Our Summary

This article was written for the 75th anniversary of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and it reviews the progress made over the years in treating facial injuries. Significant developments have led to better results for patients. These include better quality CT scans, improved methods for classifying injuries, more efficient ways to stabilize broken bones, enhanced materials for use in surgery, better ways to reposition soft tissues, and initial bone grafting. The authors also mention that further improvements have been made through the use of microsurgery, techniques for transferring tissue, digital planning for surgeries, endoscopic techniques, and surgical navigation. The article reviews both old and new techniques.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the advancements in the management of maxillofacial trauma?
  2. How has high-resolution computed tomography contributed to the improvement of maxillofacial surgery outcomes?
  3. What are some of the latest techniques being used in maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, following a specific diet, quitting smoking, and taking proper care of the surgical site to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from maxillofacial surgery include those with:

  1. Facial trauma, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or nose
  2. Congenital craniofacial abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate
  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  4. Facial deformities or asymmetry
  5. Severe malocclusion or bite problems
  6. Sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties related to the facial structure
  7. Tumors or cysts in the jaw or facial bones

Maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained to address a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, and mouth, and can provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual patient.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient experiences facial trauma or deformity that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon, including imaging studies such as high-resolution computed tomography.
  3. Treatment plan is developed based on the specific needs of the patient, which may include rigid fixation techniques, biomaterials, soft tissue resuspension, and primary bone grafting.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative preparations, such as dental work or medical clearance.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve microsurgical techniques, free tissue transfer techniques, virtual surgical planning, endoscopic techniques, and surgical navigation.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications.
  3. Patient undergoes a period of recovery and rehabilitation, which may include pain management, physical therapy, and dietary modifications.
  4. Patient follows up with the maxillofacial surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring of outcomes.
  5. Over time, the patient experiences improved facial aesthetics and function as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my maxillofacial condition and why?

  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with this surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be and what can I do to facilitate healing?

  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies before or after the surgery?

  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects or risks?

  6. How experienced are you in performing maxillofacial surgery and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  7. Will I have any visible scarring or changes in my appearance after the surgery?

  8. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery and how will it improve my quality of life?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition that I should consider?

  10. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery and how often will I need to come in for check-ups?

Reference

Authors: Louis PJ, Morlandt AB. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018 Nov;76(11):2256-2270. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2018.08.021. PMID: 30724174