Facial Fractures: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and When to Go to the ER — What You Need to Know
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
Facial fractures are broken bones in your face, which can include the jaw, nose, forehead, cheekbones and eye sockets. Because facial bones are thinner than many other bones, they're prone to injury — most often from physical assault, vehicle accidents or falls. Symptoms depend on the location and range from bruising and swelling to vision problems, trouble chewing or breathing. Treatment typically involves resetting and stabilizing the bones (reduction and fixation) or surgical reconstruction. Seek emergency care right away for visible bone, vision problems, trouble swallowing or breathing, or jaw misalignment.
TL;DR: Facial Fractures at a Glance
Facial fractures are broken bones in your face — also called facial or maxillofacial trauma. Your facial bones are thinner than many other bones in your body, which makes them prone to injury. The most common causes are physical assault, vehicular accidents and falls.
Seven types cover the main areas: nasal, forehead, orbital (eye sockets), zygomatic (cheekbones), tripod, maxillary/mandibular (jaw) and mid-face (Le Fort) fractures. Symptoms depend on which area is broken — from bruising, swelling and numbness to blurred or double vision, drooling, difficulty chewing and trouble breathing through the nose.
Treatment typically involves reduction (resetting the bones) and fixation (holding them in place) — sometimes with surgical plates, screws and wires. Most facial fractures aren't life-threatening, but some can seriously affect vision, airways, breathing or the central nervous system, which is why immediate medical care matters.
Limitation statement: The referenced clinical source publishes no prevalence, incidence, or outcome statistics for facial fractures. No statistics are invented in this article.
Go to the emergency room right away if you have any of the following: open wounds where you can see the bone; bloody or clear discharge from your nose; blurred or double vision, or problems moving your eyes; trouble swallowing or breathing; a displaced jaw or nose; upper and lower jaws that don't meet properly, or pain when you move your jaw; loose teeth; or pain and swelling in your face.
Fact | What the source says |
What it is | Broken bones in your face (facial or maxillofacial trauma) |
Why vulnerable | Facial bones are thinner than many other bones in your body |
Most common causes | Physical assault, vehicular accidents, falls |
Types | Nasal, forehead, orbital, zygomatic, tripod, maxillary/mandibular, mid-face (Le Fort) |
Typical treatment | Reduction (resetting) and fixation (stabilizing); surgical reconstruction for complex cases |
Seriousness | Majority aren't life-threatening, but some affect vision, airways, breathing or the central nervous system |
Recovery | Swelling and bruising fade after about two weeks; complete recovery can take up to a few months |
What Are Facial Fractures?
Facial fractures refer to broken bones in your face. This type of facial trauma (also called maxillofacial trauma) can happen if you're involved in an accident, such as a car crash or fall. Facial fractures are also common among victims of physical assault and gunshot wounds.
Your facial bones are thinner than a lot of other bones in your body, making them prone to injury.
What types of facial fractures are there?
The most common facial fractures include nasal fractures (broken nose), forehead fractures (broken frontal bone), orbital fractures (eye sockets), zygomatic fractures (cheekbones), tripod facial fractures (involving the eye socket, cheekbone and upper jaw), maxillary or mandibular fractures (broken jaw) and mid-face fractures (Le Fort fractures).
Type | Location |
Nasal fracture | Broken nose |
Forehead fracture | Broken frontal bone |
Orbital fracture | Eye sockets |
Zygomatic fracture | Cheekbones |
Tripod facial fracture | Eye socket, cheekbone and upper jaw together |
Maxillary or mandibular fracture | Broken jaw |
Mid-face fracture | Le Fort fractures |
What Are the Symptoms of Facial Fractures?
Facial fracture symptoms depend on which area of your face has trauma.
General symptoms may include bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness, facial numbness and disfigurement.
If you have a broken nose, you may have difficulty breathing through your nose and nosebleeds.
