Facial Trauma Surgery
Bilateral mandible fractures pre- and post-operative x-rays.
What is Facial Trauma?
Facial trauma can result due to slips and falls, sporting injuries, workplace accidents, road traffic accidents and unfortunately interpersonal violence.
Your Dentist, GP or Emergency Physician will refer you to Dr Chellappah if you have sustained a laceration to the face or mouth or have fractured a facial bone.
This includes fractures of the mandible (lower jaw), maxilla (upper jaw), nasal bones (nose), zygoma (cheekbone), orbit (eye socket) and frontal bone (forehead).
What are the symptoms of Facial Trauma?
The symptoms that patients report are dependent on the location of the injury.
For instance, fractures of the mandible often result in:
A malocclusion (teeth not meeting correctly)
Paraesthesia (altered sensation) affecting the lower lip, chin and lower teeth
Bleeding and lacerations within the mouth
Loose and mobile teeth
This is in contrast to fractures of the zygoma and orbit which may result in:
Diplopia (double vision)
Parasthesia affecting the cheek, nose and upper teeth
Noticeable malar depression (flattening of the cheekbone)
Enophthalmos (a sunken eye)
How do you treat facial trauma?
At your initial consultation, Dr Chellappah will take a thorough history, perform a comprehensive examination and review any x-rays or CT scans which your Dentist or GP may have organised. He will advise if any further investigations are required.
Dr Chellappah will explain to you the options for the surgical management of your condition and discuss the procedure and any associated risks in depth. He will also advise you of what to expect in the post-operative period.
What does facial trauma surgery involve?
Treatment of facial injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury. Lacerations are treated with debridement (washing and cleaning) of the wound and closure with stitches.
Facial fractures often require open reduction (realignment of the bones) and internal fixation (stabilising the bones in place with titanium plates, mesh and screws). This is particularly true if there is a malocclusion, noticeable deformity or functional impairment.
Where will surgery be performed?
If you have sustained a small laceration to the mouth or face not associated with any other injuries, you may have the option of having your procedure performed the day of your initial consultation. This will be performed under local anaesthesia with injections to numb the gums or skin so you do not feel any discomfort.
More often though, it is necessary to have your procedure performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure. You will be admitted on the day of your procedure and usually will be discharged the next day following review by Dr Chellappah.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Some injuries, such as jaw fractures, may require you to maintain a soft, non-chew diet for a period of time after your operation. You will also need to avoid contact sports after your surgery. This is usually for 4-8 weeks to allow sufficient time for bony healing.
Dr Chellappah will explain any specific post-operative instructions relevant to your injury at your consultation and again after your surgery.