What is maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery – also known as maxillofacial surgery, is a specialized surgical field focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral cavity.
It covers both functional issues (chewing, speaking, breathing) and aesthetic corrections.
The operations are performed by maxillofacial surgeons specializing in both dentistry and surgery. They often work in collaboration with neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and ENT specialists for a comprehensive patient approach.
Under what conditions is it applied?
Maxillofacial surgery may be necessary for:
- Facial trauma and fractures
- Congenital deformities
- Malocclusion and jaw displacement
- Tumors in the facial and oral cavity
- Infections
- Defects after injuries or illnesses
Surgical treatment may include moving or shaping the jaw, repairing fractured bones, removing growths, or reconstructing facial structures.
Besides medical indications, this surgery can also have an aesthetic purpose – improving the profile, contouring the jaw, chin augmentation, or facelift procedures.
Types of maxillofacial surgery
- Orthognathic surgery Corrects misaligned jaws and improves bite function by moving jaw bones into proper position.
- Surgery for facial trauma Treatment of fractures, tears, and soft tissue injuries.
- Dental Implants Implantation of artificial roots into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
- Reconstructive surgery – Restoration of defects due to trauma, tumors, or congenital conditions.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery Treatment of pain, limited movement, and functional disorders in the temporomandibular joint.
- Sleep apnea surgery – Removal or correction of tissues that obstruct normal breathing during sleep.
Recovery after surgery
The duration of recovery depends on the type and extent of maxillofacial surgery.
Immediately after maxillofacial surgery
The patient will remain under observation until they recover from anesthesia. Drowsiness, nausea, pain, and swelling are possible.
The first few days after maxillofacial surgery
- Rest and limited activity
- Soft food
- Swelling and bruising
- Applying cold compresses
The first few weeks after maxillofacial surgery
- Gradual return to daily activities
- Avoiding physical exertion
- Check-ups
The first months
- Full recovery can take several weeks to several months
- Avoiding contact sports
- In case of need – physiotherapy
Following post-operative instructions is key to proper healing.
Risks and possible complications in maxillofacial surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including:
- Pain and swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Scars
- Change in bite
- Risks associated with anesthesia
When is a revision maxillofacial surgery necessary?
Revision surgery may be necessary when:
- The initial operation did not yield the desired result
- The problem has not been fully corrected
- Complications arise (infection, bleeding, nerve damage, implant problem)
These types of operations are more complex and require precise planning.
Suitable age for facial surgery
There is no universal „best“ age. The decision depends on:
- General health condition
- The severity of the problem
- Patient goals
Many aesthetic procedures are performed between the ages of 30 and 50, but for medical reasons, surgery may be necessary earlier.
Can it be done in children?
In certain cases - yes.
For example, when:
- Congenital anomalies (such as cleft lip and palate)
- Severe deformations
- Injuries
In children, the fact that the facial bones are still growing must be taken into account, which requires careful planning. Anesthesia also requires a specific approach.
Maxillofacial surgery - what is the cost?
The price varies significantly depending on:
- Sort of an operation
- Complexity
- The surgeon's experience
- The location of the medical facility
- Anesthesia used
- Postoperative care
Anyone who needs more information or assistance with maxillofacial surgery abroad can contact us at tel. 0878500730.
