Maxillofacial Surgery Overview

Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized branch of surgery focused on the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the mouth, face, jaws, and neck. This field combines elements of both dentistry and medicine and involves the treatment of a wide range of issues, from congenital defects to traumatic injuries, infections, tumors, and functional impairments.

At Humanity Direct we’ve funded several maxillofacial operations to remove tumours and growths.

Key Areas of Maxillofacial Surgery:

1. Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

• This is performed to correct misalignments of the upper and lower jaw, often for functional reasons (e.g., difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing) or cosmetic improvements. Patients may undergo orthognathic surgery for conditions like:
  • Overbite or underbite (malocclusion)
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Sleep apnea caused by jaw alignment
• It is typically done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.

1. Trauma Surgery

• Maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in treating facial injuries, including fractures of the:
  • Jaw (mandible)
  • Cheekbones (zygomatic bones)
  • Nose (nasal fractures)
  • Eye sockets (orbital fractures)
  • Teeth and gums
• Trauma surgeries often involve reconstructive procedures to restore facial appearance and function.

1. Oral Pathology and Tumor Removal

• Maxillofacial surgeons treat benign and malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region. Common types of surgery include:
  • Tumor resection (removal of tumors)
  • Reconstructive surgery to rebuild the affected areas, often using tissue from other parts of the body.
• Cancers of the mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy in addition to surgery.

1. Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

• Maxillofacial surgeons play a central role in the treatment of congenital conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, which affect the formation of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. Surgical repair is often performed early in life, with follow-up surgeries to improve function and appearance.

1. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders

• Surgery may be required to treat severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which can cause pain, difficulty in jaw movement, and other symptoms. Surgical interventions can involve:
  • Arthroscopy
  • Joint replacement
  • Realignment procedures

1. Dental Implant Surgery

• Maxillofacial surgeons often place dental implants for patients with missing teeth. This includes the surgical insertion of titanium posts into the jawbone to support artificial teeth. Implant surgery is typically a multi-step process, involving pre-surgical planning, bone grafting if necessary, and post-operative care.

1. Cosmetic and Aesthetic Surgery

• Some maxillofacial surgeons specialize in cosmetic procedures to enhance facial appearance, including:
  • Facial reconstruction after traumatic injury or congenital deformities.
  • Rhinoplasty (surgery to reshape the nose).
  • Facial rejuvenation (e.g., eyelid surgery, facelifts, chin augmentation).

Techniques and Procedures

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Many procedures can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic surgery, which involves smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
• Reconstructive Surgery: This often involves using grafts (bone, skin, or muscle) to rebuild areas affected by disease or trauma.
• 3D Imaging and Planning: Surgeons increasingly use advanced imaging technologies (like CT scans and 3D modeling) for precise preoperative planning.

Training and Expertise

Maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive education and training, including:

1. Dental Degree (DMD or DDS) – Typically, maxillofacial surgeons start with a dental degree, as they often perform oral surgeries.
2. Medical Degree (MD) – In many countries, maxillofacial surgeons also attend medical school to gain deeper knowledge in general medicine and surgery.
3. Specialized Surgical Training – After their medical training, surgeons complete several years of residency in maxillofacial surgery, where they acquire hands-on experience in performing surgeries related to the face, mouth, and jaw.

Common Conditions Treated

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
• Facial and jaw fractures
• Cleft lip and palate
• Mouth and jaw tumors
• Infections of the mouth, face, and neck
• Malocclusion and misalignment of teeth and jaws
• Sleep apnea
• Congenital facial deformities

Risks and Recovery

As with any surgery, maxillofacial procedures carry some risk, including:

• Infection
• Nerve damage (resulting in loss of sensation or movement)
• Scarring
• Relapse of jaw misalignment

Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, but patients generally experience swelling and discomfort for several weeks. Post-surgical care often includes pain management, antibiotics, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Maxillofacial surgery is vital in improving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the face and mouth, and many patients benefit from these advanced surgical interventions to improve their quality of life.