Facial Reconstruction Surgery

Traumatic facial injuries can happen for any number of reasons—due to car collisions, sports accidents, workplace mishaps, or simple slip-and-falls. Regardless of the cause, the impact of facial trauma can be demoralizing, leaving you aesthetically compromised and feeling very unconfident in your own appearance. Thankfully, restoration is possible through facial trauma reconstruction. Thrive Reconstructive Surgery is a team of experienced surgeons with ample experience performing facial reconstruction procedures for patients. We invite you to learn more about our proven track record.

Facial reconstruction surgery repairs the damage done by traumatic facial injuries, restoring any lost functionality. Moreover, our surgeons at Thrive Reconstructive Surgery aim to restore your natural appearance.

Common injuries to the face include:

Facial Laceration

A laceration is a term for a tear or a cut. They range from minor lacerations to more severe lacerations, which can involve blood vessels, nerves, or muscles. A laceration of the face would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the severity and the treatment plan.

A laceration of the face is apparent, as it will show the separation of the skin, redness, bruising, and swelling. In some cases, the laceration can be repaired by sutures, staples, or skin adhesives. Facial reconstruction surgery to treat a laceration first involves cleaning the wound. In more severe cases, the laceration could require debridement or even surgery. If debridement is required, this means that the dead or dirty tissue would be removed from the wound. In severe cases, surgery will be required to repair damaged tissues.

Sutures or staples can typically be removed 5-7 days after the repair, but this depends on each patient and the extent of the injury. Tylenol can be used for any discomfort, but for any serious symptoms, our office should be called.

Mandibular (Jaw) Surgery

Mandible fractures can happen for a variety of reasons, including sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, physical assaults to the face, accidental falls, or even workplace accidents. The approach to facial reconstruction surgery, if any, will be determined by the physicians depending on the severity and type of fracture.

Zygoma (Cheekbone) Fracture

The cheekbone, or zygoma, is subject to fractures if a blunt force occurs to the area. Symptoms of a zygoma fracture include:

• Flattened contour of the face
• Numbness in the cheeks due to pressure being applied to nerves
• Inability to open mouth very wide
• Double vision

In order to treat these fractures, a CT scan will be performed in addition to a physical exam in order to get the optimal plan for facial reconstruction surgery. An ophthalmologist may also be consulted to ensure eye function.

Orbital (Eye Socket) Fractures

The orbit, or the eye socket, are the bones the surround the eyeball. If a trauma occurs to this area, an ortibal fracture or blowout may occur.

Usually, a CT scan will be performed in order to define the severity of the fracture. An ophthalmologist will also have to evaluate the eyes to make sure the vision is intact. Some symptoms of an orbital fracture include:

• Diplopia (double vision)
• Limitation of eye looking upward
• Numb part of face where nose and cheeks are due to infraorbital nerve involvement in injury
• Obvious bruising or orbit

Patients with orbital floor fractures who have persistent nausea and vomiting, eye muscle dysfunction, double vision, or displacement of the eyes usually require surgery and should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist. Facial reconstruction surgery is not always required to correct orbital fractures, but the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis by the physician.

Types of Fractures:

Open door fractures typically occur in adults and most commonly because of assaults or motor vehicle crashes. These fractures are defined by a large displacement of bone tissue that does not pinch the surrounding tissue.

In contrast, trap door fractures are usually found in children and are most commonly due to sports injuries or playing outdoors. They require immediate attention because children have more bone elasticity and therefore the fracture can recoil to its original position. This is dangerous, as when the bone breaks it can grab onto muscles or tissues surrounding the eye and then go back to its original position, entrapping the tissues. If these tissues are entrapped, the muscle cannot fully contract due to not having enough blood supply to the tissues. If not treated immediately, very threatening issues can occur including permanent double vision, oculocardiac reflex (which causes the heart rate to slow), nausea, and syncope.

Reconstructing and Restoring Your Face to Its Natural Appearance

Significant facial trauma can leave a highly visible impact on your appearance. As a result, you may experience a decline in your self-esteem and find that you are hampered in your personal life as well as your professional trajectory. Our surgeons are adept at delicate facial reconstruction work, helping restore each client to their normal, natural appearance.

Thrive Reconstructive Surgery provides reconstructive surgery for facial trauma patients. Contact us to learn more about what our surgeons can do for you.