Maxillofacial surgery is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and correction of pathological, traumatic, and congenital conditions affecting the facial and jaw region.
This discipline requires a broad understanding of craniofacial anatomy, advanced surgical techniques, and the management of complications that may arise during surgery.
There are many clinical conditions that require this type of intervention, including:
- Facial trauma, including maxillary, zygomatic, and nasal fractures. Advanced surgical techniques can be used to reconstruct damaged anatomical structures, restoring functionality and aesthetics.
- Dental malocclusions, through orthognathic interventions, which align the upper and lower jaws correctly, improving chewing, speech, and patient aesthetics.
- Orthognathic surgery, for the treatment of craniofacial malformations, such as Apert syndrome or Treacher Collins syndrome.
Preparation for surgery and surgical procedure:
Before undergoing maxillofacial surgery, the patient is carefully evaluated by the surgeon. This assessment includes a complete medical history, diagnostic tests such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, as well as an evaluation of the patient’s psychological profile. Additionally, the surgeon will discuss with the patient the goals of the surgery, associated risks, and realistic expectations.
Maxillofacial surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a multidisciplinary team consisting of maxillofacial surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized nursing staff. The procedure can take several hours depending on the complexity of the case.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes precise surgical incisions to access the jaw or facial structures to be treated, allowing for repositioning of bones, removal of any lesions or tumors, and restoration of anatomical integrity in the affected area.
What are the potential risks and complications?
Despite the expertise of maxillofacial surgeons and the modern technologies available, every surgical procedure carries some risks and potential complications.
These may include: infection at the surgical site, although strict prevention measures are adopted, such as the use of prophylactic antibiotics and sterilization of surgical equipment; bleeding; compromised sensitivity which may include numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity; occlusion problems; anesthetic complications.
