Skin injury after dog bite 4 weeks ago - can anyone help? (Photos)

Question

Hi I’m wondering if anyone can help. My dog bit me 4 weeks ago now and I’m left with a mark that’s not going. I’ve tried mederma and bio oil every day but nothing is helping

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Really sorry this has happened to you. No surprises that the topicals you used have not worked; it has been my experience over many years that they generally don't or do very little, and I seldom recommend them anymore and haven't for quite some time. From the photos, the wound does not appear deep.  If this is so, then professionally performed manual microneedling (no need for the expensive add-on of RF and the attendant concerns about potential adverse effects from it) may be considered in order to improve any residual color or textural irregularities that may manifest. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist asap to assess the site and plan and schedule treatment accordingly. Best of luck.

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

Cassie Nghiem, MD · Answer

Hi, sorry you're going through this. 4 weeks is still early in scar maturation. In the face, I recommend silicone-based scar gel. The most important part is sunscreen every day to prevent the marks from getting darker.

Skin injury after dog bite 4 weeks ago - can anyone help? (Photos)

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Skin injury after dog bite 4 weeks ago - can anyone help? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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