Facial Trauma Surgery
About Facial Trauma Surgery
Bony and soft tissues of the face can be injured in a number of different ways. Facial injuries, both soft and hard tissue, require expert management due to the potential aesthetic and functional problems if not treated correctly.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in the management of all facial injuries, and have extensive experience in both acute (early) and delayed corrective facial trauma surgery.
FAQs about Facial Trauma
How is facial trauma managed?
Facial and oral lacerations usually require a thorough cleaning and suture (stitches), which your primary-care practitioner may do for you.
Fractures of the mandible and mid-face may require surgery, which involves re-aligning bones to the correct position, and fixing in place with titanium plates and screws, which help to hold the broken bones in the correct position during the healing phase. This is done under general anaesthetic (asleep), in a hospital theatre setting.
In some cases, facial fractures may be suitable for conservative management, but this does still require close supervision and care and attention not to further traumatise these areas to allow healing to take place. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in more detail at the time of consultation.
What are the consequences of non-managed or mis-managed facial trauma?
If not managed correctly, facial bone fractures can lead to long-term disfigurement or deformity, as well as facial asymmetry, difficulties with eating or chewing, visual problems in the setting of eye-socket fractures, and nasal airway obstruction as a result of nasal bone fractures.
Whilst it is preferable to manage trauma early rather than delayed, there are still treatment options available which differ depending on the nature of the injury.
Lacerations can lead to unsightly scarring, even if managed well, due to crushing or tearing of tissue. In some cases, lacerations may be amenable to re-excision and re-closure.
When do I need to be seen?
In most instances, your Dentist, GP or Emergency Physician will organise a referral for you. Mandibular fractures often require early treatment, due to difficulties associated with eating. Mid-face and nasal fractures should also be seen early but are sometimes treated after swelling has resolved (between 1-2 weeks). Soft-tissue injuries such as lacerations of the face, lips and mouth should be managed as early as possible to minimise contamination through an open wound.
Please note that we do not manage public trauma patients at the practice; your treating primary care practitioner should discuss with you where you wish to be managed, and direct your referral accordingly.