Specialist care for facial trauma in Sydney
Facial Trauma Sydney
Facial trauma can result from accidents, sporting injuries, falls, or assaults. In some cases, disease or infection may weaken the bones of the face and increase the risk of fracture. Injuries of this kind need careful assessment, as undetected or untreated fractures can affect function, healing, and appearance over time.
Facial trauma Surgery in Sydney
Specialist oral surgery practice with over 15 years’ experience, two Sydney clinics, and a commitment to safe, evidence-based care.
With over 15 years of specialist experience, Dr Kristian van Mourik provides surgical and non-surgical management of facial trauma at clinics in Bondi Junction and Lindfield. Supported by advanced imaging, hospital-grade facilities, and evidence-based techniques, care is focused on restoring function and supporting safe healing.
Types of Facial Injuries Treated
Facial trauma can affect one or multiple bones of the face. Each type of fracture presents differently and requires individual assessment to decide whether observation or surgery is appropriate.
Cheekbone (zygoma) fractures
The zygoma, or cheekbone, plays a key role in facial width and contour. A fracture can flatten the cheek, alter facial balance, and restrict jaw movement. In some cases, patients may notice changes in vision if the fracture extends into the orbital rim. Surgical repair may be recommended to restore symmetry and prevent long-term functional problems.
Upper jaw (maxilla) fractures
The maxilla is central to the bite and midface structure. Fractures here can destabilise the teeth, affect how the upper and lower teeth meet, and sometimes involve the nasal cavity or eye sockets. Treatment often involves careful reconstruction to restore bite function and facial support.
Lower jaw (mandible) fractures
The mandible is the most commonly fractured facial bone. Injuries may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Depending on the location and displacement, repair may require plates and screws to stabilise the fracture and protect the bite.
Nasal fractures
Nasal injuries are frequent in sports, falls, and assaults. A broken nose can affect both breathing and appearance. Early assessment helps determine whether manipulation or surgical intervention is required to restore airflow and nasal alignment.
Frontal sinus fractures
Located above the eyes, the frontal sinuses can be fractured in high-impact trauma such as motor vehicle accidents. These injuries may extend into surrounding structures and often require more complex surgical management. Specialist care is essential to protect both function and appearance.
Orbital fractures
Fractures of the orbit, or eye socket, can affect vision, eye position, and facial symmetry. Symptoms may include double vision or restricted eye movement. Depending on severity, surgical repair may involve repositioning bone fragments and supporting the orbital floor to protect the eye.
How Facial Trauma Surgery Is Performed
When surgery is required, procedures are carried out in a private hospital under general anaesthesia with a specialist anaesthetist.
- Stabilisation – Titanium plates and screws are used to hold fractured bones in place during healing. These are usually left permanently unless they cause symptoms in the future.
- Incisions – Wherever possible, incisions are made inside the mouth or along natural facial creases to minimise visible scarring.
- Hospital stay – Most patients spend one to two nights in hospital depending on the type and complexity of the fracture.
Recovery After Facial Trauma Surgery
Pain management – Discomfort is managed with prescribed medication. Intravenous pain relief is used immediately after surgery, before transitioning to tablets such as Panadol® or Nurofen®.
Work or school – Many patients need around one week off, although this varies with the type of fracture and individual recovery.
Diet – After jaw fractures, a soft diet is required for four to six weeks while the bone heals.
Stitches – Dissolving stitches are typically used and fade gradually over three to four weeks.
Follow-up care – Review appointments are scheduled to check healing and monitor function. Complete healing of facial bones may take four to six months.
Detailed post-operative instructions are provided during consultation, and following these carefully helps support recovery and reduce complications.
Why See an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialists trained in medicine, dentistry, and surgery. This combination of expertise allows them to:
- Manage the full range of facial fractures, from simple to complex
- Provide both non-surgical and surgical treatment options depending on the injury
- Perform procedures in accredited hospitals with specialist anaesthetists
- Plan and perform surgery using advanced imaging and recognised surgical techniques
- Coordinate care when medical conditions or multiple injuries are involved
Meet Dr Kristian van Mourik
Meet Dr Kristian van Mourik
Dr Kristian van Mourik is a fully qualified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry, as well as specialist surgical training. He has more than 15 years’ experience managing facial trauma, corrective jaw surgery, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, and oral pathology.
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine – Monash University
- Bachelor of Dentistry with Honours – University of Sydney
- Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery – University of Sydney
Dr van Mourik is registered with both the Medical Board of Australia and the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Sydney Suburbs We Service for Facial Trauma
Facial trauma assessment and treatment is available across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and North Shore.
Facial Trauma FAQs Sydney
Do all facial fractures require surgery?
No. Many minor or non-displaced fractures heal without an operation. Regular reviews and imaging are used to monitor progress.
How soon should a facial fracture be treated?
If surgery is required, it is often performed within the first week after injury once swelling decreases. Timing is tailored to each case.
Will plates and screws need to be removed?
Plates and screws used to stabilise fractures are usually permanent. Removal is only considered if they cause problems later on.
How long does recovery take after facial fracture surgery?
Swelling and bruising generally improve within two weeks. Most patients return to work or school within one to two weeks. Complete bone healing takes several months.
Where is facial trauma surgery performed in Sydney?
Procedures are carried out in accredited private hospitals, with anaesthesia provided by specialist anaesthetists and follow-up arranged through Dr van Mourik’s Bondi Junction and Lindfield clinics.
Do Sydney patients need time off work or school after wisdom tooth extraction?
Most people need about a week away from regular activities. Teenagers often schedule surgery during school holidays, while university students and young professionals choose quieter times in their schedule to allow recovery. The amount of time required depends on the complexity of surgery and individual healing.
Is wisdom tooth removal different in Sydney compared to other areas?
The procedure itself is the same, but Sydney patients benefit from access to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons who regularly perform complex extractions in hospital and clinical settings. Having two clinics one in Bondi Junction and one in Lindfield — provides convenient access for patients across the Eastern Suburbs and North Shore.
Our Sydney Clinics
Bondi Junction
Located in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs, our Bondi Junction clinic is easily accessible by train, bus, and nearby parking.
Lindfield
Conveniently positioned on the North Shore, our Lindfield clinic is close to public transport and offers parking options nearby.