Treatment
Patients who cannot function normally or who have significant deformity will need surgery.
The goal of treatment is to:
- Control bleeding
- Create a clear airway
- Fix broken bone segments with titanium plates and screws
- Leave the fewest scars possible
- Rule out other injuries
- Treat the fracture
Treatment should be immediate, as long as the person is stable and there are no neck fractures or life-threatening injuries.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Patients generally do very well with proper treatment. You will probably look different than you did before your injury. You may need to have more surgery 6 – 12 months later.
Complications
General complications include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Uneven face (asymmetry)
- Infection
- Brain and nervous system (neurologic) complications
- Numbness or weakness
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a severe injury to your face.
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Facial trauma : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Facial trauma : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Facial trauma : Treatment
Review Date : 8/6/2009
Reviewed By : Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolargyngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
