Lacerations on the Face and Body: When It’s an Emergency and What to Do First

Cuts and lacerations can happen in an instant - at home, at work, or during everyday activities. While some wounds are minor and heal on their own, others can be more serious than they appear. Understanding when a laceration is a true medical emergency and knowing what to do in the first moments after an injury can help prevent infection, reduce scarring, and protect long-term function.
 

What Is a Laceration?

A laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that can vary in depth, length, and severity. Some lacerations affect only the surface layers of skin, while others may extend into muscle, fat, nerves, or blood vessels. Facial and body lacerations deserve special attention because of their potential for infection, bleeding, and long-term scarring.
 

When a Laceration Is a Medical Emergency

Seek urgent medical care immediately if any of the following apply:

• Heavy or Uncontrolled Bleeding: If bleeding does not slow or stop after applying firm pressure for 10-15 minutes, the injury may involve a blood vessel and needs prompt treatment.
• Deep or Gaping Wounds: Lacerations that expose fat, muscle, or bone - or where the edges cannot be gently closed - often require stitches or advanced closure techniques.
• Facial Lacerations: Cuts on the face, especially near the eyes, lips, nose, or ears, should be evaluated by a medical professional. Proper repair is essential to reduce scarring and protect delicate structures.
• Caused by Dirty or Rusty Objects, Animal or Human Bites: These injuries carry a higher risk of infection and may require antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rabies evaluation.
   

What to Do First: Immediate Care Steps

If a laceration occurs, taking the right steps early can reduce complications:

• Wash Your Hands: Before touching the wound, clean your hands to lower the risk of infection.
• Stop the Bleeding: Apply steady, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the injured area if possible.
• Clean the Wound Gently: Rinse with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or iodine inside the wound, as they can damage healthy tissue.
• Protect the Area: Cover the wound with a clean, sterile dressing. Avoid tightly wrapping it unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Seek Medical Care When Needed: If the wound meets any emergency criteria or you are unsure about its severity, do not delay evaluation.

How Dr. Kressel Can Help

When a laceration involves the face or deeper layers of the body, expert repair is essential for both function and appearance. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Aron Kressel brings specialized training in meticulous wound repair, tissue preservation, and scar minimization.

Dr. Kressel carefully evaluates each laceration to determine its depth, complexity, and potential involvement of nerves, muscles, or blood vessels. Using precise closure techniques, he aligns the skin and underlying tissues in a way that promotes proper healing while reducing visible scarring - an especially critical consideration for facial injuries. Whether treating an acute injury or correcting a complex laceration, Dr. Kressel’s expertise ensures patients receive comprehensive, thoughtful care with both safety and aesthetics in mind.
 

Get Expert Treatment for Facial and Body Lacerations

Lacerations of the face and body should never be underestimated. What may appear to be a simple cut can involve deeper structures, carry a risk of infection, or result in unnecessary scarring if not treated properly. Early evaluation and precise treatment help ensure the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has sustained a facial or body laceration, schedule an assessment with Aron Kressel, MD and receive expert treatment focused on proper healing and minimal scarring. Visit our office in New York, NY, or call (212) 772-6968 to book an appointment today.