HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Pain And Swelling On Face After Injury

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2015
Question: I fell and hit the rt side of my face on 12/21. I went to the ER on 12/23 due to pain in side and swollen face, distorted smile. I had broken 3 ribs, healed no pain now. However, my face continues to be swollen and a few days ago I awoke to a "dent" in my face (cheek) and a distorted smile and a huge dimple when I smile on one side. The swelling is not going down and my smile is distorted...rather grotesque. Some pain on pressure on cheekbone. CAT scan of face at ER on 12/23 they said "negative", should go down. Has not.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This could be maxillary fracture.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.

There could be a depressed maxillary bone fracture. This was not found on CT scan, because it was taken 2 days after the injury. The edema would have masked the fracture.

The scan taken on the day of injury or after subsiding of edema will be accurate.

I recommend the following.
1) Repeat CT scan to evaluate the maxillary bone area for fracture.
2) Based on CT findings you might need a maxillofacial surgeon intervention for maxillary fracture.

Hope I have answered your question. If you got any further questions, I am happy to help you.

Wish you a speedy recovery and good health.

Regards,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (21 minutes later)
What would be the treatment if it is a maxillary fracture
doctor
Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The treatment would be reduction and fixation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your follow up question.
The maxillary fractures will be reduced and the alignment is maintained using plates and screws.
Your doctor will advice a soft diet for about 6 weeks after surgery. So that alignment will not be disrupted.
Wish you a good health. Take care.
If you are happy with my answer, kindly rate it.
Thank you.
Truly,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (20 minutes later)
What about scarring from surgery? I'm frightened.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There won't be any scar.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks again for your follow up.
The surgery is done through sublabial approach. That is from inner part of upper lip. We will not take any external incision. So no need to worry about scar.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
If you are happy with my answer kindly rate it.
Thank you
Truly,
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Paparaja S

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 615 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Pain And Swelling On Face After Injury

Brief Answer: This could be maxillary fracture. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to healthcare magic. I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. There could be a depressed maxillary bone fracture. This was not found on CT scan, because it was taken 2 days after the injury. The edema would have masked the fracture. The scan taken on the day of injury or after subsiding of edema will be accurate. I recommend the following. 1) Repeat CT scan to evaluate the maxillary bone area for fracture. 2) Based on CT findings you might need a maxillofacial surgeon intervention for maxillary fracture. Hope I have answered your question. If you got any further questions, I am happy to help you. Wish you a speedy recovery and good health. Regards, Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS