Facial fractures occur when one or more bones of the face are broken due to trauma. These injuries can affect the jaw, cheekbones, eye sockets, nasal bones, or other facial structures. Because the face contains delicate bones that support vision, breathing, and facial movement, fractures often require careful surgical evaluation to restore both function and structural alignment.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, facial fracture repair is performed by Dr. McKay McKinnon, a plastic surgeon who completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami after general surgery training on the Harvard Surgical Service at New England Deaconess Hospital. His surgical background includes reconstructive procedures involving complex facial injuries where precise restoration of bone structure and facial balance is essential.
Fracture Management
Facial fractures involve breaks in the bones that form the structure of the face. Fractures are best managed by prompt evaluation and treatment unless neurologic injury precludes it. CT scans are usually the most reliable radiologic exam performed for fractures. Early surgery promotes improved bone healing and minimizes complications such as infection, visual loss, airway compromise, malocclusion, malunions, etc.
Because the bones of the face are closely connected to the eyes, airway passages, and jaw function, fractures can affect both appearance and essential facial functions. In some cases, fractures may also involve surrounding soft tissues or nerves.
Prompt evaluation is important to determine the extent of injury and whether surgical repair is necessary.
Types Of Facial Fractures
Several different bones of the face may be affected depending on the nature of the injury.
Common types of facial fractures include:
- Orbital fractures, involving the bones around the eye socket
- Zygomatic fractures, affecting the cheekbone
- Maxillary fractures, involving the upper jaw
- Mandibular fractures, affecting the lower jaw
- Nasal fractures, involving the nasal bones
Each type of fracture may require a different surgical approach depending on the severity and displacement of the bone.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Not all facial fractures require surgery, but surgical repair may be recommended when bones are displaced, when normal facial function is affected, or when structural alignment must be restored.
Surgery may be necessary when fractures:
- Cause significant facial asymmetry
- Affect vision or the eye socket
- Interfere with normal jaw movement or bite alignment
- Involve multiple facial bones
- Result in unstable bone fragments
Early treatment helps restore normal anatomy and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Surgical Repair Of Facial Fractures
Facial fracture surgery focuses on repositioning and stabilizing broken bones, so they heal in the correct alignment. Small plates and screws are often used to hold the bones in place during healing.
Whenever possible, surgical incisions are placed in natural creases or inside the mouth to minimize visible scarring. The goal of treatment is to restore facial structure, maintain proper function, and preserve natural facial appearance.
The specific surgical technique depends on the fracture’s location and severity.
Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Facial Fracture Treatment?
Repairing facial fractures requires specialized expertise in facial anatomy and reconstructive surgery. Dr. McKay McKinnon has spent decades performing complex procedures involving the bones and soft tissues of the face.
In addition to his surgical training at the University of Miami, Dr. McKinnon completed advanced craniofacial fellowship training in Paris under Dr. Paul Tessier, whose techniques helped shape modern craniofacial surgery. His experience includes the treatment of complex facial injuries where careful restoration of bone structure and facial symmetry is essential.
Dr. McKinnon personally performs facial fracture repair with careful attention to restoring both functional anatomy and natural facial balance.
Facial Fracture Repair In Chicago, IL & Coral Gables, FL
Facial fractures require prompt evaluation and specialized reconstructive care to restore proper bone alignment and facial function. Patients in Chicago, IL and Coral Gables, FL seeking treatment for facial fractures can contact McKinnon Plastic Surgery at (312) 335-9566 in Chicago or (305) 753-1400 in Coral Gables to schedule a consultation.
