FACIAL TRAUMA SURGERY

Facial trauma can occur due to motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, sporting injuries, or physical assault. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are experts in the management of injuries to the bones or soft tissues of the face. Common injuries include fractures of the forehead, eye sockets, nose, jaws, and teeth, and abrasions or lacerations of the facial soft tissues. It is important that facial bone fractures are diagnosed and treated appropriately and in the correct timeframe, in order to avoid future problems with chewing, vision, cosmetic deformities.

What conditions are treated?

Our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have all received extensive training in the management of facial trauma. Conditions treated include:

  • Fractured mandible (lower jaw)

  • Fractured maxilla (upper jaw)

  • Fractured orbit (eye socket)

  • Fractured zygoma (cheekbone)

  • Soft tissue injuries and lacerations

Where can facial trauma surgery be performed?

Surgery to repair extensive facial injuries such as fractures usually occurs in a hospital setting. Focus Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is affiliated with The Wesley Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital and Sunnybank Private Hospital to provide surgery for facial trauma. These hospitals offer excellent Maxillofacial Surgery facilities, with the equipment and expertise required to manage facial trauma patients. For patients with private health insurance, seeing a private facial trauma surgeon allows you to choose your surgeon, and have surgery performed in a private hospital setting. For those who do not have private health insurance, often treatment is completed through the public health system.

What types of procedures are used?

Our surgeons use contemporary, minimally invasive surgical techniques to repair facial fractures and other facial trauma. Usually fractured bones will be relocated into the correct position, and fixed in place with the use of titanium plates or screws. These hold the fractured segments in the correct position while healing occurs.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.