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Facial Trauma and Cosmetic Surgeries: Everything You Need to Know – 2023

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Cosmetic surgery can improve and enhance the visual aesthetic and restore the natural appearance and function of a patient’s face and neck. When you hear “facial cosmetic surgery,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably not facial trauma. But facial cosmetic surgery and trauma to the face often go together.

Facial deformities can occur during a sudden incident, like a car accident (trauma), or be the result of a genetic malformation (developmental) that patients live with from birth. Deformities to the face can cause restrictions on your

natural facial functions and degrade your sense of self. But facial reconstructive surgery can restore your face’s healthy function and natural appearance.

Discover the impact of corrective and reconstructive surgery for patients with facial deformities. See how oral and maxillofacial surgeons work to restore patients’ health and appearance and its effect on patients’ quality of life and well-being. And learn about the facial cosmetic procedures that surgeons use to restore and improve a patient’s appearance.

What is facial trauma, and how can facial cosmetic surgery help?

Trauma that affects the face or neck is called maxillofacial trauma. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in treatments for traumatic injuries and issues to the maxillofacial structure, including:

  • Fracture to the…
    • Ocular or orbital bones around the eyes
    • Cheekbone
    • Upper or lower jawbones
    • Forehead
    • Nose
  • Broken teeth and dental injury
  • Jaw tumors, damage, or dislocation
  • Obstructed nasal cavity or sinus
  • Damage to the hard and soft palette
  • Injuries to soft tissue, including…
    • Lacerations
    • Cuts
    • Scrapes
    • Burns
    • Tissue loss

Types of Facial Fractures

There are several different types of fractures and breaks that can affect bones in the face, including:

Broken Nose or Nasal Bone Fracture

The most common type of facial fracture is a broken nose. The nasal bone comprises two thin bones that are easier to break than most other bones in the human body. Following a fracture, it is common for the nose to bleed, appear distorted, and feel sore.

Forehead or Frontal Bone Fracture

The frontal bone is the primary bone in your forehead and connects to the floor of your sinuses. Injury to the forehead can cause a frontal bone fracture in the center of the forehead, where the bone is thin. Often, the fracture indents inward due to some sort of blunt trauma.

Broken Cheekbone and Upper Jaw Fracture

A zygomaticomaxillary fracture involves a breaking of the upper jaw and cheekbones or zygomas. The upper jaw or maxilla attaches to the cheekbones, and, often, a break of this nature involves other facial bones around the trauma area.

Eye Socket or Orbital Fractures

There are a few primary types of orbital or eye socket fractures, including:

  • Orbital Rim Fracture
  • Blowout Fracture
  • Direct Orbital Floor Fracture

Mid-Face Fractures

Mid-face or Le Fort fractures often involve broken bones along the three weak lines of bone running vertically down the face.

  • Le Fort 1: A fracture extending above the maxilla (Somewhat horizontal).
  • Le Fort 2: A fracture starting on the cheek and extending horizontally below the eye to the other cheek (Somewhat pyramidal).
  • Le Fort 3: A fracture extending across the bridge of the nose and eye socket bones (separation of the facial bones and the skull- cranio-facial disjunction)

Broken Lower Jaw or Mandible Fracture

A mandible fracture or broken lower jaw affects the appearance of your teeth, neck, and face. It also often coincides with other health-related drawbacks. A mandible fracture can degrade your ability to chew, breathe, speak clearly, and swallow.

Facial Cosmetic Procedures and Reconstruction Surgeries

Every reconstruction surgery is customized to best suit each patient’s case and needs. Following facial trauma, surgeons utilize cosmetic surgery techniques, implant technologies, and precision stitching to restore a patient’s natural features and shape. A facial cosmetic reconstruction treatment plan may consist of:

What to Expect During Your Recovery

There is a recovery period that varies in duration following facial reconstruction surgery. Every patient undergoes a different treatment plan and procedure timeline, based on their state of health, underlying conditions, and more. Contact us to schedule a facial trauma or cosmetic facial surgery consultation and embark on the road to restore your appearance and sense of self.