Facial Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is a facial laceration?
A facial laceration is a cut, tear, or gash in your skin and soft tissue under it. Facial lacerations may be closed within 24 hours of injury.
How is a facial laceration diagnosed?
- Tell your healthcare provider how you got your laceration. Your provider will examine your wound and decide what treatment you need. An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show foreign objects in the wound. Foreign objects include metal, gravel, and glass. The tests may also show damage to deeper tissues.
- You may be given contrast liquid to help the injured area show up better in the pictures. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How will my facial laceration be treated?
Treatment depends on how large and deep your laceration is, and where it is located. You may need any of the following:
- Pressure may be applied to the wound to stop bleeding.
- Wound cleaning may help remove dirt or debris. This will decrease the risk for infection. Your healthcare provider may need to look inside your wound for foreign objects. Your provider may give you medicine to numb the area and decrease pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax.
- Wound closure with stitches, staples, tissue glue, or medical strips may be needed. Your provider may give you medicine to numb the area and decrease pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. Some lacerations may heal better without stitches. Your wound may instead be left open for some days if there is a risk for infection. It may also be left open if it has been more than 24 hours since your injury happened. You may need to have your laceration cleaned for several days before it is closed.
- Medicine to treat pain or prevent infection may be given. You may also be given a tetanus shot. Your provider will decide if you need a tetanus shot. Wounds at high risk for tetanus infection include wounds with dirt or saliva in them. You should get a tetanus shot within 72 hours of getting a laceration or wound. Tell your provider if you have had the tetanus vaccine or a booster within the last 5 years.
- Surgery may be needed if your laceration needs additional cleaning or removal of foreign objects.
How can I manage my symptoms?
- Rest as needed. Some activities, such as bending over, may cause too much pressure in your face. Your laceration may begin to bleed.
- Apply ice to the wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain.
- Decrease scarring. The skin around your wound may turn a different color if it is exposed to direct sunlight. After your wound is healed, use sunscreen over the area when you are out in the sun. You should do this for at least 6 months to 1 year after your injury. Some wounds scar less if they are covered while they heal.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of holding firm, direct pressure over the wound.
- Your wound reopens.
- You have new numbness or tingling near your wound, or weakness of your facial muscles.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your wound is red, warm, or swollen.
- You have pain that gets worse, even after treatment.
- Your wound is not healing, or you think there is an object in the wound.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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