If you have fractured eye sockets, you may develop blurred vision, double vision, bulging eyeballs, sunken eyeballs and difficulty moving your eyes up, down or back and forth.
Fractured jaw symptoms may include drooling, difficulty chewing or speaking, pain when opening your mouth and loose, broken or missing teeth.
Symptom Group | What You May Experience |
General | Bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness, facial numbness, disfigurement |
Broken nose | Difficulty breathing through your nose, nosebleeds |
Fractured eye sockets | Blurred vision, double vision, bulging eyeballs, sunken eyeballs, difficulty moving your eyes up, down or back and forth |
Fractured jaw | Drooling, difficulty chewing or speaking, pain when opening your mouth, loose, broken or missing teeth |
What Causes Facial Bone Fractures?
The most common cause of facial fractures is physical assault, followed by vehicular accidents and falls. Other causes include sports-related injuries, workplace accidents and domestic violence.
Cause | Rank or Category |
Physical assault | Most common cause |
Vehicular accidents | Second most common |
Falls | Third most common |
Sports-related injuries | Other cause |
Workplace accidents | Other cause |
Domestic violence | Other cause |
Gunshot wounds | Listed among common facial trauma causes |
What Are the Complications of Facial Fractures?
Facial bone fractures can distort your appearance and interfere with normal function. For example, a person with a jaw fracture will have difficulty eating. Someone with a nasal fracture may have trouble breathing through their nose.
Facial trauma can also result in infections, internal bleeding and neurological issues. For instance, some facial bone fractures can cause a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
To reduce your risk of complications, you should see a healthcare provider immediately following facial trauma.
Complication | What It Is |
Appearance | Facial fractures can distort your appearance |
Function | Interfere with normal function — e.g., jaw fracture makes eating difficult; nasal fracture makes breathing through the nose difficult |
Infection | Facial trauma can result in infections |
Internal bleeding | Facial trauma can result in internal bleeding |
Neurological issues | Facial trauma can result in neurological issues |
CSF leak | Some facial bone fractures can cause a cerebrospinal fluid leak |
How Are Facial Fractures Diagnosed?
During a visit with a healthcare provider, they'll determine if you have any life-threatening injuries (addressing them right away if so), check your nasal passages and airways for obstruction, and look at your eyes to see if they're functioning properly.
They'll also check for damage to your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord), ask you to describe your symptoms, and ask about your facial injury and how it occurred. They'll check your face for asymmetry or damage and gently palpate (press on) the bones of your face to determine the extent of damage.
What tests help diagnose facial fractures?
Imaging tests help healthcare providers diagnose facial fractures and rule out other issues like dislocation. Computed tomography (CT) is the most common imaging test used for diagnosing facial fractures.
Diagnostic Step | What Happens |
Life-threatening injuries | Checked first; addressed right away if found |
Nasal passages and airways | Checked for obstruction |
Eyes | Checked to see if they're functioning properly |
Central nervous system | Checked for damage to your brain and spinal cord |
Symptoms | You describe your symptoms |
Injury history | You explain the facial injury and how it occurred |
Face | Checked for asymmetry or damage |
Palpation | Provider gently presses on the bones of your face to determine the extent of damage |
CT scan | Most common imaging test; also rules out issues like dislocation |
How Are Facial Fractures Treated?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe pain relievers as well as corticosteroids to ease swelling. They may also prescribe antibiotics if there's a high risk of infection.
Facial fracture treatment involves reduction and fixation. Reduction means resetting the broken bones and placing them in their correct positions. Fixation means keeping the bones in their new positions long enough for healing to take place. This usually requires keeping the affected bones still and preventing movement during recovery. Sometimes this requires surgical plates, screws and wires.
For a complex fracture with multiple broken bones, you'll need facial reconstructive surgery. Specific treatment depends on the location and extent of your facial injury.
What is closed reduction?
Closed reduction involves resetting fractured bones without surgery. This means your provider can manually reset your facial bones without making incisions (cuts) or exposing your bone.
