Hospital Virtual Tour

Facial trauma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Maxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries

Treatment:

Surgery is needed if the person cannot function normally or if there is significant deformity.

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

Patients generally do very well with proper treatment. The patient should gently be told that they will probably look different than they did before their injury, and that additional surgeries may be needed 6-12 months later.

Complications:

General complications include, but are not limited to:

Bleeding
Facial asymmetry
Infection
Neurologic complications

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.

Reviewed last on: 7/15/2008
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- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)