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Maxillofacial surgery, also known as faciomaxillary surgery or OMFC surgery (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), is a specialized field of surgery that diagnoses and treats health conditions related to the facial structure.
This surgical approach aims at managing various conditions associated with the skeletal and soft tissues of the mouth, teeth, jawbones, face, head, and neck.
Maxillofacial surgery and oral surgery are very close but different in scope and complexity.
Oral surgery primarily focuses on the mouth, teeth, and jaw, involving procedures like tooth extractions, dental implants, and treating infections or cysts within the oral cavity.
Maxillofacial surgery, on the other hand, involves performing surgeries on the face, jaw, head, and neck, including complex procedures such as facial trauma reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, and the treatment of head and neck cancers.
The main difference between maxillofacial surgery and oral surgery is that oral/mouth surgery is more focused on routine procedures within the mouth, whereas maxillofacial surgery focuses on addressing conditions associated with the overall structure of the face and neck.
Maxillofacial surgery includes a wide range of facial surgery that involves the head, face, jaws, and neck. Here are some conditions that can be treated with maxillofacial surgery.
Maxillofacial surgery helps treat chronic facial pain, which can result from various conditions, including nerve disorders, muscle problems, or jaw dysfunction.
Surgical intervention may be required if conservative treatments are ineffective.
A broken jaw can be treated with maxillofacial surgery. A maxillofacial surgeon can realign the bones, stabilize them, and ensure proper healing.
Fractures of the cheekbones, nose, or bones around the eyes can be treated with maxillofacial surgery. It realigns the bones and the face's original appearance.
Maxillofacial surgery is performed to remove jaw cysts and tumors.
Surgery for jaw cysts and tumors may involve the removal of the cyst or tumor or the partial or complete removal of the upper or lower jaw, depending on the condition. This surgery may be followed by reconstructive surgery.
Maxillofacial surgery is an essential part of head and neck cancer management.
Cancers forming in the mouth, jaw, throat, and tongue can be successfully managed with surgery, which may focus on the removal of the tumor and partial or complete removal of the organ. The surgery may or may not be followed by other treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other systemic therapies.
Persistent pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement are known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ Disorders).
Maxillofacial surgery corrects joint misalignment, repairs damage, or removes problematic tissue when conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications are not effective.
An abnormal projection of the jaw is known as prognathism. Surgery can fix the alignment of the jaws and help improve both function (bite and chewing) and appearance.
The type of maxillofacial surgery performed depends on the condition being treated.
In some cases, they take less time and can be done in an outpatient setting, and the patient can go home on the same day of surgery.
Occasionally, complex maxillofacial surgeries may be required to manage certain health conditions effectively.
Consultation and Diagnosis: Before surgery, the surgeon evaluates the patient's medical history and diagnoses to plan the surgery.
Anesthesia: Anesthetics are administered to ensure enhanced safety and comfort for patients. Usually, general anesthesia is given, but for less invasive procedures, local anesthesia may be sufficient.
Surgical Procedure: Based on the treatment plan, a customized strategy to address the specific health needs of the patient, the surgeon performs the surgery.
Recovery Room: Once the surgery is completed, the patient is taken to the recovery room while the anesthesia wears off.
Pain Management: Pain is common, especially after the anesthesia wears off. Medications will be provided to deal with the pain and recover quickly from the surgery.
Swelling & Bruising: If you are an outpatient, you can go home after the anesthesia wears off. For inpatient procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. After the surgery, it's common to have symptoms like swelling and bruising, but they will gradually subside after a few days.
Dietary Change: You will be advised to follow a soft or liquid diet for a few days or weeks, depending on the surgery.
Maxillofacial surgery offers major benefits to those dealing with conditions affecting the face, jaw, and neck. Here are some of the key benefits of maxillofacial surgery:
Maxillofacial surgery can correct jaw misalignments or structural abnormalities that block the airway. It also prevents future health problems. Treating jaw misalignment or removing tumors and cysts can prevent further complications, such as tooth wear, gum problems, or facial bone deterioration.
Malignant tumors can also be removed through maxillofacial surgery and prevent the spread of head and neck cancer.
Maxillofacial surgery, especially procedures like jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), chin surgery (genioplasty), and reconstructive surgery, can enhance facial aesthetics and improve facial symmetry.
Maxillofacial surgery can provide relief from pain due to conditions like TMJ disorders, jaw fractures, or cysts and tumors.
After facial injuries or cancer treatments, surgery can remove tumors, repair fractures, and reduce inflammation, leading to less pain and a smoother recovery.
For people who have a misaligned jaw or have a dental issue, mouth surgery can help relieve difficulties in speaking, chewing, and facial pain.
This improves overall oral function, restores normal speech, and reduces the risk of further dental problems.
HCG is a leading hospital for cancer treatment in India with comprehensive oncology services. Choosing HCG for maxillofacial surgery means access to highly experienced and specialized surgeons, advanced surgical technologies, and a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care.
HCG's expert team works collaboratively to create personalized treatment plans, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns. At HCG, we prioritize patients' comfort throughout the surgery procedure.
From consultation to post-surgery, we provide the utmost care and support to the patient with regular follow-ups to monitor healing, prevent complications, and offer advice on rehabilitation or physical therapy if needed.
