Maxillofacial Surgery
Correction of bone and soft tissue anomalies of the face, jaw, and cranial structures.
What is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery encompasses procedures to correct bone and soft tissue anomalies of the face, jaw, maxilla, and cranial structures. It includes orthognathic surgery, facial reconstruction after trauma, correction of congenital malformations, and treatment of facial pathologies.
Dr. Geldres combines his plastic surgery training with craniofacial reconstruction expertise, utilizing 3D surgical planning and precision osteotomy techniques for optimal functional and aesthetic results.
Main Indications
Maxillofacial surgery addresses conditions such as:
- Severe malocclusions (prognathism, retrognathia, open bite)
- Congenital or acquired facial asymmetries
- Complex facial fractures (orbit, zygomatic, mandible, maxilla)
- Cleft lip and palate
- Bone deformities of the mid and lower face
- Reconstruction after tumor resection
The Procedure
Complexity and duration vary by condition. Orthognathic surgery takes 2-4 hours; complex reconstructions may extend to 6 hours. Virtual 3D planning with CT scans is used to design bone movements with millimetric precision.
Most incisions are made inside the mouth, avoiding visible external scars. Titanium plates and screws are used to fix bone segments in their new position.
Recovery
Swelling is significant for the first 3-5 days and gradually subsides over 2-4 weeks. Diet starts with liquids and soft foods, progressing to solids based on healing. Complete bone consolidation occurs at 6-8 weeks, when normal activity can be fully resumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does maxillofacial surgery correct?
It corrects severe malocclusions, facial asymmetries, facial skeleton fractures, cleft lip and palate, congenital or acquired deformities, and tumor-related pathologies of the facial region.
Does orthognathic surgery leave visible scars?
No. The vast majority of incisions are made inside the mouth (intraoral), leaving no visible external scars. Only in very specific cases are small external incisions needed, and these become virtually imperceptible.
Is orthodontics needed before surgery?
For orthognathic surgery, generally yes. Pre-surgical orthodontics (6-18 months) aligns teeth in each arch so they fit correctly after the bones are repositioned. In some cases, a "surgery first" approach without prior orthodontics is possible.
How long is the full recovery?
Major swelling resolves in 2-4 weeks. Complete bone consolidation takes 6-8 weeks. Most patients resume normal activities at 3-4 weeks, with final aesthetic results visible at 3-6 months.