What are Facial (Maxillary, Zygomatic, Orbital) Fractures?
Facial fractures include fractures and depression of the bones which form the facial structure. These fractures could result from various accidents such as home injuries, occupational accidents or traffic accidents. In some conditions, the facial skin could remain intact, but more commonly, damage to the facial skin accompanies the fracture. Facial fractures are hard to diagnose in the early period since swelling and edema of the subcutaneous tissue might conceal the pathology. In such cases, underlying deformities appear when edema decreases a few days after the trauma.
What do the Facial Fractures Include?
- Nasal fracture
- Jaw fracture
- Orbital (eye socket) fracture
- Midface fracture
How is the Treatment Method Determined in Facial Fractures?
Fractures are diagnosed by detailed scanning with various radiological methods (such as computed tomography). Reduction of the fracture and fixation by using plates-screws or wires are performed. Other traumatic injuries usually accompany facial fractures. Concurrent head trauma should be investigated. The presence of any other injuries such as abdominal and extremity injuries should be checked. In case of loss of consciousness during the accident or in case of nausea-vomiting neurosurgeon’ s examination is required.
Which Procedures are Applied in Facial Fracture Surgeries?
Facial fracture procedures are usually performed under general anaesthesia. Small incisions are made to reach the fracture site. Either the oral cavity or the facial skin is incised depending on the fracture type. Skin incisions are usually made on skin curves, hair border, lower eyelid rims. In need of bone or tissue transplants, an additional incision is made. After the anatomic reduction and realignment of the fracture, fixation is performed by using one or more of the following materials:
- Titanium plate and/or screws
- Biodegradable plate and/or screws
- Wire braces
- Dental metal arc and wires
- External fixators (which are externally applied tools)
- Autologous bone grafts
- Cadaveric bone, cartilage, bone cement, Orthobone powder
- Alloplastic materials such as silicone, microcrystalline, hydroxyapatite complex, methyl methacrylate, titanium mesh
These materials can remain life-long unless they disturb the patient. If a disturbance occurs, a second surgery would be performed to remove these implants.
Facial Fractures Frequently Asked Questions
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It is against the law in Turkey for the healthcare organisations including private practices to indicate prices online for procedures, treatments or consultations. Please contact us by calling or texting ?+90 541 334 3484 (WhatsApp available) or ☏ +90 212 257 1515 for the average cost of the procedure or any other enquiries related to the procedure. You need to send some photos to the Patient Care Coordinator to be examined by Professor Yazar to get the exact all-inclusive price.
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Swelling and bruises on the face or around the mouth can occur after facial fracture surgery. The intensity of the swelling and bruises can vary depending on the individual. In the first 24 hours, blood leakage from the intraoral incision sites can occur. The patient might need to sleep with supporting the head with 2-3 pillows to prevent swelling. Diet is the main component of postoperative care. The patient would be informed about what and when to eat certain types of food and when chewing will be allowed. Using a mouthwash solution will be recommended in order to maintain oral hygiene. Mouthwash with the prescribed gargle should be performed after each meal. Intraoral sutures are biodegradable and will resolve in 1-2 months. Thus, no special care other than maintaining oral hygiene is needed. It is crucial to keep the oral cavity clean to prevent the bacteria from adhering to the sutures. Any skin sutures, if present, are usually removed 5-7 days after the surgery.
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Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Professor Yazar is available in his private practice based in Nisantasi, Istanbul for appointments to provide detailed and tailored information on the procedure.
