Facial trauma
Alternate Names : Maxillofacial injury, Midface trauma, Facial injury, LeFort injuries
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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