1. Seek Emergency Help
Any injury to the jaw, face or the mouth are facial injuries. Referred to as maxillofacial injuries, this type of trauma usually stems from a sporting accident, a vehicular collision, a violent act or an accident either at work or at home. If a person suffering from a facial injury seems unaware of his surroundings, is dizzy, unconscious or nauseated, emergency medical care becomes necessary. An ambulance should transport the patient in this circumstance. He should not travel by personal vehicle to the hospital for treatment.
2. Give Facial Fractures Time
Serious facial injuries include fractures of the jaw, eye sockets, cheekbones or any breaks involving two or more of these bones. Facial fractures can prevent or hinder a person's ability to swallow, breathe, see and talk. Hospitalization is often necessary with these injuries. Facial fractures must heal by lining up and holding the broken bones in place. Some facial fractures can take six weeks to heal completely, depending on the severity and number of breaks and the age of the patient. Broken jaws can require wiring the lower jaw to the teeth in the upper jaw to provide immobility and speed healing.
3. Stop the Bleeding
Bleeding from facial wounds can seem excessive due to the many blood vessels in the head. To staunch the bleeding, first cover your hands with protective gloves. Use thick layers of cloth between your hands and the wound when gloves are not available. Apply direct pressure to the wound if breathing can continue. Apply pressure for 10 minutes, and then check if the bleeding has stopped. If the cloth soaks through, add another one without lifting the first one off the injury. If the bleeding slows after 10 minutes, apply pressure again for another 10 minutes. Repeat this process no more than three times for a total of 30 minutes. If after three cycles the bleeding continues, seek medical care. If the heavy bleeding continues after 10 minutes, seek medical attention. Never apply pressure on a damaged eye.
4. Cool It Down
To treat facial swelling or bruising, start with ice, but avoid placing it directly on the skin. Wrap ice in a towel before applying it to any injury. Keep the ice on a facial injury for 10 to 20 minutes, up to three times a day for the first two to three days following the injury. Elevate the head to prevent swelling, even while sleeping. Aspirin can slow healing by prolonging the time blood takes to clot, so a person should take it no earlier than 24 hours after getting injured.
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