Facial Trauma

Facial traumatic injuries can result in lacerations of the soft tissue and fractures or the facial bones. Nasal bone fractures are the most common facial fracture due to the delicate nature of the nasal bones and their prominent position on the face. Jaw fractures are the second most common injury to the facial skeleton. Broken cheek bones, eye sockets and other facial bones also occur with relative frequency.

Most traumatic lacerations are immediately treated with meticulous repair to provide the best possible healing outcome. Dermabrasion can be performed six weeks after laceration repair to optimize the appearance of the facial scar. Minimal, non-displaced facial bone fractures sometimes do not require repair. Fractures that do require treatment can be managed in a “closed” or “open” fashion. An example of “closed” treatment would be straightening of the deviated nose after nasal fracture. “Open” repair involves exposing the fracture line, bringing the bones together and using titanium plates and screws to fix the bones in place until they heal.

Most facial fractures should be repaired within two weeks with the exception of fractures of the jaw which we fix within seven days to minimize the risk of infection and poor bone healing. Repair of facial fractures is performed to minimize cosmetic deformities as well as to maintain function of the face and facial bones. When possible incisions are hidden within the mouth or nose, behind the eyelid, within the hair or in naturally occurring skin creases to “hide” scars from view.

Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation with Stephen Weber, M.D., F.A.C.S.