A dog bite can have a major and significant impact on your life. In addition to the fear and trauma that you may have endured, these injuries can be painful, lead to infections, and leave permanent scars. Dog bite scars can be a lasting reminder of the attack, further contributing to the pain and suffering that you experienced.
There are treatment options available for dog bite victims, which can help remove or lessen the appearance of the scar. Additionally, victims of dog attacks can pursue a lawsuit against the animal’s owner and recover compensation for the injuries and losses that they experienced.
The Devastating Impact of Dog Bite Scars
When a dog attacks and breaks the skin, the bite injury will likely leave a scar. Dog bite wounds are often very noticeable compared to other scars, leaving irregular scars and jagged edges. Because dogs often attack exposed body parts like the face or arms, these scars can be highly visible and difficult to hide.
Many dog bite victims suffer from significant emotional anguish as a result of their scars. These wounds serve as a constant reminder of the harm that they suffered, which can trigger a trauma response. Additionally, these scars can have a major impact on a person’s self-esteem, leading to anxiety, depression, and sadness.
Treatment Options for Dog Bite Scars
If you want to minimize or hide your dog bite scars, there are multiple options available to you. Early treatment is essential to minimizing the appearance of these scars and accelerating the healing process. Bites that become infected heal at a slower pace and can leave deeper and more noticeable scars, which is why it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can.
You can use makeup to hide or camouflage the scar, but this solution is only temporary. You may look into more permanent treatment options, such as the following:
- Chemical Peels: After your scar has healed, you may want to get a chemical peel. These skincare treatments target the top layers of the skin, which peels off and reveals newer skin. After the peel, your skin will regenerate, which can help get rid of the scar. You may need to attend multiple sessions for the scar to fully disappear.
- Topical Ointments: You may also benefit from topical ointments that are designed to reduce or prevent scarring. While these ointments work best on minor scars, keeping the skin hydrated can help prevent deep scarring while your wound is healing. However, these results are not guaranteed.
- Laser Treatment: Laser surgery is one of the most effective ways to remove a dog bite scar, especially if it is deep and large. During this procedure, a specialized laser will target the deepest layers of the skin around the scar. After your skin has been exposed to laser treatment, the cells will begin to regenerate and create new skin, removing the scar. You may need multiple sessions to remove the scar completely.
Hold a Dog Owner Accountable for Serious Scars
Dog bite scars can have a major impact on your physical and emotional well-being, and treating them can be very expensive. In these situations, you have the right to hold the animal’s owner accountable for the losses that you suffered. As soon as possible after the bite, contact a Washington dog bite attorney to learn more about your legal options and take your first steps toward justice.