The chin and face are the most vulnerable areas of the body against trauma, and are therefore highly susceptible to injury and fracture development. Facial fractures caused by any reason can impair basic life functions such as breathing and vision.
However, it can seriously spoil the aesthetic image. Reconstructive aesthetic facial operations, which include both the physical repair of the facial structure and the recovery of the damaged senses, are frequently applied in facial fractures due to impact.
In order to treat facial injuries, the damaged subcutaneous structures and broken bones must be determined precisely.
Facial injuries due to trauma can cause damage to various bones in the face. Nose fractures, lower and upper jaw fractures, eye socket fractures, cheekbone fractures and midface fractures are among the injuries that can be corrected by reconstructive aesthetic operations. In facial traumas, some fractures develop on the skin without any symptoms and are detected in the later period. However, the following symptoms are mostly observed on the facial skin:
In facial fractures, especially in the first days, the deformation under the skin may not be clearly understood due to excessive swelling and edema in the area. The first evaluation phase of treatment is of great importance in detecting broken bones.
In order to treat facial injuries, the damaged subcutaneous structures and broken bones must be determined precisely. In this way, the most appropriate reconstructive aesthetic studies can be performed to fix the fractures. In the diagnosis of facial fractures, first of all, it is checked whether there is any head trauma, and aesthetic operations can be applied if the problems related to general surgery are eliminated. Imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray are used to detect the shape and depth of regional fractures. Then, it is ensured that the person receives the aesthetic intervention they need.
Fractures of the facial bone are usually treated under general anesthesia. During the procedure, minimal incisions are made at the most suitable point for intervention in the fracture area and the subcutaneous fractures are regulated. Although the incisions usually vary according to the fracture; It is made from the inside of the mouth, over the skin of the face, under the scalp such as the hair and eyebrows, from the lower eyelid or other folds. In this way, it is aimed to hide the scars as much as possible and not to damage the facial appearance. If it is necessary to take tissue or bone from another part of the patient's body for treatment, a second incision should be made in this area, but the incision sizes are also minimal. After the fractures are corrected and placed in place, the opened incisions are closed with aesthetic sutures.
One or more of the following methods may be preferred during the ideal positioning of the bones:
In the absence of any complications or allergies, the materials used to correct facial bones remain in the body for life. In rare cases where the body does not accept these materials, it is necessary to remove the materials from the body with a new operation.
Facial fractures are first detected by methods such as tomography and x-ray, then the data is evaluated by the plastic surgeon. Facial bone fracture surgeries, the final decision of which is made by the physician, is shaped according to the condition and needs of the person. In some cases, there is no need for an operation and only regular patient follow-up is required, but aesthetic intervention is essential in severe fractures. In this way, both the bad appearance of the face is removed and the damage to the tissues is eliminated.
Facial fracture surgeries are planned within a few days after the trauma, in some cases it is recommended to wait for the swelling in the area to subside. At least 6-8 hours of fasting is required before the operation and it is recommended to discontinue the use of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding.
Facial bone fracture operations, which are usually performed under general anesthesia, are performed as follows:
In facial bone fractures, edema formation is high, especially in the first days, and blood leakage from the application area is considered normal. Tampons can be applied to stop these bleedings in nasal fractures. Facial movements should be limited for the period recommended by the physician, daily activities such as talking and moving teeth are completely prohibited, especially in lower and upper jaw fractures. During this period, it is not recommended to eat by biting, instead it is recommended to feed with liquid for the first few days and then switch to soft foods. Mouth cleaning and regular mouthwash are very important.
Dressings applied in facial bone fractures are usually kept closed, in some cases they can be opened for a while. This decision depends on the decision of the plastic surgeon. Drains, if any, are used for 1-3 days. In cases where self-dissolving sutures are not used, these sutures are removed within 5-7 days. Generally, the area should not be wetted for 1 week after the operation, and in the next period, it can be returned to daily life gradually. At this stage, it is very important to carefully follow the recommendations of the physician and to use the prescribed drugs regularly.
