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What is Maxillofacial Reconstruction?
The
“maxillofacial” involves two-thirds of the face below the
eyes. Surgery is performed in this area is for the purpose
of fixing congenital defects or flaws such as a cleft lip or
uneven problems of the face. This procedure includes
correction of complex or complicated deformities since
birth, as well as the acquired ones. It includes the
following procedures:
-
Correction of defects of the hard and soft palate
-
Restoration of flaws of the maxilla and mandible, both
bony and soft tissue
-
Application of facial prostheses
-
Obturators
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Effects of Maxillofacial
Reconstruction
Undergoing this procedure would result in the improvement of
deformities leading to a more normal facial appearance.
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Candidates for Maxillofacial
Reconstruction
The
best candidates for this procedure are those suffering from
congenital defects, injuries in the face, uneven facial
features such as uneven jaws, or receding of the chin. Those
who are having trouble or problems with their
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may also benefit from
undergoing this procedure.
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Your
Consultation
During
the consultation, BHMG’s Board Certified Surgeon will take a
complete medical history of the patient and conduct a
careful examination to evaluate overall health.
Photographs will be taken before and after surgery.
Antibiotics will be prescribed at the time of surgery to
prevent infections. Also, avoid taking drugs containing
aspirin to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
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The Maxillofacial Reconstruction Surgery
Procedure
Maxillofacial Reconstruction has several specific
procedures. They differ from the type of surgery required
and depend also on the specific needs of the patient.
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Recovery
The
extent of the procedure performed on the patient determines
one’s period of recovery.
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Risks
It is
of utmost importance that one is completely conscious of the
medical risks connected with maxillofacial reconstruction
procedures, as with any other surgery, before consenting to
it. The surgeon will discuss the risks of the procedure at
the time of your consultation. It is encouraged that you
voice out any questions regarding the procedure.
It is
the patient’s responsibility to notify the surgeon of any
significant medical information that could affect the result
of one’s surgery or may even amplify any risk factors that
the patient has. The patient should inform the surgeon of
any medications that are currently being taken, any history
of disease, medical complications, etc.
Since
no two people are alike, risks differ from each patient
depending on a wide range of factors.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What are the procedures involved in a Maxillofacial
Reconstruction?
A:
Maxillofacial Reconstruction includes correction of complex
or complicated deformities since birth. These procedures
include:
-
Correction of defects of the hard and soft palate
-
Restoration of flaws of the maxilla and mandible, both
bony and soft tissue
-
Application of facial prostheses
-
Obturators
Q:
Who are the best candidates for Maxillofacial
Reconstruction?
A:
The ideal candidates for this procedure are those suffering
from congenital defects, injuries in the face, uneven facial
features such as uneven jaws, or receding of the chin. Those
who are having trouble or problems with their
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may also benefit from
undergoing this procedure
Q: Will I be able to cope with the pain after the
procedure?
A:
The pain tolerance of each
patient varies. There are some patients who experience pain
as an ache, while others have greater discomfort. Pain
medications are prescribed for post-operative patients, and
these help to minimize the discomfort.
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