Injuries to the face can range from a mild cut to the skin to a broken bone. These types of injuries are commonly referred to as “facial trauma.” Not only can facial trauma be painful, but it can also lead to visible changes in the appearance of the face.
This blog post will explore the different types of facial trauma, their common causes, and what can be done to treat them. So, if you or someone you know has suffered a facial injury, be sure to read on.
What are Different Types of Facial Trauma?
To sum it up, facial trauma is any injury to the face. This can include anything from a cut or bruise to a broken bone.
Some of the most common types of facial trauma include:
Cuts and Bruises
These are the minor type of facial trauma and usually heal on their own within a week or two. Cuts and bruises can be caused by accidentally hitting yourself with your hand or running into something.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are another common type of facial trauma. They occur when the blood vessels in the nose break and bleed. Nosebleeds can be caused by a variety of things, such as picking your nose or a blow to the nose.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma is any injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw. It can be caused by various things, such as biting your tongue or getting hit in the mouth.
Fractures
A fracture is a break in the bone. Facial fractures can be very painful and usually require medical attention. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as being hit in the face with a fist or falling and hitting your face on the ground.
What are the Common Causes of Facial Trauma?
Many different things can cause facial trauma. Some of the most common causes include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
This is one of the most common causes of facial trauma. If you are involved in a car accident, there is a high chance that you will suffer some sort of facial trauma. Also, if you are a pedestrian or cyclist who is hit by a car, you are also at risk of suffering facial trauma.
Falls
Whether you are falling from a great height or simply slipping and falling on the ground, falls can easily cause facial trauma. This is especially true if you hit your head on a hard surface when you fall.
Sports Injuries
Playing contact sports can put you at risk of suffering a facial injury. For example, if you are playing football and you get hit in the face with a ball, you may suffer a broken nose or other facial injuries. Boxing and mixed martial arts are also sports where facial injuries are common.
Assault
If you are the victim of an assault, there is a good chance that you will suffer some sort of facial trauma. This is because punches and kicks to the face are often used in assaults.
What Can Be Done About Facial Trauma?
If you have suffered facial trauma, there are many things that can be done to treat it. The type of treatment you will need will depend on the severity of your injury.
Bandaging and Suturing of Open Injuries
If you have suffered a cut or laceration to the face, it will need to be treated by a doctor. They will clean the wound and then close it with either stitches or surgical tape. Also, if you have a bruise, the doctor may put an ice pack on it to help reduce the swelling.
Jaw Surgery
If you have suffered a fracture to the jaw, you may need to have surgery to correct it. This type of surgery is called “orthognathic surgery.” If you need this type of surgery, contact a reputable oral surgeon. They will be able to give you more information about the surgery and what to expect.
Reconstructive Surgery
If your facial trauma is severe, you may need to have reconstructive surgery. This type of surgery is usually done by a plastic surgeon. It can involve grafting skin, bone, or cartilage from another part of your body to the injured area.
Speech Therapy
Sometimes, facial trauma can cause problems with a person’s speech. If this is the case, you may need to see a speech therapist. They will be able to help you regain your ability to speak clearly.
These are just some of the things that can be done about facial trauma. If you have suffered any type of facial injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your injury and recommend the best course of treatment. So, don’t delay; if you have suffered a facial injury, make an appointment with a doctor today.
