We were all shocked and concerned to learn that Denver’s own, Kyle Dyer, TV anchor, was attached by a dog while on the air. Ms. Dyer was rushed to Denver Health Medical Center where she received over 70 stitches to her face including her lips and nose.
Dr. Tanya A. Atagi Medical Director and board-certified plastic surgeon at Denver’s Atagi Plastic Surgery and Atagi Skin Aesthetics was extremely saddened to hear of the incident which occurred this past February. Nevertheless, she is optimistic about Ms. Dyer’s recovery. “Reconstructive surgery can help individuals like Kyle Dyer to return to normal after a horrible incident like this. I believe that with expert attention to Ms. Dyer, she will be able to have restored function and be able to look in the mirror once again without seeing a lasting reminder of that scary day.”
Dr. Atagi perfor ms reconstructive surgery at her Denver practice and has proven that even after suffering trauma to the face, individuals can pick up where they left off, often with very little evidence leftover from the surgery or the trauma. Dr. Atagi has direct experience performing reconstructive surgery on the face after a dog bite, and her results present a positive case for a miraculous recovery even after a devastating accident.
Photo: Anonymous before and after photos of a Denver area woman who was attacked in the face by a dog and underwent reconstructive surgery. The individual was a patient of Dr. Tanya Atagi. After just 7 months post-op there are almost no traces of visible traces of trauma.
Dr. Atagi’s training and experience in plastic surgery guide her to provide patients with the superb results they deserve. Dr. Atagi performs reconstruction with an expert surgeon’s skill and a master artist’s eye, leaving no aspect of the procedure to chance.
Unfortunately, dog bite incidents occur with such frequency that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons features a “Dog Bite Prevention Week” annually to call attention to this problem.
Dog Bite Prevention Tips
- Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details.
- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.
- Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between the dog and owner. Avoid aggressive games with your dog.
- Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
- Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite.
- Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
- Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
- Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face and tail.
- Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Do not run past a dog.
- If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.
We love our dogs, however 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs every year and children are the most common victims. To learn how you can protect yourself and your family, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website: http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/default.asp or call 1-800-248-2862.
