Facial Trauma

Facial trauma, also called maxillofacial trauma, is any physical trauma to the face. Facial trauma can involve soft tissue injuries such as burns, lacerations and bruises, or fractures of the facial bones such as nasal fractures and fractures of the jaw, as well as trauma such as eye injuries. It will depend on the type and extent of fracture and what other problems and treatment you had. Bruising and swelling usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to settle down. At this point, you will begin to look more normal. After this time the body will continue to heal itself inside.

Facial Trauma includes injuries involving the mouth, face and jaw. These range from facial cuts and lacerations to more serious problems, such as broken teeth and facial bones. Bone fractures can involve the lower or upper jaw, palate, cheekbones and eye sockets. These injuries often occur during automobile accidents, sports or recreational activities, fights or assaults, work-related tasks, projects around the house or accidental falls. Many patients with facial injuries are first seen in the emergency room and then referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a plastic surgeon for further treatment. Signs of Facial Trauma

• Difficulty breathing, seeing, talking or swallowing
• Facial swelling or misshapen face
• Cut or puncture wound on your face
• Facial pain
• Bruising or discoloration behind your ears, eyes or under your tongue
• Widening of the distance between your eyes, which may indicate injury to your eye sockets
• Facial numbness or tingling
• Skin infections or rashes