What is open reduction?
Open reduction involves surgical intervention. In these cases, the fractures are too complex for manual resetting. A provider will need to explore the area surgically to reset your facial bones.
What is facial reconstructive surgery?
Severe facial trauma may require reconstructive surgery. There are two main goals: restoring proper functions (like vision, chewing, swallowing or breathing through your nose) and enhancing and optimizing your appearance.
Treatment | How It Helps |
Pain relievers | Ease pain |
Corticosteroids | Ease swelling |
Antibiotics | Prescribed if there's a high risk of infection |
Reduction | Resetting the broken bones and placing them in their correct positions |
Fixation | Keeping the bones in their new positions long enough for healing; sometimes requires surgical plates, screws and wires |
Closed reduction | Resetting fractured bones without surgery — no incisions, bone not exposed |
Open reduction | Surgical intervention when fractures are too complex for manual resetting |
Facial reconstructive surgery | For complex fractures with multiple broken bones; goals are restoring proper function (vision, chewing, swallowing, breathing through the nose) and optimizing appearance |
How long does it take to recover?
It's different for everyone. It depends on several factors, including the extent of your facial trauma, which treatment you had and your body's own healing capacity.
People who go through facial reconstructive surgery usually notice that swelling and bruising fade after about two weeks. But it can take up to a few months for complete recovery.
Recovery Factor | What the Source Says |
Timeline | Different for everyone |
Depends on | Extent of facial trauma, which treatment you had, your body's healing capacity |
Swelling and bruising | Usually fade after about two weeks after reconstructive surgery |
Complete recovery | Can take up to a few months |
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Facial Fractures?
Some people may not have long-term effects following a facial fracture. However, long-term complications are possible and may include sinus issues, breathing issues, a change in your sense of taste or smell, tingling or numbness, vision issues, headaches and tenderness in your head or face.
Early intervention and treatment can reduce your risk for long-term complications. Your healthcare provider can tell you what to expect in your situation.
Possible Long-Term Effect | What You May Experience |
Sinus issues | Problems with your sinuses |
Breathing issues | Trouble breathing |
Taste or smell | A change in your sense of taste or smell |
Sensation | Tingling or numbness |
Vision | Vision issues |
Head | Headaches |
Tenderness | Tenderness in your head or face |
Note | Some people may not have long-term effects; early intervention reduces your risk |
How Can I Lower My Risk for Facial Fractures?
There's no way to completely prevent facial fractures. However, you can take some steps to reduce the extent of injuries.
Wear a seat belt when driving a motor vehicle or riding in one. Wear a helmet and other protective gear if you're operating a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle.
Wear the correct protective equipment — such as a helmet, face mask or mouth guard — when playing sports.
Follow safety guidelines at work and wear protective headgear if your job requires it.
Prevention Step | Detail |
Motor vehicles | Wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle |
Motorcycles and ATVs | Wear a helmet and other protective gear |
Sports | Wear the correct protective equipment — helmet, face mask or mouth guard |
Workplace | Follow safety guidelines; wear protective headgear if your job requires it |
Limit | Cannot be completely prevented |
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
If you think you could have a facial fracture, it's important to seek medical help right away. Call a healthcare provider if you develop pain or tenderness at the injury site, swelling, redness, bruising, deformity or loss of function.
Go to your nearest emergency room if you have any of the following: open wounds where you can see the bone; bloody or clear discharge from your nose; blurred or double vision, or problems moving your eyes; trouble swallowing or breathing; a displaced jaw or nose; upper and lower jaws that don't meet properly, or pain when you move your jaw; loose teeth; or pain and swelling in your face.
How serious is a facial fracture?
The majority of facial fractures aren't life-threatening. However, some can lead to serious issues with your vision, airways, respiratory system or central nervous system.
You should see a healthcare provider any time you have facial trauma, even if you think it's not serious. They can recommend appropriate treatment.
