Because of the number of dogs in the U.S., serious dog bites happen at an alarming rate. In fact, of the roughly 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year, 800,000 cause an injury that requires medical care. Seeking emergency treatment may only be the first step in a long road to recovery, unfortunately.
A cosmetic surgeon uses precise surgical procedures to enhance a person’s appearance, often operating on visible parts of the body, such as the face, neck, arms or legs. While consulting with a cosmetic surgeon is not always necessary, it may be either beneficial or essential in certain circumstances.
Are you at risk for scarring?
When wounds heal, scars often develop. Unlike normal skin, scarred tissue is usually fibrous and may be a different color and texture than surrounding skin. Scarring may develop from either the bite itself or after a surgical procedure to repair bite damage. A cosmetic surgeon may be able to reduce or eliminate scars.
Do you have psychological harm?
A dog attack is a naturally stressful event that may leave you with psychological injuries, ranging from fear of animals to post-traumatic stress disorder. If your physical appearance is affecting your psychological well-being, cosmetic surgery may be a critical part of your recovery strategy.
Do you dislike the way you look?
If a dog bite changes the way you look, you may simply want to improve or restore your appearance. This may be true even if you have suffered no psychological harm during the attack. Put simply, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look better after recovering from a dog bite.
While cosmetic surgery can be expensive, you should not neglect your physical appearance after a dog attack. After all, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the dog’s owner.