Plastic Surgery Can Help Fix Dog Bite Wounds

It’s no secret that children are curious and want to touch everything, especially when it comes to animals. A dog walking down the street with its owner can lead to a fit of excitement. Unfortunately, canines don’t typically have the same enthusiasm that little ones have. The end result may be a bite. Those that are serious enough could require reconstructive surgery. And sadly, a scar revision operation is often necessary.

In fact, a study involving researchers Dr. Barry Eppley from Indiana University Health North Hospital and Dr. Arno Rene Schelich of Austria’s Hans Privatklinikum found that “regardless of the severity of the trauma, most dog bite injuries result in permanent scars, and secondary revision surgery is frequently needed,” according to Science Daily.

Analysts examined 105 individuals between the ages of six weeks and 11 years old, all of whom had been bitten by dogs on their face, scalp and neck. In more than 75 percent of incidents, scar revision surgery was performed in an effort to minimize disfigurement. The most common breeds that were found to attack were Pit Bulls, Chows, German Shepards and Doberman Pinschers, and the majority of the bites were categorized as “provoked.”

“Even with favorable results from scar revisions, the patient and family may still regard the scars as a permanent disfigurement,” stated Dr. Eppley and Dr. Schelich, the news outlet reported.

If your child has been bitten by a dog, your family knows how devastating it can be. As such, you may want to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lett who performs reconstructive operations. He and his experienced Lebanon, Tennessee, staff can help your son or daughter gain his or her confidence back. For an appointment, call 615-443-0901. You can also learn more by logging onto www.thelettcenter.com.