Maxillofacial Surgery is a grouped term that refers to any surgery on the mouth, jaw or neck. It is used to treat injury, birth defects and even severely impacted wisdom teeth. The surgery is performed by a specialist called a maxillofacial surgeon whom has special training in this field.
Patients who may need maxillofacial surgery:
Cancer patients
Those with facial tumor
Accident victims
People with cleft palate
People born with facial deformity
People with nerve damage
Those with severe orthodontic issues
Those with severe gum disease
Length of the procedure is normally varies depending on the procedure. Patients are released from care the same day for many of these procedures, occasionally a brief hospital stay may be required. Patients seeking a maxillofacial surgery through medical tourism can return home 48 hours after their procedure in most cases. It is best to plan a week stay after maxillofacial surgery.
This will allow for proper post operative care.
The procedure will begin with the administration of general anesthesia or sedative to relax or put you to sleep. The surgeon will make the necessary corrections to your face, jaw, mouth or neck. This may include realignment of bones, setting of bones with pins or plates, and extraction of teeth. Tissue may also be removed or grafted.
After your maxillofacial surgery you will be moved to a recovery area to be monitored. The nursing staff will carefully monitor your vital signs during this time. When you have recovered from your anesthesia or sedative the staff will release you from care or they will move you to a regular hospital room for continued care.
You may have a dressing covering your surgical wound.
Keep this dressing on until your doctor says you can remove it. Follow all instructions for eating, drinking and oral hygiene very carefully during the recovery process.
Side Effects of maxillofacial surgery:
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Stiffness
Self care after maxillofacial surgery:
No smoking for 3 days
Ice for swelling and discomfort
Take pain medication as prescribed
Avoid eating hot food, spicy food or acidic food
Avoid using a straw
No spitting
Most people begin to feel better within 6 weeks of maxillofacial surgery. However the entire healing process may take up to 12 months for some people. Additionally, some patients may require more than one maxillofacial surgery to treat the problem they are experiencing. Once all the surgical procedures are complete, and healing is complete the results of maxillofacial surgery are quite favorable.