of the incident, and you do not need to justify your decision to people who marginalize your dog attack or do not understand the impact of your scar. How you perceive your face impacts how you perceive your identity and sense of self-worth.

If you were involved in a more serious attack, reconstructive facial surgery will not happen overnight. If you know this before going into your first surgery, you will go into this phase of your life with a better outlook and will be able to appreciate your progress much more than if you assume that one surgery will fix everything.

Your plastic surgeon can address any concerns you might have about your upcoming facial reconstruction. If you know what to expect, you will be able to confidently go forward with your procedure and finally put the scars of your dog attack behind you.

For more information, contact John Lee, MD or a similar medical professional.