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AAFPRS: Facial trauma from animal bites common, laser treatment on the rise
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The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported that 800,000 people are treated for dog bites each year, and for many of these patients, unsightly scars and deformities may be left behind.
Facial plastic surgeons have a variety of options and techniques to repair the injured tissues and skin to help the patient look more like himself or herself, according to the press release.
According to a recent AAFPRS member survey, 14% of facial plastic surgeons have seen an increase in the use of lasers to minimize the appearance of scars from facial trauma.
Pet bite injuries can be severe and cause significant scarring, nerve damage, tear duct injury or even loss of ears, according to Stephen S. Park, MD, president of AAFPRS.
The AAFPRS reminds patients to select board-certified surgeons who specialize in plastic surgery of the face.
Source: www.aafprs.org/