Facial Fracture Surgery in Ireland — Costs, Waiting Times & EU Options
Facial fracture surgery repairs broken bones of the face, including the jaw, cheekbone and eye socket, to restore your bite, appearance and function. It's usually done within days of the injury.
What is a Facial Fracture Surgery?
Facial fractures are often caused by falls, assaults, sports injuries or road traffic accidents. They can affect the jaw (mandible), cheekbone (zygoma), eye socket (orbit) or the middle of the face.
Surgery puts the bones back into position and holds them with small plates and screws. Cuts are usually made inside the mouth or in hidden areas to minimise scarring.
Who needs this surgery?
Surgery may be needed for:
- A broken jaw causing a misaligned bite
- A displaced cheekbone
- An eye socket fracture causing double vision or a sunken eye
- Multiple facial fractures
Facial injuries with difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding or vision changes need emergency care.
How the procedure works
Emergency assessment
Examination and CT scans show the fractures.
Planning
Surgery is usually planned within days, once swelling allows.
General anaesthetic
You'll be asleep for the operation.
Fixing the bones
The bones are realigned and fixed with plates and screws.
Recovery
Most people go home after one to three nights.
Where can you have a Facial Fracture Surgery?
Compare the public system, private hospitals in Ireland, and HSE-reimbursed treatment in the EU.
Public (HSE)
Facial fractures are treated urgently by hospital maxillofacial units, usually within days of the injury.
Private in Ireland
Ask the hospital for a fixed-price quote covering the hospital fee, consultant and anaesthetist fees. Check your health insurance plan for cover, excesses and any approved-hospital list before booking.
EU Cross-Border
Facial fractures are treated urgently, so planned treatment abroad isn't suitable. If you're injured while travelling in the EU, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers necessary public treatment.
Check if you're eligibleHave your surgery in weeks, not years
Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.
Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.
*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.
Recovering from a Facial Fracture Surgery
Swelling and bruising peak. A soft diet is usually needed.
Avoid contact sports and protect your face.
The bones heal. You can gradually return to a normal diet.
Your surgeon checks healing, bite and vision.
Risks and considerations
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Numbness of the face or lip
- Bite problems
- Double vision after eye socket fractures
- Plates needing removal later
Facial Fracture Surgery — your questions answered
Will my jaw be wired shut?
Usually not. Plates and screws mean wiring is rarely needed.
Will I have scars?
Incisions are usually inside the mouth or in hidden areas.
How long until I can eat normally?
Usually after four to six weeks.
Can facial fractures be treated abroad?
No, not as planned care, as they need urgent treatment.
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