Facial Fractures
What Is a Facial Fracture?
A facial fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones in the face, typically caused by trauma such as accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults. The facial skeleton consists of several bones, including the nasal bone, maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), zygomatic bone (cheekbone), and orbital bones surrounding the eyes. Facial fractures are important concerns that can cause pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or functional issues like difficulty breathing or chewing.
If a facial fracture has left you feeling self-conscious about your appearance, don't panic. Double-board-certified Dr. Bader has been performing facial surgeries for the past 20 years and offers a premium solution that not only restores your appearance but also vital functionalities of your face.
Types of Facial Fractures
Facial fractures can occur in various areas of the face due to trauma or accidents, affecting both appearance and functionality. Understanding the different types of fractures helps in timely diagnosis and effective procedure options. Dr. Bader will evaluate the severity of your injury and determine the best treatment plan based on the type of facial fracture you have.
Facial Fracture Symptoms
If you have suffered a facial fracture, you may experience a range of symptoms that develop over time.
Initial Symptoms of Facial Fractures
- Intense pain at the injury site.
- Immediate swelling around the affected area.
- Visible facial asymmetry or misalignment.
- Discoloration and bruising around the injury site.
Overtime Symptoms (If Untreated)
- Ongoing pain or discomfort.
- Lasting crookedness or uneven features.
- Double vision or restricted eye movement (for orbital fractures).
- Ongoing trouble with chewing or speaking (for jaw fractures).
Facial Fracture Treatment in Plano, Near Dallas, Texas
Dr. Bader's vast experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery positions him as one of the top facial fracture specialists in Plano. If you've sustained a facial fracture, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid complications and speed up recovery. At Bader Facial Plastics, we specialize in treating all types of facial fractures. These expert treatments ensure that fractures heal properly and restore both the appearance and functionality of the face. Dr. Bader's experience in facial plastic surgery allows him to provide customized care to each patient's specific injury and are performed with precision to ensure the best functional and aesthetic results.
Common treatment options include:
- Closed Reduction: This procedure involves realigning fractured bones manually without an incision. This method is often used for less severe fractures, such as a nasal fracture, to restore proper alignment.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): For more complex fractures, this procedure involves making an incision to access the fractured bones, realigning them, and securing them with screws, plates, or wires to ensure proper healing.
- Reconstructive Surgery: In cases of severe facial disfigurement or functional impairment (such as jaw fractures), Dr. Bader performs reconstructive surgery to restore the natural contour and function of the face, including the jaw, cheekbones, and nose.
- Nasal Fracture Repair (Rhinoplasty): If a nasal fracture occurs, Dr. Bader can perform a closed or open rhinoplasty procedure to realign the nasal bones, restore functionality, and improve cosmetic appearance. This is typically done within the first 1-2 weeks after injury.
Potential Risks of Facial Fracture Surgery
Dr. Bader is a prestigious facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, known for his meticulous approach to every procedure. While he ensures that each surgery is performed with the utmost care and precision, it's important to recognize that, like any surgical procedure, facial fracture surgery may carry some inherent risks that include:
- Infection. As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or within the bone. Antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce this risk.
- Scarring. Incisions made during surgery can result in visible scarring. However, skilled surgeons like Dr. Bader aim to make incisions in discreet areas to minimize scarring.
- Nerve Damage. There is a possibility of nerve injury during facial surgery, while rare, it can lead to numbness, tingling, or permanent loss of sensation in certain areas of the face.
- Bleeding and Hematoma. Excessive bleeding or the formation of a blood clot (hematoma) can occur, which may require drainage or further intervention.
- Improper Healing. In some cases, the fractured bones may not heal in the correct position, leading to deformities, misalignment, or functional issues (such as difficulty chewing or breathing).
Recovery From Plano Facial Fracture Surgery
Recovery from facial fracture surgery typically involves a few key stages and a long time period, sometimes due to other injuries sustained at the time of the fracture. Immediately after surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers and ice packs. During the first week, you'll follow up with Dr. Bader to monitor progress and may be advised to follow a soft food diet, especially if jaw fractures are involved. Swelling gradually decreases over the next few weeks, and you can resume light activities after about 1-2 weeks, avoiding strenuous exercise.
Complete healing can take 3-6 months, with swelling continuing to subside and scars fading over time. Dr. Bader will provide guidance throughout your recovery, ensuring optimal healing and the best cosmetic and functional outcomes. Out-of-town patients will be required to stay in Plano, near the plastic surgery clinic to avoid the risk of complications. Dr. Bader will assist with travel arrangements and accommodations to ensure a smooth recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Bader for Facial Fracture Treatment
A facial fracture can be both painful and impact your confidence. Dr. Bader, recognized for his expertise in facial reconstruction surgeries in Plano and Dallas, holds top industry accreditations. Using advanced diagnostic tools like CT scans and X-rays, Dr. Bader carefully evaluates your fracture and develops a customized treatment plan tailored to your injury, symptoms, and cosmetic goals.
- D Magazine's Best Doctor for 10 consecutive years
- Double-board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Bader Facial Plastics caters to one patient at a time
Ready to Restore Your Confidence and Facial Harmony? Get in Touch
