Facial Injuries

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can access exceptional care for facial injuries. As a global leader in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For over a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for ear, nose and throat (ENT) and head and neck conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for complex specialty care according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT and head and neck conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists has pioneered many of the otorhinolaryngological techniques used today and is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety.

When you need facial injury care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Facial injuries may be caused by a direct blow, a penetrating injury or a fall. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may start soon after the injury and last for days to weeks. Acute injuries include:

• Broken bones, such as a fractured cheekbone or nasal bones
• Bruising or hematoma formation (blood collection) from a tear or rupture of small blood vessels under the skin
• Cut or puncture to your face or inside your mouth. This often occurs with even a minor injury. However, a cut or puncture is likely to occur when a jaw or facial bone is broken. The bone may come through the skin or poke into the mouth. Sometimes, the cut inside the mouth and on the tongue may be from the teeth.
• Dislocated jaw. This may occur when the lower jawbone (mandible) is pulled apart from one or both of the joints connecting it to the base of the skull at the temporomandibular (TM) joints. This can cause problems even if the jaw pops back into place. This will cause malalignment of the teeth.

Facial fracture symptoms vary based on which area of your face is affected and may include bruising, swelling, pain or numbness.

Facial-area-specific symptoms may include:

• Broken nose: difficulty breathing through your nose and change in the external appearance of the nose
• Fractured eye socket: blurred vision, double vision, bulging eyeballs, sunken eyeballs and difficulty moving your eyes
• Fractured jaw: drooling, difficulty chewing or speaking, pain when opening your mouth, loose, broken or missing teeth

To diagnose a facial injury, your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, ask about how your facial injury occurred and perform a physical examination of your head and neck. Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) will be used to help healthcare providers diagnose facial fractures and rule out other issues like dislocation.

Treatment for a facial injury may include first aid and medicine. In some cases, surgery is needed. Treatment is dependent on:

• The location, type and severity of the injury
• How long ago the injury occurred
• Your age, health condition and other activities, such as work, sports or hobbies

When you’ve had a facial injury, it’s important to look for signs of other injuries, such as a spinal (especially neck) injury, an eye injury or an injury to the mouth.