Facial fractures can be life-altering injuries. Beyond the immediate pain and swelling, they can affect breathing, vision, speech, eating, and appearance. Because the face includes delicate, highly functional structures, timely and expert repair may be essential—not just to restore appearance, but also to protect critical functions and long-term quality of life.

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons specialize in the intricate anatomy of the face, combining surgical precision with an understanding of how form and function work together.

Facial bones form a complex framework, each with a specific role in protecting vital organs and supporting soft tissues. Fractures can result from:

• Motor vehicle collisions
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Assaults
• Workplace or outdoor accidents

The most common facial fractures include:

• Nasal fractures – the most frequent, may affect breathing and facial symmetry.
• Orbital fractures – involving the bones around the eye, which can impair vision and eye movement.
• Zygomatic (cheekbone or malar) fractures – affecting facial contour and jaw movement.
• Maxillary fractures – involving the upper jaw and midface, impacting bite alignment and sinus function.
• Mandibular (jaw) fractures – may affect chewing, speech, and dental alignment.
• Frontal bone fractures – involving the forehead and sometimes the sinuses or skull base.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Signs of a facial fracture can range from obvious deformity to subtle functional changes. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Numbness in the face or lips (nerve injury)
• Vision changes, double vision, or inability to fully open/close the eye
• Misaligned bite or difficulty chewing
• Flattened cheek or facial asymmetry

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical examination to assess alignment, movement, and sensation.
• CT scans to precisely locate and evaluate the extent of the fracture.
• Specialist consultation—often involving plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, or ENT surgeons.

Treatment Goals

Facial fracture repair aims to:

• Restore structural integrity – returning bones to their correct position.
• Preserve or restore function – protecting breathing, vision, chewing, and speech.
• Minimize long-term deformity – supporting natural facial symmetry and aesthetics.
• Protect soft tissue structures – preventing secondary complications such as scarring or chronic sinus issues.

Treatment Techniques

Our treatment approach depends on the type, location, and severity of the fracture. First, we start with observation for minimally displaced or specific facial bone fractures.

1. Closed Reduction

For less severe fractures, bones can sometimes be realigned without open surgery. Nasal fractures, for example, may be corrected through gentle manipulation under anesthesia.

2. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

More complex fractures often require surgical exposure and stabilization using titanium plates, screws, or wires. This method ensures precise alignment and allows early return to function.

Timing Matters

Early intervention—ideally within 7–14 days of injury—provides the best chance for optimal results. Waiting too long can make realignment more difficult as bones begin to heal in the wrong position, sometimes requiring more invasive corrective surgery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies by fracture type, but most patients can expect:

• Initial swelling and bruising – peaking in the first 48–72 hours
• Soft diet – for jaw or midface fractures, lasting several weeks
• Activity restrictions – avoiding contact sports or heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks
• For fractures involving the sinuses, no nose blowing or smiling with the mouth closed for 2 weeks
• Follow-up imaging – to confirm proper healing

Some patients benefit from physical therapy to restore jaw movement, speech therapy if there’s oral involvement, or vision therapy after orbital fractures.

The Role of a Plastic Surgeon in Facial Trauma

Plastic surgeons trained in facial trauma bring a dual focus on function and aesthetics. While any surgeon can repair a fracture, preserving the natural contour, symmetry, and soft-tissue harmony of the face requires specialized skill.

This includes:

• Concealing incisions for minimal scarring
• Restoring facial proportions
• Coordinating with other specialists (ophthalmology, dentistry, ENT) for comprehensive care

Long-Term Outlook

With prompt and skilled treatment, most patients recover full function and appearance. However, without proper repair, facial fractures can lead to:

• Chronic pain or nerve damage
• Vision problems
• Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
• Persistent asymmetry or deformity
• Breathing or sinus issues

Facial fracture repair is about far more than fixing broken bones. It’s about restoring the balance between how your face looks and how it works. Through advanced surgical techniques, early intervention, and an individualized treatment plan, our goal is to help patients recover their health, confidence, and quality of life.