Facial Trauma

Facial trauma describes injuries such as fractures, dislocations and soft tissue damage that affect areas of the face such as the cheekbones, jaw and nose.

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What is facial trauma?

Facial trauma, also called maxillofacial trauma, is a catch-all term for traumatic injuries that affect any area of the face, including the cheekbones, orbital bones (bones around the eyes), upper and lower jaw, teeth and nose.

These kinds of injuries can not only alter your appearance but may also impair important functions such as your sight, breathing, eating and speaking.

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in treating the full range of facial trauma injuries, including fractures, dislocations and soft tissue damage.

Some of the most common causes of facial trauma are:

  • Vehicle accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Falls
  • Burns (chemical or thermal)
  • Assault
  • Animal bites

What kinds of injuries can be treated with facial trauma surgery?

A traumatic injury may be a fracture (bone break), dislocation, tooth loss or damage, or soft tissue injury. In most cases, surgery is required to restore normal function as well as improve appearance.

Some of the most common facial traumas requiring surgery are:

  • Fracture to the ocular or orbital bones around the eyes (eye sockets), cheekbone, upper or lower jawbones, forehead or nose
  • Broken teeth, dental injury or tooth loss
  • Jaw dislocation
  • Nasal cavity or sinus obstruction due to a nose fracture
  • Damage to the hard and soft palate
  • Soft tissue injuries to the face, including lacerations, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns and tissue loss

Surgical treatments for facial trauma

The most appropriate treatment for a facial injury depends on several factors, including the type of injury, its severity and its cause.

Our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field, with many years of experience in providing world-class care. If you need treatment for a facial injury, our consultants will create and deliver a personalised treatment plan, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for the best possible outcome.

Surgical treatments for facial trauma include:

  • Open reduction and fixation - this type of surgery is used to align broken bones in the face and hold them in the correct position with titanium plates as they heal
  • Wiring - broken jaw bones may be wired together to stabilise them as they heal
  • Bone or skin grafts - these may be required in burn cases or where tissue has been lost
  • Facial reconstruction - titanium hardware may be used to repair fractured eye sockets or cheekbones
  • Rhinoplasty - commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is performed to realign the nose and may also help improve breathing
  • Suturing - stitches can be used to treat and close soft tissue damage, such as a split lip or eyebrow or a forehead laceration
  • Dental surgery - damaged teeth may need to be removed and replaced with implants

Why choose OneWelbeck?

Facial trauma injuries are often complex, and treatment can span across several specialities.

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial surgeons work in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of specialists such as ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthodontists, restorative dentists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists and ophthalmologists to ensure you receive the comprehensive treatment you need to make the best possible recovery.

Get in touch today to book an appointment with one of our leading maxillofacial specialists. 

FAQs

What is maxillofacial surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery is a speciality that combines medicine and dentistry. Maxillofacial surgeons specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the face, mouth, teeth and jaws, including traumatic facial injuries.

Is maxillofacial surgery dangerous?

As with any kind of procedure, there are risks associated with maxillofacial surgery. Before performing any kind of surgery, your maxillofacial consultant will take you through all the possible risks so that you feel informed and confident throughout your time undergoing treatment at OneWelbeck.