Facial fractures

What are facial fractures?

Facial fractures can occur as a result of trauma to the face causing the bones to crack or break. Fractures can occur as a result of an accident, a severe blow to the face, or as a sports injury.

Some of the most common type of fractures are those that involve the nasal bones or the cheekbones. In some cases, the bones of the orbit, the upper and lower jaw, or the forehead can also be affected by trauma to the face.

What does facial fracture reconstruction involve?

It is important to repair facial fractures. If they are left untreated, patients can experience a dramatic changed to their appearance. Surgery to repair a facial fracture generally takes place within a week or two of the injury. This allows time for any swelling to subside, and enables Dr Pillay to make an accurate assessment of the injury and to formulate a suitable treatment plan.

Repairing a facial fracture within two weeks is important — waiting any longer could result in the bones beginning to heal in the incorrect positions.

Facial fracture repair is performed under general anaesthesia. In some cases, the bones can be shifted back into their correct positions without the need for any incisions, but generally Dr Pillay will make multiple small incisions in the face to accurately repair a facial fracture.

How long does recovery take?

It is quite normal to experience some swelling and bruising following surgery. It may take up to a week for the swelling to go down, and bruising may last up to two weeks.

If necessary, Dr Pillay will remove any stitches after around a week following surgery. It is recommended that you take a break from work and other activities for a week or two, although it may take a few months for you to heal completely.

dr-icon

DR TRISHAN PILLAY

Located in Ballito and Umhlanga, operating in Netcare Alberlito hospital, Busamed Gateway and Ribumed Dayclinic. I am a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeon specialising in skin cancers, aesthetic breast, abdominal and facial surgery, hand injuries, cranio-facial deformities as well as burns and burn reconstruction.Read More

i-icon

PATIENT INFORMATION

Please view the patient information and resources regarding all the necessary information and forms that are required from each patient prior to the plastic, reconstructive or aesthetic surgery that Dr Trishan Pillay performs. Read More

travel-icon

CHOOSING A SURGEON

This is probably one of the most difficult or easiest decisions you will have to make. Choosing your surgeon is just like choosing any other doctor. The first and probably the most important is to go to a surgeon that is a fully...Read More

book-icon

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Specialised in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery, Dr Trishan Pillay strives for a holistic and patient centred approach and thus welcomes a range of patients to book a consultation to see how he can help and what can be done for your specific needs.Book an Appointment