when to consult a plastic surgeon... - Burns & Injuries Message Board

gfoak · 12-12-2004, 09:02 PM

Hi. Life sucks - I've recently been burglarized - twice - and then got bitten by a dog. Happy Holidays!

I also posted this on the plastic surgery board FYI.

My questions are...
When you should you consult a plastic surgeon? I assume AFTER it heals? Now (four days post bite, sutures still in)?

It's infected - will that compromise the look of the scar after the fact? (had iv antibiotics today, on augmentin too).

It's on my nose, and other than the wound weeping looks like it might not heal too too bad... just kind of figuring out where I should go from here.

I can't wait to get the stitches out. Can't breathe/smell/etc....

cmmm47 · 12-15-2004, 04:04 PM

Usually if you have the ability to pay and the regular doctor thinks you may need plastic surgery, he would bring it up before putting the stiches in. Keep a close eye on that infection and if it begins to or increases redness, swelling, drainage or tenderness then get back to the doctor right away. An infection here is not something to be relaxed about. Also infection can make the scarring worse. Do whatever treatment the doctor wants but watch out and if it seems like its getting worse demand to see doc or get 2nd opinion