A woman from South Shields, left with a severe facial wound after being bitten by her own dog, has described how innovative laser therapy allowed her to 'look in the mirror again' and reclaim her life.
A Sudden Attack and a Life Changed
Holly Taylor, 33, was relaxing on the sofa with her five-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Splodge, when the unthinkable happened. While watching television, the dog suddenly launched itself from her knee towards her face, inflicting a deep bite on her cheek. Holly recalled the initial shock, stating she could feel the blood running down her hand before her partner's horrified expression revealed the true severity of the injury.
The aftermath of the March attack extended far beyond the physical wound. The confident and sociable marketing professional, who thrives in a public-facing role, found herself transformed. She became a recluse, unable to face going outdoors, glancing at her reflection, or even meeting people. The first time she saw her stitched and swollen face in a hospital mirror, she was so horrified she nearly vomited.
The Journey to Recovery with Laser Technology
Determined to heal, Holly sought help from leading dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch and underwent a series of four Fraxel laser treatment sessions. This procedure, costing approximately £800 per session, works by creating microscopic treatment zones in the skin. These zones penetrate deeply to stimulate the body's natural collagen remodelling and healing process, effectively rejuvenating the skin from within.
Dr Veraitch explained the science, noting, "Fraxel works by targeting the skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deeply to stimulate the body's natural collagen remodelling. Because it only treats a fraction of the tissue at a time, healing is much faster."
The results for Holly were transformative and rapid. She reported seeing a remarkable difference after just one session. Her scars became less red, smoother in texture, and her overall skin quality improved dramatically. Most importantly, the treatment gave her back her confidence. "I would take comparison pictures every few days and the look and feel of the scar was changing rapidly," she said.
A Heartbreaking Decision and a New Beginning
The story, however, holds a profound tragedy. The morning after the attack, a visit to the vet revealed that Splodge's sudden and uncharacteristic aggression was likely a symptom of a serious underlying condition, such as an aggressive illness, a tumour, or a brain haemorrhage. Faced with an impossible choice, Holly made the heartbreaking decision to have her beloved pet euthanised to prevent any risk to others.
"It was the most heartbreaking decision of my life but the right one," Holly revealed. "He wasn't the dog I knew or loved anymore. It was the worst day of my life."
Now, with her physical and emotional scars healing, Holly can finally move forward. The successful Fraxel laser treatment has not only improved her skin but has fully restored her self-esteem, allowing her to face the world with confidence once more.
