Animals bite millions of people every year. Surprisingly, pets are responsible for a majority of animal bites. However, stray and wild animals, such as skunks, raccoons, and bats, are to blame for thousands of the animal bites people suffer annually.

An animal bite can result in a range of wounds that vary in severity. Some of the less serious injuries suffered as a result of animal bites include bruises, broken skin, and simple punctures. More severe animal bite injuries include jagged tears and missing gouges of flesh.

Animal Bite Repair

Animal bite repair may involve treatment ranging from simple sutures to reconstructive surgery. Animal bite repair is especially necessary for wounds that are deep, bleeding excessively, or located in an area where function is altered or scarring undesirable. It is important to consult with a qualified physician who can assess the extent of the damage and determine the most appropriate animal bite repair treatment option. In severe cases involving nerve, tissue, or bone damage, the animal repair may require reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery for Animal Bite Repair

Not all animal bites are severe enough to necessitate a surgical procedure. People primarily associate plastic surgery with cosmetic procedures meant to approve aesthetic appearance. While this is often true of plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery - a particular kind of plastic surgery - can serve a greater purpose than just to enhance aesthetics. In fact, there are times when reconstructive surgery is inevitable.

Reconstructive surgery may be the only viable option for preserving the function of the injured area . Many animals target the face "“ an area especially sensitive to severe functional damage. The eyes, nose, and mouth are all important functional features. Reconstructive surgery may be the best animal bite repair treatment option in cases where any of these features are damaged.

Reconstructive surgery generally offers four types of animal bite repair : direct closure (stitches), skin grafts, tissue expansion, and flap surgery. A qualified plastic surgeon will assess the damages and determine which procedure will offer the best results.

Essentially, reconstructive surgery for animal bite repair can serve a twofold purpose: to minimize the risk of infection while also preserving function and restoring appearance .

Perhaps most importantly, reconstructive surgery for animal bite repair can oftentimes prevent the need for later surgeries .

If you have questions about any of these animal bite repair options or think you may need animal bite repair, it is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your needs and explain your options . Contact us to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in reconstructive procedures.