Speech-Language Therapy Approach to the Scarring Process after Facial Soft Tissue Trauma: A Clinical Case Report

Abstract

Facial soft tissue trauma can change muscle structure, affecting the functions of the stomatognathic system and causing injuries at the integumentary level, which leads to the formation of scar tissue that restricts the mobility of orofacial structures. Few reports in the specialized literature describe the approach of speech-language therapy to these injuries. Therefore, this study aims to describe the speech-language therapy approach to scarring, using myofunctional therapy, in a case of facial soft tissue trauma. A patient with soft tissue trauma in the lower third of his face was evaluated by speech-language therapy. His injury caused adhesions and contractions, which were associated with disturbances in his stomatognathic system that affected movement, sensitivity, and position, as well as his speaking, chewing, and swallowing functions. The patient attended 10 sessions over 3 months, at which point he expressed his satisfaction with the intervention and decided to end it. The final evaluation showed an improvement in lip symmetry during rest and movement, greater lip and cheek movement amplitude, adequate sensitivity, and absence of pain. Furthermore, progress was observed in orofacial functions related to swallowing (consistent lip seal and complete food retention), chewing (adequate speed and central incision), and speech (articulatory precision). The results of this case show that speech-language therapy intervention is essential in facial trauma and scar rehabilitation.