Reconstructive Surgery

Facial Trauma Repair

When an injury or accident causes facial trauma, surgery can help restore your facial function and appearance. The surgical approaches and techniques vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Specialists at The University of Kansas Health System offer many different ways to improve traumatic facial injuries, from simple wound closure to skin grafts, flaps and bony fracture repair. Their focus on restoration, function and aesthetic appearance ensures you look and feel your best.

What is facial trauma repair?

Facial trauma occurs when an injury damages the soft tissue, underlying bone or nerves of the face and jaw. Because of the sensitive nature of facial injuries and the high degree of physical and emotional distress, early evaluation and prompt treatment of facial trauma is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.

A CT scan is usually necessary to properly assess the extent of your injury and determine the next steps to restore function and achieve an optimal aesthetic result. With extensive experience in facial reconstruction, our surgeons are committed to treating injuries of the face with diligence and precision.

We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Who can have facial trauma repair?

Facial trauma reconstruction can be used to address a number of facial injuries. If you have suffered any of the following, you can benefit from facial trauma repair.

Soft tissue injuries marked by cuts, tears or breaks in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or underlying muscle. Facial lacerations are typically the result of extreme pressure or blunt force impact.
Facial fractures can occur within the nasal structure, eye (orbital) sockets or cheekbones. Due to the thin and delicate nature of the bones and cartilage in the nose, nasal fractures are the most common type of facial fracture. Factors that can determine the appropriate treatment for broken facial bones include your age, health and the severity and location of the fracture.
Fractures in the upper and lower jaw may require surgery to properly realign the jaw and restore normal biting and chewing.
Injuries resulting in weakness or paralysis of the face should be urgently evaluated. Many new techniques are available to help restore facial movement.

How does facial trauma repair work?

Facial trauma repair surgery works to restore soft tissues and/or bones after a traumatic injury.

Bone injuries
Soft tissue injuries

Much like other bone injuries, facial fractures require stabilization in order to promote proper healing. One method of stabilization involves a technique called rigid fixation, wherein small plates and screws are surgically placed to prevent motion within the facial structure. Some jaw fractures may require the upper and lower jaws to be temporarily wired shut in order to heal the fracture or reposition displaced bones.

Because of the nose’s central positioning on the face, nasal fractures are the most commonly suffered facial fracture. Not only can trauma to the nose change your appearance, but these injuries may also lead to impaired breathing, loss of smell, a deviated septum or other functional complications.

Some nasal fractures can be treated in the first 7-10 days after injury with a closed nasal reduction. Nasal fractures that are complex or have already healed may require nasal reconstruction or rhinoplasty.

Based on the severity of your injury, facial lacerations can generally be treated with stitches and suturing. In addition to addressing obvious breaks in the skin, great care must be taken to comprehensively treat the underlying facial structures, such as the salivary glands, ducts and facial nerves. For individuals who are concerned with facial scarring, our reconstructive surgeons offer scar revision surgery to minimize the visibility of scars.

Level I Trauma Center

The University of Kansas Hospital is the region's most experienced nationally verified Level I Trauma Center, designated by the American College of Surgeons. Only select trauma programs in the U.S. receive the ACS Level I rating, the highest rating a program can achieve.

Our trauma center

Benefits and risks of facial trauma repair

Facial trauma repair surgery can greatly improve your confidence and comfort after a traumatic injury. Some of the benefits you can expect after this procedure include:

A more natural appearance with minimized scarring
Improved stability and strength to a fractured bone
Restored functionality and integrity of injured facial features

Most people find the benefits of surgery far outweigh the risks. In fact, prompt facial trauma repair actually reduces your risk of developing permanent complications to the delicate facial structures.

What happens during facial trauma repair?

Facial trauma repair is a highly customized procedure. Your surgical plan will depend on the severity and location of your injury. Typically, however, a combination of techniques is used to provide the best result.

Discomfort is common after facial trauma repair surgery. Bruising and swelling are to be expected, and can be managed with proper self-care measures. Your comfort level will depend on the extent of your surgery, as well as your pain tolerance. Pain medication may be prescribed if necessary.

Most people can return to work in 1-2 weeks. However, your recovery may take more time if your injury is severe. Your surgeon will let you know when it's safe to resume normal activities.

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