I have a loose flap from bird bite on lower lip.how long can I wait if I think I need stitches?

Question

MY bird is a double yellow head parrot. So his beak his sharp, and med in size.It stopped bleeding with ice and pressure after 20 minutes. I have a bandaid to keep it closed. BUT, I can't eat or drink w/o it breaking apart. It's a bit deeper wound than I thought. But not bleeding unless aggravated. Will this heal on its own, w/o stitches, and what are my chances of having a nasty scar w/o stitches vs. stitches? Also, when I go to work tomorrow, I was going to buy steri strips...won't that do just as well as stitches. I would like some advice from people who may have had similiar lip problems. Thankyou.

Answer 1

Ok, I have a cockatoo and had my ear peirced by my mom's African Grey....first, where on your lip did you get got? How big is the gash and what was he/she eating before it was you? Was it a grab and go, or did he hang on? Usually if it's on the lip, it's a pretty nasty wound and ugly edges....steri strips might help, but if it's an area that will be wet when you eat or drink, they probably won't stay well. If you can keep it sealed and not bleeding, you may have a good chance. When it starts healing, use a chapstick or lip balm with sunscreen...when I had some lip surgery, the plastic surgeon said that it was sunburn on the scar that makes them show up well. Keep it protected and it will help reduce the look of the scar.

Best thing, if you can't keep it sealed, have a doc look at it, at least they can professionally seal it with the steri strips and that wonderful skin glue they have. Best of luck!!

Answer 2

Hun you should have it looked at even pet birds like other animal carry germs and disease there can be a infection with out you even knowing it and if it is a deep wound that opens up and there is a flap you should really go to a doctor and see if you need stitches plus even with stitches neosporine will reduse scars and if u do get a scar there is always stuff to get to fade it so u cant see it but go to a doctor


sorry for bad spelling

Answer 3

i agree with the person that asked you why your asking us online. that's like a person getting into a car accident and getting online to ask us if they should go to the hospital.
birds are gross. they're an animal and it's filthy birdy mouth broke your skin. not only that, but how the heck should we know if you need stitches? you call it a 'flap'. well a 'flap' warrants stitches. no point in getting stitches after the fact. your layers of skin are already trying to heal and probably are healing incorrectly if they are not aligned. steri strips are only good for minor lacerations, not deep wounds. you'll be lucky if it doesn't get infected

Answer 4

Alright, well you should definately go to the ER/urgent care asap. It definately has to be the same day.. If you wait until tomorrow, unless it's super deep, they'll probably just tell you to go home. If you do go now and if it's on more than just the pink part of your lip, I would recommend requesting a plastic surgeon to do it because they'll do more but smaller stitches, making it less aparent once it's healed. It'll be well worth it in the long run.

Answer 5

Believe it or not you can use super glue on it. Hold the flap down and apply the glue. It works and it's safe. Just make sure the wound is clean before you close it.

Answer 6

If I had a cut lip, I would be at the emergency room now. Certainly not on the internet asking people who can't see your wound what to do.

Answer 7

if you need them get them, chances are your scarring will be minimal. if you dont get them and need them, you are looking at a worse scar. you only have a few hours to do it, so get going!

Answer 8

Let me give you a recipe for double yellowhead parrot,, very tastey !!!!!!!

Answer 9

ususally, you need to get stiches withing 6 hours.