Facial Trauma From Accidents Carries Deep Physical And Emotional Toll, Say Specialists

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Facial injuries, particularly those resulting from road accidents, should not be taken lightly as they can have long-term implications for victims, explained two specialists from Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) Bandar Sunway.

Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Nur Shazwani Farah Md Mydin Siddik explained that while facial injuries are not always life-threatening, they can leave serious consequences, going beyond bone fractures or internal trauma to lasting emotional impact.

A study in Malaysia has shown that motorcycle accidents are the main cause of maxillofacial trauma, causing facial lacerations and fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, eye socket, and nose, leading to effects that run much deeper than mere cosmetic concerns.

Consequently, she emphasised that patients should seek early treatment rather than waiting for years, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

"Some patients only seek help months or even years later, when lingering problems like facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, or scarring gradually become harder to ignore," she said in a statement today.

Such patients typically need multiple treatments ranging from corrective surgery to scar revision and rehabilitation, she added.

“When the jaw or midface is fractured, we realign and reconstruct these structures to restore both function and balance,” explained Dr Shazwani.

“Facial trauma can leave scars or deformities that impact how a person speaks, eats, or relates to others. It’s a common misconception that aesthetic surgery is just about appearance. In reality, it’s about restoring function, symmetry, and quality of life,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Consultant Emergency Physician Dr. Aaron Lai Kuo Huo said that for many accident victims, the emergency department is the first point of contact.

“We often see facial lacerations and fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, eye socket, and nose. Among motorcyclists, it’s usually from high-impact collisions, especially when helmets are not worn or properly secured. Beyond visible bruises, facial trauma can block the airway due to bleeding or swelling,” he said. 

Dr. Aaron further stressed the critical role of protective gear, saying that while no one anticipates a crash, the face is often the primary point of impact.

He emphasised that using certified safety equipment, particularly a full-face helmet, and seeking immediate medical attention following an accident can be life-changing.

He also provided clear guidance for bystanders assisting someone with facial injuries. The priorities are to maintain an open airway and control any bleeding.

He advised using the jaw-thrust manoeuvre if breathing is difficult, particularly if a neck injury is suspected, and applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth to manage bleeding.

Crucially, bystanders should not attempt to reposition bones or remove helmets unless absolutely necessary, and must always call for emergency medical help immediately.

-- BERNAMA 

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