What type of fracture presents with an asymmetrical or flattened face?

A mid-face fracture can lead to an asymmetrical or flattened appearance of the face due to the involvement of the facial bones, which include the maxilla, zygoma, and nasal bones. These fractures often disrupt the normal contour and alignment of these structures, resulting in noticeable facial deformities. When the mid-face is impacted, it can cause sagging or displacement of the facial bones, leading to the characteristic flattening or asymmetry.

While nasal fractures primarily affect the nose and might cause some distortion, they typically do not result in significant overall facial asymmetry. Basilar skull fractures involve the base of the skull and can lead to serious complications, but they do not directly affect facial appearance in the way mid-face fractures do. Mandible fractures might alter the jawline and lower facial structure but are unlikely to create a flattened appearance in the same way that mid-face fractures do. Thus, mid-face fractures are specifically associated with the broader and more pronounced changes in facial symmetry.