Facial Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
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.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- 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.
Call your doctor if:
- 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.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics may be given to prevent an infection if your wound was deep and had to be cleaned out.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound:
- Change your bandages when they get wet, dirty, or after washing. Apply new, clean bandages as directed. Do not apply elastic bandages or tape too tightly. Do not put powders or lotions on your wound.
- Apply antibiotic ointment as directed. Your provider may give you antibiotic ointment to put over your wound if you have stitches. If you have strips of tape over your wound, let them dry up and fall off on their own. You may gently remove strips of tape if they do not fall off within 14 days. If you have glue over your wound, do not remove or pick at it. If the glue comes off, do not replace it with glue that you have at home.
- Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Signs of infection include swelling, warmth, redness, or pus.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can prevent your wound from healing. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
Self-care:
- 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.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return in 24 to 48 hours to have your wound checked for infection. You will need to return in 3 to 14 days if you have stitches or staples so they can be removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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