What do we understand by maxillofacial surgery?

The maxillofacial surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that deals with correcting all those imperfections that surround her face in her 360. The maxillofacial surgeon works with both the soft tissues (skin, muscle, etc.) and the hard tissues (bones) of the face, which allows very surprising results to be obtained.

Who can perform a maxillofacial surgery operation?

Mainly a surgeon who already has extensive experience in this field and knows perfectly the internal and superficial anatomy of the face.

In which cases is it necessary or indicated to undergo a maxillofacial surgery operation?

In the aesthetic field, an intervention of this type is recommended in cases where dentofacial deformities are present . This term can generate confusion for the patient, since under it not only oral malformations are corrected but also too long or short chins (retracted chin) or malar hypoplasias (not very prominent cheekbones) can be repaired. Dentofacial deformations refer to skeletal alterations that modify facial features, the intervention of a surgeon and even a dentist being more than necessary for the results to be surprising.

Who can go to the maxillofacial surgeon in cases of malocclusion? Is it a task that the dentist must perform?

As I mentioned before, skeletal deformations are often accompanied by malocclusions (a poor fit between the dental arches). In these cases, it is essential to have a multidisciplinary work team, in which in addition to having surgeons who have experience in treating hard and soft tissues, we have a dentist who can take care of the teeth.

What is bimaxillary surgery?

It is a widely practiced intervention that allows to reorganize the relationship between the upper jaw and the mandible. This type of surgery avoids the use of zygomatic or chin prostheses.

Are prostheses used? Are very expensive? Can they be customized?

Facial prostheses help to modify the bony conformation of the face. They perfectly mimic the surgical result, cutting the bone and repositioning it so that the patient gets the face they want. The price of these prostheses is usually not very high and their insertion is easy and safe. Often, when facial rectification is minimal, I choose to place this type of prosthesis, the cost of which increases depending on the customization that the patient wants to give it. If there are no serious oncological or traumatic problems, these prostheses can be modeled during the intervention.

Maxillofacial surgery deals with a wide variety of cases, asymmetries and traumatic defects, how is the study of each patient carried out?

The experience of the surgeon is essential and above all that he has already worked with hard and soft tissues. On many occasions, when the problem consists of a mild skeletal defect, it can be corrected with an autologous fat transplant or lipofilling.

How long does the operation take?

Neither more nor less than the usual facial cosmetic surgery interventions, although it always depends on the skill of the surgeon.

How is the postoperative?

It depends on the pharmacological protocol used. It is essential to have an expert anesthetist on the team to avoid excessive swelling, especially if you are working with hard tissues that do not show bruises on the skin.