Facial Trauma

Facial trauma involves an injury to the skin or bones of the face and head (craniofacial skeleton). These acquired injuries can range from simple lacerations (cuts or tears in the skin or flesh) to open complex craniofacial fractures.

Pediatric plastic surgeons treat all types of trauma to the face, including fractures of the jaw, nose, cheekbones, eyes and skull. They also treat injuries to the soft tissue of the face resulting from lacerations, animal bites, burns and other accidents.

Fractures of the facial bones can cause multiple problems affecting the patient’s growth, teeth, vision and sensation. Complex fractures involving the cranial bones sometimes require coordination with a pediatric neurosurgeon.

In some cases, children who have persistent facial deformities after facial injury can benefit from an evaluation by a craniofacial expert.

Diagnosis of Facial Trauma

Diagnosis of a traumatic facial injury includes identifying symptoms such as bruising, pain while chewing, vision problems, malocclusion (incorrect alignment of the teeth), breathing issues and loss of sensation.

In the case of a fracture, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and other types of imaging help your child's doctor determine how severe the injury is.

Treatments

Treatment for traumatic facial injuries includes:

Sutures. Facial injuries may need suturing (stitches) in the emergency department.
Surgery. A surgical procedure may be necessary if the facial trauma is severe or complex. Surgery can range from closed reduction of the fractures to open reduction and rigid fixation.

Key Points to Remember

Facial trauma includes bone fractures as well as soft tissue injuries.
Fractures of the facial bones can cause multiple problems affecting the patient’s growth, teeth, vision and sensation.
Complex or severe facial trauma may require surgery.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the following website for information, resources and support related to facial injuries.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

MedlinePlus

This U.S. government website provides information on many types of facial injuries and disorders.

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.