Facial Trauma
What Is Facial Trauma Surgery?
Facial trauma surgery repairs fractures and soft tissue injuries to the facial skeleton following accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other impacts. Because the face houses critical structures for vision, breathing, chewing, and expression, Dr. Esen approaches each case with careful attention to restoring both function and natural facial appearance, often working urgently to achieve the best possible outcome.
Symptoms and Concerns Facial Trauma Surgery Can Address
Facial trauma surgery may be suitable if you experience:
- Facial pain, swelling, or visible deformity following an injury
- Double vision, eye movement restriction, or a sunken eye appearance after facial trauma
- Difficulty opening or closing the jaw, or a misaligned bite following injury
- Numbness in the face, cheek, or upper lip after trauma
- Visible asymmetry or structural change to the face after an accident
Types of Facial Trauma Surgery
Dr. Esen tailors the surgical approach to the specific bone or structure affected:
Facial Fractures
Addresses broken bones anywhere in the facial skeleton, realigning and stabilizing fractured segments to restore normal facial contour, symmetry, and function.
Orbital Fractures
Repairs fractures of the bones surrounding the eye socket, which can affect eye position, movement, and vision if left untreated. Careful reconstruction restores the orbital floor and walls to support proper eye function and appearance.
Mandibular Fractures
Treats fractures of the lower jawbone, restoring proper bite alignment and jaw function through precise repositioning and stabilization of the fractured segments.
Maxillary Fractures
Repairs fractures of the upper jaw and mid-face region, which can affect breathing, bite alignment, and facial structure, requiring careful realignment to restore both function and facial harmony.
Soft Tissue Facial Injuries
Repairs lacerations, deep cuts, and soft tissue damage to the skin, muscle, and underlying structures of the face, using precise closure techniques to restore natural contour and minimize visible scarring, often alongside bone fracture repair when both are present.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Trauma Surgery?
You may need facial trauma surgery if you:
- Have sustained a facial injury from an accident, fall, sports impact, or other trauma
- Experience visible deformity, swelling, or asymmetry following facial injury
- Have vision changes, restricted eye movement, or jaw misalignment after trauma
- Are in stable overall condition following the initial injury and cleared for surgical repair
- Have been evaluated and diagnosed with a facial fracture through clinical exam and imaging
During your evaluation, Dr. Esen reviews imaging studies and conducts a thorough examination to determine the extent of injury and the safest, most effective surgical plan, often coordinating urgently with your broader trauma care team.
How Facial Trauma Surgery Is Performed
Facial trauma surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with timing and duration depending on the severity and location of the fracture, and can range from 1 to several hours.
- 1. A thorough evaluation of the fracture pattern using clinical exam and imaging
- 2. Incisions are placed to access the fractured bone, often hidden within the mouth, hairline, or natural facial creases whenever possible
- 3. Fractured bone segments are carefully realigned to their correct anatomical position
- 4. Plates, screws, or other fixation devices are used to stabilize the bone during healing, when needed
- 5. Soft tissue is repaired and incisions closed with careful attention to minimizing visible scarring
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–7 Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected. Close monitoring ensures proper healing, especially for fractures affecting vision or jaw function.
Weeks 2–4 Swelling gradually decreases, and initial bone healing progresses.
Weeks 6–8 Most patients resume normal daily activities, with continued healing of the underlying bone.
Months 3–6 Bone healing matures, and any residual swelling or asymmetry continues to resolve.
Months 6–12 Final results are visible, with facial contour, symmetry, and function fully restored.
Expected Results
A successful facial trauma surgery delivers:
- Restored facial bone alignment and symmetry
- Improved or preserved function — including vision, bite, and jaw movement
- Reduced visible deformity from the original injury
- Well-concealed scarring, when possible
- A strong foundation for continued healing and, if needed, later refinement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How urgent is facial trauma surgery?
Timing depends on the specific fracture and any associated injuries, but many facial fractures are best treated within a specific window after injury to achieve optimal healing and function.
Will I have visible scars after facial trauma surgery?
Whenever possible, incisions are placed inside the mouth, within the hairline, or in natural facial creases to minimize visible scarring.
Will my face look the same as before the injury?
The goal of facial trauma surgery is to restore pre-injury facial symmetry and function as closely as possible, though the degree of full restoration depends on the severity and nature of the original injury.
Can facial trauma affect my vision or breathing long-term?
Depending on the fracture location, untreated or improperly healed fractures can affect vision, breathing, or bite function, which is why timely, precise surgical repair is important.
Will I need additional surgery later?
Some patients may benefit from later refinement procedures once initial healing is complete, particularly for more complex or severe injuries.