Treatment For Facial Trauma
The term facial trauma is used to refer to injuries that affect any part of the face. Facial trauma may include soft tissue injuries such as cuts or tears in the skin, or bone injuries, such as a broken nose or fractured jaw. Accidents involving the face can be particularly frightening because the face is integral to many important functions, such as sight, smell, speech, and eating. Facial trauma can happen to anyone and frequently occurs as a result of a fall, assault, or from a sports or car accident. Facial injuries can be particularly complex and it is important to seek treatment from a specialist who is experienced in maintaining or restoring both function and appearance.
What To Do When Facial Injuries Occur
If you or a loved one suffers from a facial injury, take these steps:
- If there is mild swelling or bruising, without any bleeding or changes to facial structure, apply an ice pack.
- If there is a cut or laceration, see our tips for laceration treatment.
- If there is a burn, see our burn care guidelines.
- Monitor the injured person to ensure there are no changes in breathing or sight, which could be caused by excessive swelling or broken bones.
It is important to note that while minor facial injuries are very common for both children and adults, there are special considerations for younger patients. Children’s faces are still developing and an injury to the face could inhibit proper facial growth. Additionally, the delicate bones and nerves of the face are complex and very young kids may not be able to identify or fully communicate the exact location or type of pain they are feeling. It is typically advised to seek medical treatment for all facial traumas that occur in children.
When To Seek Medical Treatment For Facial Trauma
Symptoms of facial trauma include pain, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. You should seek immediate medical treatment if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in vision
- Changes in hearing
- Changes in facial structure
- The feeling that something in your face has shifted
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations that are deeper than ¼ inch or will not stop bleeding
Why Call a Plastic Surgeon for Facial Injuries?
An experienced plastic surgeon can offer specialized care in the event of a traumatic facial injury. The benefits of seeking care from a plastic surgeon include:
- Plastic surgeons are trained in techniques to minimize scarring.
- Facial plastic surgeons have a deep understanding of the complex and delicate underlying nerves, bones, and tissues the face.
- Reconstructive plastic surgeons are committed to restoring function in addition to appearance.
When to Call Dr.STITCH
Dr.STITCH is an immediate, on-call service of New York Plastic Surgical Group. We hope you never need us, but if you do we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or a loved one are injured on Long Island or in Manhattan and you would like treatment from an experienced and highly skilled plastic surgeon, call us at 1-877-DR-STITCH (1-877-377-8482). Contact Dr.STITCH at the time of the injury, before you go to the emergency room (in the case of an emergency, always call 911 first.) Your Dr.STITCH surgeon can meet you at a nearby hospital or one of our conveniently located offices.
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