Types of Dog Bite Scars

Award-Winning Illinois Injury Lawyers for Victims Injured in Dog Attacks

Dog bites and attacks leave more than just temporary wounds — they often leave permanent scars, both physical and emotional. Some scars are mild and fade over time, while others are disfiguring and life-altering.

When pursuing a personal injury settlement after a dog bite, the type and severity of scarring often play a major role in how cases are evaluated. When determining the value of scarring in a dog bite case, insurance companies and courts typically look at:

• The type of scar (raised, sunken, contracted, etc.)
• The location of the scar (face, neck, hands, or other highly visible areas)
• The size, color, and texture of the scar
• The emotional and psychological impact on the victim

Visible, permanent scars — particularly on the face, neck, or hands — can substantially increase the settlement value of a dog bite claim because of the profound impact on appearance, mental health, and everyday life.

As John J. Malm, a top-rated Illinois dog bite attorney, explains: “The nature and extent of disfigurement often drive a dog bite claim to a higher settlement. Permanent scarring on the face, neck, or hands can significantly increase the damages available to a victim.”

Understanding the different types of scars from dog bites is critical — not only for medical treatment but also for securing fair legal compensation.

What are the Types of Dog Bite Scars?

1. Keloid Scars

Description:
Thick, raised scars that extend beyond the original wound, often shiny and darker than the surrounding skin.

How and Why They Occur:
Keloids form when the body produces too much collagen during healing. Deep dog bites can easily trigger this overreaction. According to a 2017 study, keloid scars are often caused by fibroproliferation and excessive collagen deposition.

Appearance Over Time:
Without treatment, keloids often grow larger and darker before stabilizing.

2. Hypertrophic Scars

Description:
Raised, firm, red scars that stay within the original wound boundaries.

How and Why They Occur:
Excess collagen production after dermal injury causes hypertrophic scarring, common after deep tearing wounds. Research has shown that hypertrophic scars involve excessive fibroblast proliferation.

Appearance Over Time:
Usually flatten, lighten, and soften naturally within 12 to 18 months.

3. Atrophic Scars

Description:
Sunken, pitted scars that appear depressed compared to surrounding skin.

How and Why They Occur:
Crushed or destroyed tissues from a bite fail to fully regenerate, leading to atrophic scarring.

Appearance Over Time:
Generally remain indented but may soften slightly over time.

4. Contracture Scars

Description:
Tight, shiny, stretched scars that restrict movement, especially near joints.

How and Why They Occur:
Severe bites that remove large sections of skin heal by pulling edges together, forming contractures. If severe enough, contractures can impair mobility.

Appearance Over Time:
Contractures can worsen and further restrict movement if untreated.

5. Flat, Pale Scars

Description:
Flat, thin scars that are close to normal skin tone.

How and Why They Occur:
Clean, shallow wounds heal into flat scars through normal collagen remodeling.

Appearance Over Time:
Fade significantly within 6 to 12 months, becoming less noticeable.

6. Pitted Scars

Description:
Tiny crater-like depressions in the skin, resembling ice pick marks.

How and Why They Occur:
Sharp punctures from dog teeth destroy localized collagen, leaving pits. Pitted scars result from focal loss of dermal collagen.

Appearance Over Time:
Tend to remain unless treated, though edges may soften with time.

7. Combination Scars

Description:
A mix of scar types (raised, sunken, tight) within the same wound area.

How and Why They Occur:
Complex dog bites cause varied trauma, resulting in different healing patterns. Complex dog bite wounds often result in hybrid scar patterns.

Appearance Over Time:
Mixed results: some areas improve naturally, others worsen without care.

Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Scars

Dog bite scars can impact nearly every aspect of a victim’s life, including:

• Emotional health (anxiety, PTSD)
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Social and professional relationships
• Ongoing medical costs for treatments like revision surgery or therapy

Many victims, particularly children, also experience psychological trauma that can last years without intervention.

Treatment for Dog Bite Scars

Treatment for scarring after a dog bite often involves both immediate medical care and long-term cosmetic or dermatological interventions. Right after the bite, the wound must be thoroughly cleaned and possibly stitched, though doctors sometimes avoid stitching dog bites to reduce infection risk. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, which can worsen scarring if left untreated.

Once the wound begins to heal, minimizing scar formation becomes a priority. Keeping the area clean and moisturized, using products like petroleum jelly or silicone gel sheets, and avoiding sun exposure can help improve healing. If the scar becomes raised, discolored, or tight, dermatologists may recommend treatments such as steroid injections to reduce inflammation or pressure dressings to flatten the scar.

For more severe or Keloid and hypertrophic scars, options like laser therapy, dermabrasion, or surgical revision may be explored to smooth out the skin and improve its appearance. Physical therapy might also be necessary if contracture scarring limits movement, especially in joints or facial areas.

Legal Rights for Dog Bite Victims with Scarring

Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets under the Illinois Animal Control Act. Victims of dog bites and attacks may get compensation for:

• Medical treatment and surgeries
• Psychological counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disfigurement and future impacts

A skilled Illinois dog attack lawyer can present evidence of scarring and emotional damages to maximize recovery.

“Dog bite scars are more than skin deep. They carry emotional and psychological burdens that deserve recognition in a court of law. Victims have every right to pursue full compensation — not just for their injuries, but for the lasting impact those injuries cause.” – John J. Malm, Naperville dog bite attorney

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Dog Bite Scarring Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how deeply a dog bite injury — and the scars it leaves behind — can impact your life. That’s why our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

With over 90 years of combined legal experience, our team of six award-winning personal injury attorneys has successfully represented countless dog bite victims across Illinois. We work closely with medical experts, surgeons, and mental health professionals to fully document the extent of your injuries — including permanent scarring and disfigurement — to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious dog bite injury, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for the justice — and the full compensation — you deserve. Call 844-MALMLAW or fill out a contact form on our website to get started.