Facial Fractures Surgery

A severe blow to the face can result in a fracture of a facial bone, with or without injury to the overlying tissues.

Mr David Morgan has undertaken specialist overseas training in dealing with complex trauma injuries and is in charge of the department responsible for treating these particular injuries at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne’s busiest trauma centre.

The most common types of fractures encountered are those involving the nasal bones or the cheekbones. Occasionally the bones of the orbit, the upper or lower jaw, or the forehead can also be affected. These fractures are usually the result of a motor vehicle accident, assault, or a sporting injury.

Fractures of these bones can result in a significant alteration to your appearance if they are not treated adequately. Surgery to correct a fracture of the face will usually take place within two weeks of the injury – enough time to allow the swelling to go down and enable an accurate assessment of the injury, but also before the bones begin to heal in the wrong position.

This type of surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and is usually a day procedure. Sometimes the bones can be returned to their correct position without making an incision on the skin, but most commonly several small, carefully placed incisions are needed to allow accurate reduction of the fracture.

All Surgical Procedures Carry Risks

Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.

Individual results may vary due to a number of factors, including genetics, and variations in healing and recovery, and the potential for complications. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations

Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and will most often require a general anaesthetic. All surgery will require a period of recovery before returning to normal activity, as outlined in the particular procedure information. Although uncommon, complications can and do occur, and may affect the final result of your surgery. The potential risks will be discussed fully during your consultations, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the various risks in your particular circumstances. Risks may include the general risks of surgery, as well as the risks specific to the procedure, and include poor quality scarring, excessive bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, pain, asymmetry, nerve injury, anaesthetic complications, drug reactions, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, the need for further surgery, and permanent disability and death.

As a specialist plastic surgeon, Mr Morgan is appropriately trained and qualified to deal with complications of surgery, including the ability to admit you to hospital, if required.

FAQs

Is Mr David Morgan qualified to repair facial fractures?

Yes, Mr David Morgan has undertaken specialist overseas training in dealing with complex injuries, including fractures of the facial bones. In fact, he is in charge of the department that is responsible for treating complex trauma injuries at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne’s busiest trauma centre.

What does facial fracture surgery involve?

Surgery to correct a facial fracture usually takes place within two weeks of the injury to allow enough time for any swelling to go down and for Mr Morgan to accurately assess the injury. When surgery is performed within this time period, the fracture can be repaired before the bones heal in the incorrect position. The surgery itself is performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia. In some cases, the bones can be repositioned without the need for an incision, although it is more common for Mr Morgan to make several small incisions in the face to successfully complete the repair.

How do facial fractures occur?

Fractures of the facial bones usually occur as the result of a car accident, sporting injury, or assault. The most common facial fractures involve the nasal bones and cheekbones, although the bones of the orbit, jaws, and forehead can also be affected.