Dog bite scars on arm: what is the best best treatment for raised hypertrophic scarring?

Question

I am a 26 year old asian female who was bitten in the arm by a dog and left with several puncture wounds 7 weeks ago which I all got stitched up in hospital and now left with scars. I’ve been alternating between silicon gel and sheets during day and night and did a microneedling treatment about 3 weeks ago. Which I’m unsure to continue due to the pain and recovery time. What is the best treatments to address scarring some have left raised hypertrophic scarring and some left dark mark lines.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Scars like these can be improved with a combination of vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, PDL, Vbeam, BBL and Excel V, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential, and Silagen gel should be used twice daily with Jan Marini BioShield. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. ​Best, Dr. Emer​​

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Daniel Zelac, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your dog experience. As will all cases, healing and eventual scarring can be affected by many factors. In your case you mentioned that you are asian, the trauma occurred about 7 weeks ago, you began treatment with microneedling at about 4 weeks and and you have used silicone gel/sheets. Whether due to the initial dogbite or the suturing in the hospital, both hyperpigmentation and hypertrophy can occur with any scar, but particularly with Asian skin as you know. Typically the scars should respond to the application of the silicone, but intralesional steroids can also be considered to help flatten the scars. Depending on the color and intensity of color for the pigmentation, this can often be treated with laser treatments. If you haven't done so yet, I would seek the opinion of a qualified dermatologist in your area who can assess the sites in person and provide a specific plan. I am sure that with time and treatment you can improve the scars.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's difficult to discuss treatment without an in-person evaluation of the scar. Treatment options for keloid scars include intralesional steroid injections, topical steroids, surgical excision, etc., but each treatment option comes with their own risks, including recurrence of the scar. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your scar evaluated and to discuss treatment options that best suit your needs. Take care and good luck.

Dog bite scars on arm: what is the best best treatment for raised hypertrophic scarring?

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar treatment

Answer: Scar treatment

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dog bite scars on arm: what is the best best treatment for raised hypertrophic scarring?

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar treatment

Answer: Scar treatment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.