In addition to performing cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeon Geoffrey Leber, MD, FACS has considerable experience treating many types of facial trauma, including skin lacerations, soft tissue damage, intraoral lacerations, maxillary fractures, and avulsed teeth. Since the beginning of his surgical career, Dr. Leber has performed an array of reconstructive procedures, including those involving craniofacial trauma, pediatric plastic surgery, burn injuries, hand injuries, breast reconstruction, and free tissue transfer. From this comprehensive training, he possesses a unique understanding of how to effectively treat facial trauma.
When injuries suffered in the delicate facial structures are improperly addressed, prominent scarring or malformation can easily result. Consequently, it is not uncommon for facial trauma to result in a loss of confidence or emotional imbalance. Depending on the severity of each injury, Dr. Leber can utilize a number of techniques to restore form and function to the facial structures and achieve the best possible outcome.
Who Is a Candidate for Facial Trauma Treatment?
Many injuries to the face, both minor or severe, can benefit from the expertise of a plastic surgeon. Examples of common facial traumas that may require treatment include sports-related injuries, workplace injuries, car accidents, animal bites, or acts of violence. After a consultation and physical evaluation, Dr. Leber will recommend the best ways to address your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to repair and improve your injuries. In general, you may consider facial trauma treatment from a plastic surgeon if you have suffered:
- Facial lacerations on the skin or inside the mouth
- An impaired bite or misalignment of the upper and lower jaws
- Knocked out (avulsed) teeth
- Fractures of the nose, eye sockets, or cheekbones
- Disfigurement or an alteration in your cosmetic appearance
What Is Recovery Like for Facial Trauma Treatment?
The recovery process from facial trauma treatment will depend on the techniques used to address the injury. After surgery, Dr. Leber will provide detailed recovery instructions on how to optimize the healing process for your injuries. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have during recovery. We understand that facial trauma can be debilitating for your physical and emotional health and well-being, and we are committed to supporting each patient on their individual journey.
How Is Facial Trauma Treatment Performed?
Since the types of facial trauma vary so widely, each treatment is completely customized for each patient. Dr. Leber’s education, early training, well-developed artistic eye, and extensive experience in the sensitive nature of trauma reconstruction has given him the necessary tools to restore lost function in the face, as well as optimize your aesthetic appearance. Surgical goals may include:
- Repairing broken bones
- Creating a clear airway to the nose and mouth
- Treating injuries inside of the mouth
- Minimizing scarring or aesthetic distortion
- Controlling bleeding
- Restoring function to facial nerves, glands, or ducts
When performing facial trauma reconstruction, Dr. Leber conceals incisions in discreet locations whenever possible, including inside the mouth or in the lower eyelid. Endoscopic surgery is often used to minimize the invasiveness of these procedures, a technique that can significantly reduce scarring and minimize recovery time. Endoscopic procedures are performed using smaller incisions and a special surgical camera to aid in the reparation of damage through controlled, precise movements.
Nasal fractures are one of the most common types of facial trauma due to the relative vulnerability of this region, as well as its central positioning on the face. Depending on the severity of your trauma, patients who have a broken nose or other nasal fractures may be able to return home the same day as their surgery. Facial trauma reconstruction may also require attention to fractures of the brow, eye sockets, cheekbones, or jawbones. In these more serious cases, bone segments may need to be realigned. Screws or metal plates may be necessary to restore integrity to the facial structure, maintain proper function, and prevent shifts or changes from occurring in the future. For severe facial traumas, Dr. Leber may recommend a skin graft or bone graft. During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Leber will also examine patients for signs of less obvious conditions resulting from facial trauma, such as nerve damage, lacerated blood vessels, or tear duct impairment.
For more information on how Dr. Leber can treat facial trauma, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.