The excitement and physicality of sports participation occasionally comes with risks–particularly to the face, which is vulnerable to impact injuries during athletic activities. From broken noses to orbital fractures, facial trauma during sports requires specialized care to ensure both proper function and aesthetics are restored.
Dr. Michael Cohen provides expert evaluation and treatment for facial sports injuries throughout Long Island, delivering timely intervention that can prevent long-term complications and restore facial appearance.
A magician! I had deviated septum surgery. Within 24 hr no pain, no blood! Super intelligent, funny jokes. His staff is top-notch.
Our Expertise and Philosophy
With over 25 years as a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cohen brings specialized expertise to the treatment of sports-related facial injuries. His background combines the functional focus of an ENT specialist with the meticulous approach of a facial plastic surgeon–an invaluable combination when treating injuries that affect both appearance and function.
Dr. Cohen understands the urgency that often accompanies facial trauma. His practice philosophy emphasizes prompt assessment within the critical window for optimal intervention. For certain injuries like nasal fractures, this window is particularly narrow–often just 2-3 weeks before the bones set permanently, potentially requiring more complex procedures later.
Common Types of Facial Sports Injuries
Sports-related facial trauma encompasses a range of injuries, from soft tissue damage to complex fractures. The most common injuries seen in athletes include:
Nasal Fractures
The prominent position of the nose makes it particularly vulnerable during sports activities, accounting for approximately 40% of all facial bone injuries. These fractures can impact both appearance and breathing..
Orbital Fractures
Direct blows to the eye area can fracture the delicate bones surrounding the eye socket. u0022Blow-outu0022 fractures involve the orbital floor and can result in double vision, restricted eye movement, or numbness in the cheek or upper lip region if nerves are affected.
Zygomatic (Cheekbone)
Fractures High-impact blows to the lateral face can fracture the cheekbone, often resulting in facial asymmetry, restricted jaw movement, and numbness in the affected area due to nerve compression.
Mandibular (Jaw) Fractures
Direct impacts to the lower face may fracture the mandible, affecting bite alignment and causing pain with jaw movement. These injuries require precise treatment to restore proper dental occlusion and function.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to facial skin often accompany sports injuries and require careful repair to minimize scarring and restore appearance.
Sports with Highest Risk for Facial Trauma
Certain athletic activities present higher risks for facial injuries due to their inherent characteristics:
- Contact sports like football, rugby, and hockey where player collisions are common
- Combat sports including boxing, MMA, and martial arts
- Ball sports with small, high-velocity projectiles like baseball, softball, and lacrosse
- Racquet sports such as squash and racquetball
- Extreme sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, and snowboarding
- Water sports including surfing, water polo, and diving
Athletes in these high-risk sports should consider appropriate protective equipment, including face guards, mouthguards, and helmets with face protection to reduce injury risk.
Dr. Cohen’s Approach to Facial Sports Injuries
Dr. Cohen employs a methodical, comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating facial sports injuries:
Prompt and Accurate Diagnosis
- Comprehensive physical examination focusing on both visible and hidden injuries
- Evaluation of functional impacts on breathing, vision, chewing, and facial movement
- Advanced imaging including CT scans when necessary to identify fracture patterns
- Assessment of potential neurological involvement
Treatment Planning
- Consideration of both functional restoration and aesthetic outcomes
- Timing interventions within optimal treatment windows
- Minimally invasive approaches whenever possible
- Coordination with other specialists when complex injuries warrant multidisciplinary care
Customized Treatment Options
- Conservative management for minor injuries
- Closed reduction techniques for appropriately aligned fractures
- Advanced surgical intervention for complex or displaced fractures
- Meticulous soft tissue repair to minimize scarring
Treatment Options for Facial Sports Injuries
Treatment approaches vary based on the specific injury type, severity, and timing:
Nasal Fractures
For non-displaced or minimally displaced nasal fractures, closed reduction may be performed in the office under local anesthesia. This procedure, ideally performed within 2-3 weeks of injury, involves manually realigning the nasal bones and septum. More complex or severely displaced fractures may require rhinoplasty techniques for optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Orbital and Cheekbone Fractures
Treatment ranges from observation for non-displaced fractures to surgical intervention for fractures affecting eye function or facial appearance. Dr. Cohen utilizes minimally invasive approaches when possible, often accessing fracture sites through hidden incisions to avoid visible scarring.
Mandibular Fractures
Depending on the location and severity, jaw fractures may be treated with a soft diet and activity modification for non-displaced fractures, or require surgical fixation with plates and screws for displaced or unstable fractures. Dr. Cohen coordinates with dental specialists when necessary to ensure proper occlusion is restored.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Facial lacerations are meticulously repaired using advanced plastic surgery techniques to minimize scarring. Dr. Cohen pays particular attention to preserving natural facial contours and landmarks when addressing soft tissue injuries.
Recovery and Return to Sports
Recovery timelines vary based on injury type and treatment approach:
- Soft tissue injuries typically heal within 1-2 weeks with proper care
- Nasal fractures generally allow return to non-contact sports in 2-3 weeks and contact sports in 6 weeks with appropriate protection
- Orbital and zygomatic fractures usually require 4-8 weeks before returning to sports
- Mandibular fractures typically necessitate 6-12 weeks before resuming full athletic activities
Dr. Cohen provides detailed guidance on the safe timeline for returning to sports and recommendations for appropriate protective equipment to prevent re-injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Sports Injuries
Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after injury. For nasal fractures specifically, treatment is most effective when performed within 2-3 weeks of injury, before bones have permanently set in the new position.
Not all facial sports injuries require surgical intervention. The need for surgery depends on several factors including the type of fracture, degree of displacement, functional impact, and aesthetic considerations. Dr. Cohen explores all treatment options, beginning with conservative approaches when appropriate.
Dr. Cohen utilizes techniques designed to minimize visible scarring. When surgical intervention is necessary, he places incisions in natural skin creases or hidden locations whenever possible. For visible lacerations, meticulous repair techniques help optimize healing with minimal scarring.
Return-to-play timelines vary based on injury type and severity. Dr. Cohen provides individualized guidance based on your specific injury, treatment approach, and sport, prioritizing your safety and long-term health.
Appropriate protective equipment is crucial for preventing facial trauma. Sport-specific gear such as helmets with face guards, protective eyewear, mouth guards, and face masks significantly reduce injury risk. Dr. Cohen can provide recommendations for appropriate protective equipment based on your specific sport.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Cohen for Facial Sports Injury Treatment
- Board-certified in both Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery
- Over 25 years of experience treating facial trauma
- Unique combination of functional expertise and aesthetic focus
- Recognized as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years
- Comprehensive care from initial evaluation through complete recovery
- Advanced techniques to minimize scarring and optimize both function and appearance
- Personalized approach focused on returning athletes safely to their sports
- Convenient locations serving patients throughout Long Island
Schedule Your Consultation with Long Island’s Premier Facial Trauma Specialist
If you’ve experienced a facial injury during sports activities, prompt evaluation is essential for optimal outcomes. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen. With convenient locations in Syosset and Port Jefferson Station, we provide accessible, expert care for athletes throughout Nassau and Suffolk County.
Don’t delay seeking treatment–early intervention offers the best opportunity for complete recovery without long-term functional or aesthetic complications.