The Surgical Approach in the Treatment of Facial Fractures

Abstract

In compound fractures of the facial skeleton anatomically correct repositioning and fixation of bone fragments can only be accomplished if the fracture site is completely exposed. It is very important that the skin incisions are placed along the natural skin folds or parallel to them. Scars following the wrinkle lines of the face are least conspicuous. Skin incisions which are not correctly placed, however, may produce a visible scar deformity and be a constant source of embarrassment to the patient. In the head and neck area especially, the surgeon’s intervention is most visible and also subject to much scrutiny.