Facial Trauma: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Any physical injuries that happen to our face can be categorized as facial trauma. It is also known as maxillofacial trauma. Burns, lacerations, bruises, and fractures which falls under the category of soft tissue injuries can be the reason for facial trauma. It might be due to facial bone fractures and jaw fractures. As the trauma and other eye injuries can also cause facial trauma. Broken nose, forehead fracture, broken cheekbone, eye orbital fracture, broken jaw, and midface fracture are the common facial traumas. Common symptoms for these are the pain, swelling, breathing difficulty, abnormalities. Bleeding, pain with movements, numbness, vision problems, black eye, missing or lost teeth in case of a broken jaw. Any swelling or deformity in the face can be a symptom of facial trauma. The physical diagnosis depends upon the type of injury you are having. You face will be completely examined for signs of swelling and pain. You will be asked to make a slight movement with your facial parts to check whether you are feeling any discomfort while movement. X rays will be taken. Most fractures can be detected using X rays. Some fractures can threaten life. It is better to consult a doctor when you start feeling any symptoms.

The treatment will be decided based upon the type and severity of the fracture. The motive of the treatment is to fix the broken bones back into proper and normal alignment. This is commonly known as “reducing” in connection to the fracture. The procedure of placing them in their right place is termed as “fixing” in fracture treatment terminology.

1. Surgery will be recommended to prevent the injury from being worse. The surgery uses plates, wires, and screws inside and outside the bones to remove fractures and set back the bones in their right place. A local anesthesia will be given to the patient before the surgery.
2. The reduction procedure can be classified into two types. Closed reduction, which is set back the broken bone without surgery. This is done mostly when you suffer from a broken nose. An open reduction needs an incision to reset and reposition the fractured bones.
3. Endoscopy is carried out to diagnose eye sockets and sinuses. It consists of a long tube placed between lip and upper gum behind your cheekbone into the sinus. It can remove small pieces of broken bones. This uses special devices to support your face from broken bones.
4. A reconstructive surgery might be required when you are being deducted with multiple bone fractures. In case if you have complex fractures, known as LeFort fractures, two-dimensional face CT scans or a three-dimensional scan which is reconstructive in nature will be recommended. This will help in better diagnosis before surgery to improve the outcome of the facial reconstructive surgery.

The aim of the surgery to recreate normal appearance and proper functioning of injured areas. Airways blockage, cardiovascular problems, nervous system or brain injuries must be checked and treated immediately. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics in case he detects any risks of infection.

Medications include antibiotics to prevent infection, a painkiller to reduce swelling and bruising and some steroid medicines. Some vitamin and minerals supplements are also given to support a fast healing.

Most fractures are sudden and acute in nature. Those who are associated with fighting and sports like football, rugby and horse riding are more prone to facial trauma. They can consult a doctor and opt for suitable treatment. Road accidents or traffic falls are some other situations which cause facial traumas. If people under the above circumstances feel symptoms of facial trauma, they are eligible for treatment. Any abnormalities in the face, swelling, bleeding, pain while movement is also eligible for facial trauma treatment.

Those are taking severe medications and whose physical condition is weak are not eligible for treatment. Pregnant ladies and those have risks of cardiac problems will be eligible only after proper diagnosis and precautions. People with mild symptoms and wounds will not be advised to take up surgery. They will be given medications to see the results before performing the surgery.

Surgery and treatment may cause pain, swelling, bleeding, bruising and infection. Sometimes scars and hair loss may occur as a part of the surgery. There are chances of damages for nerves and tissues in the nearby area. this can cause numbness. Sinuses might swell after the surgery. Even after the surgery, unusual facial features might exist, bulged eyes, changes in vision and permanent blindness might occur in rare cases. Tissues and bones may move out of place and to fix them another surgery might be required. There are chances of infection when plates or screws are used to fix bones. there are chances of a blood clot which can cause severe problems like heart attack or stroke.

You may need to continue medications such as painkillers and antibiotics as instructed by the surgeon. Applying ice: this can help in reducing the pain and swelling. They also help in preventing tissue damage. Using ice packs for 15mts every hour can help in healing.

1. Always follow an elevated position: make sure that you keep your head above the level of the heart. This can help in reducing the pain and swelling. You can use pillows or blankets to maintain an elevated position.
2. Don’t sleep on the injured side of the face. It is always advised to avoid pressure on the face. If you feel like sneezing, make sure that your mouth remains open. This can reduce the pressure in cheekbones. Donto blow your nose as this can damage eye nerves.
3. Use child-sized soft or water pick soft toothbrush to clean your mouth. A doctor will advise you how to clean without getting hurt in case of tooth traumas.

Healing depends upon the severity of the injury. The recovery time for the treatment varies from one patient to another patient health condition. For some patients the medication may show positive results as soon as possible and some may report issues due to allergic or any other health related issues. Usually, it will take a couple of weeks to get back to normal routine. Bruising and swelling will be there for up to 3 weeks. After this, the body starts healing inside and outside. You will start feeling normal. Avoid bumps or knocks in the injured area for 6-8 weeks.

The average cost of the facial trauma treatment ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 50,00,000. The price depends upon the severity of the issue and the extent of the injury.

If the post-treatment guidelines are properly followed up and if sufficient care is given, the treatment can give permanent results. Proper medications and physiotherapy can help to get better results.

Wear a helmet and be careful when you engage in physical activity. Have a proper diet with rich supplements of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients so that you remain strong and are not sensitive to injuries. You can opt for Ayurveda treatment for fractures. They use natural products and will tend to have minimal risks and side effects. Ice therapy, heat and compression treatment, elevation, vitamin creams, aloe era creams are the other options. Sesame seeds and castor seeds can catalyze the recovery process.