Whether a local or national athlete, there is always the possibility that one can be harmed while playing sports. You may notice while you observe a sporting event that many of the players are wearing identical uniforms, but have various bandages, guards, and protection pads on. Some of this equipment includes facial gear, such as masks to protect existing injuries and prevent future damage to the area. This protection is necessary in regard to the player’s health, but will not morph unsightly deformities; however, Dr. Batnijiof Batniji Facial Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California is a highly skilled doctor who can assess such traumatic facial injury and create corresponding aesthetic treatment plans.

Cauliflower Ear

Wrestlers, boxers, and martial artists often have a condition known as “cauliflower ear” where the ear has suffered a blow or another form of blunt trauma and becomes deformed thereafter. Tissues of the ear may detachfrom one another and the result is an exaggerated upper ear where a pooling of blood may account for the extra volume. If left untreated, the blood will form a hematoma, or blood clot. Further effects may include death of cartilage, which gives the ears their shape, and can cause a permanently misshapen ear.

Preliminary treatment is a draining of the excess fluids that accumulate within the outer ear, which can be accomplished through a small incision. The doctor may also treat the area with antibiotics to ensure the patient avoids infection. Blood must be able to travel to all areas of the ear, which may not be possible with restrictions caused by cauliflower ear. Further corrections include removal of any formed hematomas and a reconnection of separated tissues. It is recommended that a doctor who specializes in otolaryngology treat these patients, and Dr. Batniji is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is actively a part of this specialty field.

Deviated Septum

Any sport where an athlete has contact with other members of a team can result in a broken nose and deviated septum. The nose and septum contain both bone and cartilage, and the septum should be anatomically symmetrical. Force or injury may cause the airways to become skewed by altering the natural line of the septum. A deviated septum is often the byproduct of nasal fracture, both of which can be permanently corrected through facial plastic surgery. Termed functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty, the septum can be restored to its original position. In addition to creating more comfortable breathing, Dr. Batniji is also able to reshape the nose during elective rhinoplasty so it appears more cosmetically pleasing.

Facial Fractures

Facial fractures may heal on their own, or through the aid of a facial plastic surgery. The orbital bones are susceptible to fracture as they are very thin and, because of the hollow eye sockets, lack the structure of solid bone. When bones such as the orbitals heal on their own, there may be some obvious deformities or irregularities present at the skin level. These corrections can be treated through surgery or with an injectable filler to even the epidermis. If Dr. Batniji is repairing traumatic injury to the face, he may opt to utilize reconstructive techniques, depending on the extent of the damage. Cheekbone fractures, medically known as zygoma or malar fractures are often present alongside broken orbital bones. Cheekbones may require the installation of titanium plates affixed to the surrounding bone with titanium screws.

Expert SoCal facial plastic surgeon Dr. Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.is one of just a few plastic surgeons in the region who specializes in procedures of the face. The doctor not only treats patients with sports injuries and other patients who require reconstructive techniques, but he also offers some of the most popular facial surgeries such as rhinoplasty and facelift. In addition to plastic surgery, the doctor also provides patients with a number of cosmetic procedure options that include skin resurfacing, dermal filler treatments, and Botox injections. Contact the doctor’s Newport Beach office at (949) 650-8882 to schedule a consultation. Alternatively, prospective patients may send emails through the doctor’s Patient Contact Form.