A case report of a proactive approach to perioral reconstruction after severe dog bite injury

Abstract

Animal bites to the face can cause serious defects. In select cases when the avulsed part has been carefully preserved and brought-in with the patient, replantation may be the best solution.

In other cases, few strategies are present. The classical “watchful waiting” strategy to treat such patients could be described as letting the wound to heal and only then, initiate reconstruction. Wound scarring and patient’s psychological disturbance due to prolonged rehabilitation are its biggest disadvantages. However, a proactive method with reconstruction initiated early during the convalescent phase, can result in faster rehabilitation.

Herein, we present detailed description of a successful early reconstruction of the perioral area in a teenage girl following a dog bite; the reconstruction encompassing the anatomical, functional and aesthetic spectrum. Thus, we believe, proactive strategy has a huge potential in the modern era of reconstructive head and neck surgery.