Trauma to the face can occur from bike or car accidents, or many other types of injuries. In order to determine the severity of the injury, the doctor will usually get a CT scan of the facial bones to assess for any fractures. Dr. Eftekhari is a specialist in oculoplastic surgery and facial fracture repair, especially in orbital bone fractures which can displace the position of the eye or cheek.
Not all facial bone fractures need to be fixed or plated with titanium. Dr. Eftekhari uses a customized approach and will tell you if you need surgery or if the fracture can be allowed to heal. Especially around the eye socket (orbit), it is best to consider the eye and the movement of the eye in the socket first before considering if surgery is necessary. Dr. Eftekhari will measure the eye position and your eye movements at the time of your visit. If you have double vision this may resolve on its own, but if it lasts more than 5 days or if your eye muscles are pinched on the CT scan, Dr. Eftekhari may recommend surgery sooner.
The Procedure
Repair of facial bone fractures is done under general anesthesia in the operating room. Depending on the location of the fracture, Dr. Eftekhari may be able to hide all your incisions in the lower eyelid without any visible skin incisions. For cheekbone fractures, Dr. Eftekhari may work with a second surgeon to approach the fracture from both behind the lower eyelid and through the upper gums in the mouth to hide the incisions.
Fractures around the face may necessitate synthetic implants to be placed inside the eye socket, with or without titanium reinforcement depending on the severity of the fracture.
Recovery after the Procedure
Depending on the severity of the fracture and length of surgery, most facial fracture surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis. Dr. Eftekhari will prescribe pain medicine after your surgery and an antibiotic eye ointment to be used on the eye and the skin around the eye for two weeks after surgery.
Bruising and swelling after facial fracture surgery may take up to 6 weeks to resolve. In most cases, this resolves in under two weeks. Dr. Eftekhari will check you during this time to ensure you are healing appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Facial Fracture Repairs
Facial fractures often present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or difficulty moving the affected area. However, the only way to confirm a fracture is through medical imaging, such as a CT scan.
Whether surgery is needed depends on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as other factors such as symptoms and the patient's overall health. Dr. Eftekhari will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the fracture and the type of surgery performed. Patients may experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort, which typically improve over several weeks. Dr. Eftekhari will provide specific post-operative instructions to help facilitate healing.
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or improper healing. However, these risks are minimized by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Eftekhari.
Patients may need to take time off from work or strenuous activities to allow for proper healing. Dr. Eftekhari will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities based on individual recovery progress.
Contact Us for Your Personalized Consultation
For personalized consultation and facial fracture repair with Dr. Kian Eftekhari at Eyelid Center of Utah, schedule an appointment today. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve optimal facial health and function.