Advice on lip scar from dog bite? 4 month old wound. (photos)

Question

End of February my dog bit my lip, sent to emerg and recieved plastic surgery stitches. The bite did not go through the internal lip but made a flap-like cut on the bottom external lip. I have been massaging daily but the bump does not leave and is noticeable when I smile. Is there any way I will be able to have my old smile back? Thanks for your time, Stephanie

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs a combination of fractional laser and pulsed dye lasers for improvement.  Please see a laser expert for treatment.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Begin with application of Plato's Scar Serum followed by pulsed dye laser. You may ultimately need surgical scar revision of the area once it has calmed down. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Looks to me like you are still quite swollen.  I would give this type of injury a good 6 months to a year before deciding to do anything about it.  However, the answer is "Yes", there are several possible treatments.  The most obvious is a mild steroid injection.  Also a possibility is revising the scar or performing dermabrasion to smooth it out.  Finally, if all else fails, you could always debulk the lip to make it smaller.Please find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to consult with in your area and get some advice from a doctor that can see you in 3-D!Good Luck!

Advice on lip scar from dog bite? 4 month old wound. (photos)

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