Facial trauma encompasses a wide spectrum of injuries, ranging from soft tissue lacerations to complex fractures of the facial skeleton. Because the face houses critical sensory organs and defines individual identity, injuries to this region require prompt, specialized management to restore both function and aesthetics. Head & Neck Surgical Associates (HNSA) has established a critical partnership with Legacy Health to provide this level of specialized care. Through this collaboration, the surgeons at HNSA serve as the primary resource for facial trauma management at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, ensuring that patients throughout the Northwest have access to elite surgical expertise during acute emergencies.

Legacy Emanuel: A Hub for Critical Care

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center operates as the busiest Level I Trauma Center in Oregon. A Level I designation indicates that the facility is capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation. This level of care requires the immediate availability of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialists to treat the most severe trauma cases 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Patients from across Oregon, Southern Washington, and Northern California are frequently transferred by air and land to Legacy Emanuel for the management of critical injuries. As part of the multidisciplinary trauma team, HNSA physicians manage all patients presenting with acute facial injuries. This coverage ensures that whether a patient suffers an injury from a motor vehicle accident, a sports incident, or an interpersonal conflict, they receive evaluation and treatment from board-certified specialists in facial trauma reconstruction.

The HNSA Trauma Clinic: Continuity of Care

Acute management in the emergency room is often only the first step in recovering from facial trauma. To ensure appropriate healing and long-term functional recovery, HNSA operates a dedicated Trauma Clinic. This outpatient clinic provides follow-up consultations and ongoing management for patients initially treated within the Legacy system.

Located conveniently on the Legacy Emanuel campus at 300 N. Graham St., Suite 125, the Trauma Clinic operates every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. This dedicated time allows the surgical team to monitor the healing of fractures, assess soft tissue recovery, and plan for secondary reconstructive procedures if necessary. By centralizing follow-up care, HNSA ensures that patients do not get lost in the system and receive consistent oversight from their surgical team.

Comprehensive Management of Maxillofacial Injuries

The scope of facial trauma treated by HNSA surgeons is extensive. The face is a complex structure involving an intricate network of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Trauma to this area can compromise breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking, and vision.

Bone Fractures and Skeletal Trauma

Fractures of the facial skeleton are common in high-impact trauma. The HNSA team utilizes advanced imaging and surgical techniques to address:

  • Mandibular Fractures: Breaks in the lower jaw that can affect dental occlusion (bite) and jaw movement.
  • Midface and Le Fort Fractures: Complex fractures involving the maxilla (upper jaw), often requiring precise realignment to restore facial projection and dental function.
  • Orbital Fractures: Injuries to the eye socket which, if left untreated, can lead to vision issues or enophthalmos (sunken eye).
  • Zygomatic Fractures: Injuries to the cheekbone that impact facial symmetry and jaw mobility.

For complex cases, the surgeons may employ corrective jaw surgery techniques and rigid fixation using titanium plates and screws to stabilize the bones, allowing for early mobilization and return to function.

Soft Tissue and Nerve Injuries

Beyond skeletal fractures, facial trauma often involves damage to the skin, mucosa, and underlying nerves. HNSA surgeons are trained in bone and soft tissue surgery, ensuring that lacerations are closed with attention to cosmetic outcomes. Furthermore, injuries to the facial nerve or sensory nerves require microsurgical expertise to attempt repair and restore sensation and movement.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Surgical Excellence

The complexity of facial trauma often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. The HNSA team is comprised of surgeons who are uniquely qualified to handle these cases. They are dual-degreed, holding both medical degrees (M.D.) and dental degrees (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), and are board-certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. This dual training provides a comprehensive understanding of both the medical implications of trauma and the precise dental and skeletal relationships required for functional reconstruction.

Leadership in Education and Training

HNSA is not only a provider of care but also a center for education. The practice is committed to training the next generation of surgeons through the Head and Neck Institute. In the Trauma Clinic, patients may be evaluated by surgical residents or fellows under the direct supervision of an attending surgeon. These residents are licensed physicians and/or dentists seeking specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, or general surgery.

Additionally, the Craniofacial Trauma Fellowship offers advanced training for surgeons focusing specifically on complex facial injuries, further solidifying the practice’s role as an academic leader in the region.

Meet the Trauma Specialists

The care at Legacy Emanuel and the HNSA Trauma Clinic is directed by a team of highly experienced surgeons, each bringing specific expertise to the management of facial injuries.

Dr. Allen C. Cheng

Dr. Allen C. Cheng serves as the Section Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. With fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Cheng possesses the skills necessary to manage the most devastating facial injuries. His background allows for the reconstruction of complex defects resulting from trauma, ensuring patients regain both form and function.

Dr. Ashish A. Patel

Also fellowship-trained in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Ashish A. Patel brings expertise in high-level facial reconstruction. His philosophy centers on restoring quality of life, which is paramount for trauma patients facing long-term recovery. Dr. Patel is adept at utilizing advanced technologies, including patient-specific solutions and computer-aided planning, to treat complex fractures and defects.

Dr. Baber N. Khatib

Dr. Baber N. Khatib serves as the site director for education at Legacy Emanuel Hospital for the Maxillofacial surgery service. His training includes a fellowship in Adult and Pediatric Advanced Craniomaxillofacial and Trauma Surgery. This specialized training is vital for treating pediatric craniofacial surgery cases, ensuring that children who suffer facial trauma receive care that accounts for their ongoing growth and development.

Dr. Lance Thompson

Joining the practice in 2021, Dr. Lance Thompson includes adult and pediatric maxillofacial trauma as a core component of his practice. His fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial surgery provides him with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and reconstruction. Dr. Thompson also has a special interest in TMJ surgery, which is relevant for patients who suffer jaw joint injuries during trauma.

Accessing Trauma Care

Patients who have received emergency treatment at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for facial injuries are seamlessly connected to the HNSA Trauma Clinic for outpatient follow-up. The clinic’s integration with the hospital system ensures that records, imaging, and surgical plans are coordinated efficiently.

For referring providers or patients seeking consultation regarding facial injuries or secondary reconstruction, appointments can be requested through the main HNSA office. The team is equipped to handle everything from acute fracture management to the revision of scars and deformities resulting from past trauma.

To schedule a consultation or learn more about the services provided, please visit the clinics page or contact the office directly.

About Head & Neck Surgical Associates

Head & Neck Surgical Associates is the Northwest’s most specialized surgical practice, uniquely staffed by dual-degreed, board-certified physicians trained in both medicine and dentistry. Based in Portland, Oregon, their team offers expert care in head and neck surgery, oral and maxillofacial procedures, and facial cosmetic surgery—backed by advanced fellowships and decades of focused experience. Patients trust HNSA for precise diagnoses, complex surgical treatment, and comprehensive care from true leaders in their field.

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