How to regain confidence after facial injury: Heal to love yourself again 

Getting involved in a car accident can be traumatic, both physically and mentally. From dealing with intrusive thoughts to painful and anaesthetic injuries on your face, this event can significantly lower your self-esteem long-term. Loving yourself is one of the most important things you can do to live a happy life, and when severe challenges occur, at first, it might seem like there is no solution, but fortunately, we live in an era where you can benefit from advanced medical procedures or natural treatments that are a few clicks away. In this article, you can get familiarised with the common types of facial injuries after an accident and learn how to deal with the outcomes to regain control over your life: 

Common types of facial injuries after an accident 

Facial injuries are common after a car accident, and they create physical pain and emotional distress due to the disfigurement and scarring. Here are some typical facial injuries for accident victims: 

Fractures: the bones in the face give structure and shape, and they can break during an impactful car accident. For instance, you can have a broken nose, jaw or even fractured eye socket, which can lead to long-term damage.

Burns: during a car accident, striking your face against a hard surface or being involved in a fire caused by the impact can burn your skin. This type of injury can leave visible scars that require a long treatment in order to heal. 

Wounds: cuts, burns and soft tissue injuries are also common after a car accident. Also, deep lacerations can cause infections and lasting damage to the nerves and muscles on the face.

Medical advice 

Right after the traumatic event, a team of medical professionals usually evaluate your state and identify your needs to establish an efficient treatment. Still, some wounds might not be immediately treated, so it’s crucial to monitor their development so that you can seek medical advice for the wounds that create pain and infections. Your doctor can prescribe your painkillers and products to use on your face to promote scarring and predict the evolution and your healing process. Also, depending on the gravity of the injuries and the aesthetic aspect, the medic could recommend surgical procedures or non-invasive treatments to regain a harmonious structure of your face. 

Emotional impact  

The emotional impact of a car accident, followed by the trauma of having visible injuries on your face, is not neglectable. First of all, you must minimise your negative thoughts and seek professional help from https://www.accidentclaims.co.uk/personal-injury-compensation/car-accident-claims, as the experts can help you cope with the emotional distress and compensate you for the damages. Also, be aware of your psychological symptoms to identify potential mental issues like post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Insomnia, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, lack of appetite and body image issues can be signs that indicate a severe problem that requires therapeutic help. 

Natural treatments 

To boost the healing process of your facial injuries, you can try some natural treatments; for example, it’s crucial to keep your body hydrated and use ice on bruises to minimise pain and swelling, or you can introduce some safe herb-based products into your skincare routine. Botanical therapy is a common practice for people suffering from body injuries, as it aims to improve the overall functioning system of the skin without aggravating the existent wounds, as plants can protect from fungi and bacteria. For instance, Aloe vera is a popular remedy for injuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, rose water and lavender essential oil are well-known pain relievers, which you can use together with creams and tinctures recommended by your dermatologist. 

Surgical procedures 

Surgical procedures can be an effective option to regain confidence, no matter the severity of your injuries. Also, insurance companies usually cover a considerable part of the expenses for plastic surgery for accident victims. However, make sure you follow the recommendation of a medical professional. These are some procedures you can do: 

Rhinoplasty: breaking the nose in a car accident can deviate it and make it appear swollen and curbed, so with a rhinoplasty surgical procedure, a team of medics can reconstruct your nose, including the septum, nasal passages and mucous membranes. 

Otoplasty: in extreme cases, the ear can detach from the head, so with an otoplasty, a plastic surgeon will reattach the ear, or if not possible, they can reconstruct one from rib cartilage. 

Jaw surgery: when major trauma occurs to the jawline, resulting in its deviation, you can seek help from a maxillofacial surgeon who will reconstruct your jaw and chin. 

Facial reanimation: when there is partial or full paralysis of your face, plastic surgeons can reconnect the nerves and muscles to reattach them properly and recreate your face’s functionality. 

Rebuild your lifestyle 

Despite the surgical treatments, in order to get back to normal, you must learn to listen to your body and rebuild your lifestyle to maintain your physical and mental health long-term. Establish a healthy daily routine where you follow the recommended treatments properly at indicated hours and boost your healing with a healthy diet rich in nutrients and vitamins. Also, work on your confidence slowly; you can start by taking a step outside by yourself and then meet your loved ones when you feel ready to surround yourself with supportive people to cope with the traumatic event faster. 

The bottom line 

We hope this article encourages you to regain control over your life and rebuild your confidence after the accident. No matter the severity and looks of your injuries, step by step, you can rebuild your beauty and step outside with confidence again. Make sure you don’t neglect your emotions, and surround yourself with supportive people who motivate you to heal and love yourself again.