Can a facial fracture heal on its own?
It's possible for a facial fracture to heal on its own, especially if the broken bone stays in its proper position. However, in many cases, a healthcare provider will need to reset your facial bones for proper healing.
Situation | Action |
You think you have a facial fracture | Seek medical help right away |
Pain or tenderness, swelling, redness, bruising, deformity, or loss of function | Call a healthcare provider |
Facial trauma, even if you think it's not serious | See a healthcare provider |
Open wounds with visible bone; bloody or clear nose discharge; vision problems; trouble swallowing or breathing; displaced jaw or nose; jaw misalignment; loose teeth; facial pain and swelling | Go to the nearest emergency room |
What the care team says (verbatim): "Facial fractures are a result of trauma. Sometimes the damage extends beyond what you can see. Chances are, it's not serious and only requires nonsurgical treatment. But if you have a severe facial fracture, or several complex fractures, you'll probably need surgical intervention. If you think you have a broken facial bone, it's important to seek medical care right away. Prompt treatment can reduce your risk of long-term complications."
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
If you have facial trauma or fractures, here are some questions you might want to ask: How many fractures are there? What are my treatment options? Will I need surgery now or in the future? How long will recovery take? When can I go back to work or school? How can I protect this area during healing?
Conclusion: Treatable, But Act Quickly
Facial fractures are broken bones in your face — most often caused by physical assault, vehicle accidents or falls. Because facial bones are thinner than many others, they're particularly prone to injury, and the symptoms you experience depend heavily on which area is broken: a broken nose affects breathing, fractured eye sockets affect vision, and a fractured jaw affects chewing, speaking and your bite.
Treatment typically involves reduction and fixation — resetting the bones and holding them in place — sometimes with plates, screws and wires, or surgical reconstruction for complex, multi-bone injuries. Most facial fractures aren't life-threatening, but some can seriously affect vision, airways, breathing or the central nervous system. Prompt treatment reduces your risk of long-term complications like sinus issues, breathing problems or changes in taste and smell.
Take these three steps:
Act immediately after facial trauma — if you suspect a facial fracture, seek medical help right away; go to the ER for visible bone, nose discharge, vision problems, trouble swallowing or breathing, jaw misalignment or loose teeth.
Follow through with treatment — whether closed reduction, open reduction or reconstructive surgery, keeping the bones in position during recovery is essential; expect swelling and bruising to fade in about two weeks and full recovery in up to a few months.
Reduce your risk going forward — wear a seat belt, helmets and protective gear for riding and sports, use mouth guards, and follow workplace safety guidelines.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are facial fractures?
Facial fractures refer to broken bones in your face. This type of facial trauma is also called maxillofacial trauma.
What is maxillofacial trauma?
Maxillofacial trauma is another term for facial fractures — broken bones in your face.
Why are facial bones prone to injury?
Your facial bones are thinner than a lot of other bones in your body, making them prone to injury.
What causes facial fractures?
The most common cause is physical assault, followed by vehicular accidents and falls. Other causes include sports-related injuries, workplace accidents, domestic violence and gunshot wounds.
What are the most common types of facial fractures?
Nasal fractures (broken nose), forehead fractures (broken frontal bone), orbital fractures (eye sockets), zygomatic fractures (cheekbones), tripod facial fractures (eye socket, cheekbone and upper jaw), maxillary or mandibular fractures (broken jaw) and mid-face fractures (Le Fort fractures).
What is a nasal fracture?
A nasal fracture is a broken nose.
What is a tripod facial fracture?
A tripod facial fracture involves your eye socket, cheekbone and upper jaw together.
What is a Le Fort fracture?
A Le Fort fracture is a mid-face fracture.
What are the general symptoms of a facial fracture?
General symptoms may include bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness, facial numbness and disfigurement.
What are broken nose symptoms?
You may have difficulty breathing through your nose and nosebleeds.
