Facial Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
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.
Seek care immediately 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.
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.
Care for your wound:
- Keep your wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours, or as directed. When your provider says you can, carefully wash around your wound with soap and water. Let soap and water run over your wound. Gently pat the area dry or allow it to air dry. Do not swim or sit in a hot tub until your provider says it is okay.
- 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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