Facial Injuries

Facial injuries in children can result from falls, sports accidents, or other trauma. These typically involve cuts, abrasions, or soft tissue damage.  Facial fractures are uncommon in children and often associated with higher-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents.  

The management of facial injuries in children often requires special care due to the developing anatomy and the long-term importance of facial growth and appearance. Children also heal differently from adults and benefit from a gentle, tailored approach to minimise scarring and functional impairment.

Surgical management of paediatric facial injuries aims to restore both function and appearance with minimal disruption to growth. This may include careful wound repair, with reconstruction of individual soft tissue layers, using fine, delicate techniques. Whenever possible, incisions are placed along natural creases or hidden areas to reduce visibility. 

Ensuring a calm, reassuring environment and coordinating with paediatric anaesthesia or sedation specialists is key to providing a positive experience. Long-term follow-up is sometimes needed to monitor healing and development.  Occasionally problematic scars may develop as a result of trauma, requiring scar management or revision.