What are fractured eye socket symptoms?
You may develop blurred vision, double vision, bulging eyeballs, sunken eyeballs and difficulty moving your eyes up, down or back and forth.
What are fractured jaw symptoms?
You may experience drooling, difficulty chewing or speaking, pain when opening your mouth and loose, broken or missing teeth.
Can facial fractures cause drooling?
Yes. Drooling is one of the possible symptoms of a fractured jaw.
Can facial fractures cause facial numbness?
Yes. Facial numbness is one of the general symptoms.
Can facial fractures cause disfigurement?
Yes. Disfigurement is one of the general symptoms.
What complications can facial fractures cause?
They can distort your appearance and interfere with normal function. Facial trauma can also result in infections, internal bleeding, neurological issues and, in some cases, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
Can a facial fracture cause a CSF leak?
Yes. Some facial bone fractures can cause a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
How are facial fractures diagnosed?
A provider checks for life-threatening injuries first, then checks your nasal passages and airways, eyes, and central nervous system. They'll ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, check your face for asymmetry, and gently press on your facial bones. A CT scan is the most common imaging test.
What imaging test is used for facial fractures?
Computed tomography (CT) is the most common imaging test used for diagnosing facial fractures. It also rules out other issues like dislocation.
What is reduction for facial fractures?
Reduction means resetting the broken bones and placing them in their correct positions.
What is fixation for facial fractures?
Fixation means keeping the bones in their new positions long enough for healing to take place. Sometimes this requires surgical plates, screws and wires.
What is closed reduction?
Closed reduction involves resetting fractured bones without surgery — your provider manually resets your facial bones without making incisions or exposing your bone.
What is open reduction?
Open reduction involves surgical intervention when fractures are too complex for manual resetting. A provider explores the area surgically to reset your facial bones.
When is facial reconstructive surgery needed?
For a complex fracture with multiple broken bones, you'll need facial reconstructive surgery. Its goals are restoring proper functions (like vision, chewing, swallowing or breathing through your nose) and enhancing and optimizing your appearance.
What medications are used for facial fractures?
Your provider may prescribe pain relievers, corticosteroids to ease swelling and antibiotics if there's a high risk of infection.
How long does recovery take?
It's different for everyone, depending on the trauma's extent, your treatment and your body's healing capacity. After reconstructive surgery, swelling and bruising usually fade after about two weeks, but complete recovery can take up to a few months.
Can facial fractures have long-term effects?
Some people may not have long-term effects. Possible long-term complications include sinus issues, breathing issues, a change in your sense of taste or smell, tingling or numbness, vision issues, headaches and tenderness in your head or face.
Does early treatment reduce long-term complications?
Yes. Early intervention and treatment can reduce your risk for long-term complications.
Can facial fractures be prevented?
There's no way to completely prevent facial fractures, but you can reduce the extent of injuries by wearing seat belts, helmets and protective gear, using sports equipment like face masks and mouth guards, and following workplace safety guidelines.
How serious is a facial fracture?
The majority aren't life-threatening. However, some can lead to serious issues with your vision, airways, respiratory system or central nervous system.
Can a facial fracture heal on its own?
It's possible, especially if the broken bone stays in its proper position. However, in many cases, a healthcare provider will need to reset your facial bones for proper healing.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call if you develop pain or tenderness at the injury site, swelling, redness, bruising, deformity or loss of function.
When should I go to the ER?
Go to your nearest emergency room for open wounds where you can see the bone; bloody or clear discharge from your nose; blurred or double vision, or problems moving your eyes; trouble swallowing or breathing; a displaced jaw or nose; upper and lower jaws that don't meet properly, or pain when you move your jaw; loose teeth; or pain and swelling in your face.
What questions should I ask my provider?
Ask how many fractures there are, what your treatment options are, whether you'll need surgery now or later, how long recovery will take, when you can return to work or school, and how to protect the area during healing.
Additional Resources
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