What Should I Do About a Visible Dent Running along My Daughters Cheek After Falling Into a Door Frame? (Photos) Doctor Answers, Tips
Facial Plastic Surgery: Q&A
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What Should I Do About a Visible Dent Running along My Daughters Cheek After Falling Into a Door Frame? (Photos)

Hello, My daughter fell into a door frame at school. Once the swelling went down there is a visible dent running the lenghth of her cheek. Its worse when she really smiles, and worst when she is crying. She is a little over 2 years old. Is there something I can do to help the skin heal? Thank you for your responses... and your willingness to take these questions.

Additional Information Added 9/22/2011

The injury happened on August 19th at her daycare, so the swelling has already gone down. She was evalauted by her doctor, and there was no tenderness on the bone. We did not do an xray or CT scan. It does not bother her when I touch it to massage. The pictures are of her crying because that is when it is the most visible. She is usually very smiley... but you can always see it.

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age 17 or under cheeks dents female child options
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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by New Mexico KT in Santa Fe, NM
+2

Not sure message will make a difference.

It is painful to look at these pictures. You did not really spell out a time frame here. I think she should be assessed by her pediatrician and referred to a facial plastic surgeon if appropriate. I do not think she should be rushed off for a CT scan without the examination by her pediatrician. She can be examined for point tenderness and bone step offs. If these are not present, irradiating her face and brain with the CT scan may or may not be reasonable. If... more
+1

Facial indent after facial trauma

The injury is quite obvious and your concern is understandable. The question is is this a soft tissue or bone injury or both. I have seen similar problems in patients whose lap belt slipped down onto their upper thighs during a car accident leaving them with an indent of the thigh. The cause was death/rupture of fat cells in the area of the indent. Just looking at these photos I am not sure of the utility of doing radiologic studies like CT or MRI. The child needs a thorough face to face... more
+1

Dent in cheek

What tradgedy. You need good x-ray and perhaps an mri. If ther is no boney issue patience and gentle massage may help. You will need to see a good plastic surgeon for follow up
+1

What Should I Do About a Visible Dent Running along My Daughters Cheek After Falling Into a Door Frame?

A blow which leaves such a soft tissue indentation should be evaluated with a CT scan to make sure it did not cause any fractures of the skull or cause other internal injuries. Once this is ruled out, I would gently massage the "hills" to the valley to reduce swelling and potentially move any displaced fat back into the depression. In some cases, prolonged pressure may result in pressure death of the underlying fat resulting in a "Saber Slash" deformity and may require... more
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