Facial Laceration Surgery

What is Facial Laceration Surgery?

After a facial laceration, the delicate skin of the face is particularly prone to scarring. As a result, many patients choose to have facial lacerations treated by a plastic surgeon, whether immediately after their injury or to reconstruct the scarring after the initial wound has healed.

Am I a Candidate for Facial Laceration Surgery?

Most patients who experience a facial laceration are candidates for treatment with a plastic surgeon such as Dr. Paquet. In most cases, facial lacerations are not life-threatening and can be treated up to 24-48 hours after the initial injury, making it safe to wait to see a plastic surgeon for care rather than visiting the emergency room. Not all facial cuts will require repair using stitches, however. Some signs that stitches are necessary include:

• Visible fatty tissue
• Persistent bleeding (10-15 minutes or longer)
• Lacerations 1/8 inch deep or more
• Visible dirt or debris in the laceration after cleaning
• Severe swelling

Benefits of Facial Laceration Surgery

There are many benefits to having facial laceration surgery at Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery. The main benefit you can look forward to is a more natural appearance. Dr. Paquet will bring the two ends of the wound together to make the final results as invisible as possible. Additionally, with Dr. Paquet’s expertise, you don’t have to worry about excess scar tissue. Scarring will be very minimal and will fade over time. Many patients also feel a boost in confidence after their procedure, as the laceration is much less visible. On top of all that, with proper care, there is less of a risk for future complications once you’ve had facial laceration surgery.

Before Your Facial Laceration Procedure

As soon as you experience a facial laceration (and as long as it’s not life-threatening), we recommend you call for a consultation within the first 24-48 hours. We’ll get you in for an appointment as soon as possible. During your consultation, Dr. Paquet will review your medical history, examine the laceration, and determine the best plan of action. Patients who experience a facial laceration can typically cover the wound temporarily with a moist dressing, then call our office for an urgent appointment with Dr. Paquet.

The Facial Laceration Procedure

To repair the wound and cause as little scarring as possible, Dr. Paquet will use advanced surgical techniques, using sutures to close the would layer-by-layer. Local anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable through this process. Smaller lacerations may be treatable using skin adhesives. When the laceration is closed, Dr. Paquet will then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a light dressing to keep it sterile as the skin heals.

After Your Facial Laceration Procedure

No downtime is typically required after facial laceration surgery. Patients may experience swelling, redness, or tenderness in the area. In most cases, non-dissolvable sutures may be removed about one week after the procedure. Patients typically find that the laceration heals within about two weeks. Any resulting scarring should be minimal and will continue to fade and improve for up to one year after the injury. Dr. Paquet will provide instructions to care for the area as it heals. This includes avoiding excess sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Facial Laceration Repair

Schedule a Facial Laceration Consultation with Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery

If you experience a facial laceration, do not delay in calling Dr. Christian Paquet. We will schedule an appointment within 24-48 hours so you can prevent any unnecessary scarring. Call our office to make your appointment.

If you have general questions about facial laceration surgery or Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery, you may also contact us online.

If you experience a laceration that may be life-threatening, seek emergency care as soon as possible.