What causes facial edema?

Causes of facial edema, or facial swelling, include injury or inflammation from allergic reactions, sinusitis, or a tooth abscess, according to MedlinePlus. Swelling during the recovery period of head, nose or jaw surgery is likely as well.

Facial edema as the result of a bee sting or inflammation of the eye from a stye or conjunctivitis is a result of increased fluid within the blood vessels, details WebMD. This puffiness is beneficial as the increase of white blood cells help fight infections caused by the invading bacteria within the localized areas. The presence of pain, difficulty in breathing, fever or swelling that worsens over time may warrant medical care from a doctor, advices MedlinePlus.