What many people don’t know is that scar formation can persist for up to a year or longer after the initial onset of the wound. No matter how old a scar is, there is still a chance that its appearance can be improved with treatment.

There are a variety of over-the-counter topical ointments that can be used to get rid of mild scarring. If you have a small scar caused by a dog bite, try using topical ointments like Neosporin. By keeping the skin hydrated, topical treatments can sometimes reduce the likelihood of deep scarring.

Scar revision is plastic surgery performed to improve the condition or appearance of a scar anywhere on your body. The different types of scars include: Discoloration or surface irregularities and other more subtle scars can be cosmetically improved by surgery or other treatments recommended by your plastic surgeon.

Unlike a cut from a sharp object which can leave a clean wound, dog bites often result in severe and permanent scarring.

Most wounds heal within 10 days. But an infection can occur even with correct treatment. So be sure to check the wound daily for signs of infection (see below).

In most cases, a wound or incision will be almost healed in around 2 weeks after surgery or treatment. A scar will begin form after around 3 weeks. Fish oil supplements help the hair grow back to cover the scar, but only if the hair follicles haven’t been damaged. Some dogs will naturally scar worse than others.

Although laser treatment cannot completely remove scars, it can make them less noticeable and uncomfortable. People can get laser therapy on many types of scar, including surgical scars, acne scars, and scars from injuries. It is also safe to use on the face.

Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatment or silicone gel sheeting to help treat scars or as preventive care. Surgical removal or treatment. There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery.

Dog bites to the face not only cause significant and often permanent scars, but can also cause injuries to the nerves of the face. Depending on the severity of the scar, a victim may require plastic surgery or some other procedure, like dermabrasion, to minimize the appearance of the scar.

4) Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor (my favorite petroleum-based product) to help keep the skin soft as it heals, to reduce scabbing and to make stitches come out cleaner. Bacitracin or neosporine can be OK, too, but I tend not to use the antibiotics unless I have to. 5) Some dogs are more likely to scar.

Three ways you can treat your dog bite scars are:

1. Creams, ointment, or gels. These topical products can be used to treat the scar that has been caused by the dog bite.
2. Surgery.
3. Injections.

Depending on the type of scar your dog got, hair may never grow back. It all depends on if the hair follicles were damaged. You can always let nature take its course, and let the hair grow back naturally if it is able. Without irritation the scar can heal and fur can grow back soon after.

Ingested vitamin E may help repair scarred skin; consult your vet for the proper dosage for your dog. In rare cases, keloid fibromas develop from within normal canine scar tissue.

The reason, Dr. Mamelak explains, is often related to the dogear. When tumors are removed from the skin, they typically leave a round or oval wound that needs to be repaired. “If you pull a circle together side-to-side, you get puckers or pleats on the skin,” says Dr. Mamelak.

Proper planning and technique is the best way to reduce the chance of a dog ear from occurring and obtain the best cosmetic result. Dr. Mamelak treats skin cancer patients with Mohs surgery and performs other skin surgery procedures at Sanova Dermatology and the Austin Mohs Surgery Center .

Although standard health insurance policies usually cover immediate treatment and facial surgery after a dog bite, plastic surgery procedures that are more aesthetic than medical might not be. In most cases, homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bite treatments and procedures.