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Learn More about Maxillofacial Surgery (aka Jaw surgery)
Key Facts:
Duration: 1-3 hours
Clinic Stay: Outpatient procedure
Anesthesia: General or local anesthesia
Recovery Duration: 2 – 8 weeks for initial recovery
Back to work: 1 – 3 weeks
Maxillofacial surgery addresses issues involving the jaw, face, and soft tissue structures. It can correct facial trauma, jaw misalignment, congenital abnormalities, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, ultimately improving functionality, appearance, and quality of life. General or local anesthesia is typically used, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Maxillofacial surgery can help you with:
- Correcting jaw deformities or misalignment.
- Treating facial trauma, fractures, or soft tissue injuries.
- Resolving congenital facial issues like cleft lip and palate.
- Improving functionality, such as chewing and breathing.
- Enhancing facial aesthetics and symmetry.
You may be a suitable candidate for maxillofacial surgery if:
- You are physically healthy and have no serious medical conditions.
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.
- You experience discomfort or functional issues related to your jaw or facial structure.
- You are a non-smoker or able to stop smoking for a period before and after surgery.
General Schedule – Standard Package for Maxillofacial Surgery
- Before you arrive:
- Participate in an initial online meeting with your in-country advocate and our consulting doctor.
- Be referred to a specialist for an initial online consultation.
- Have a pre-travel meeting with your in-country advocate to finalize your itinerary.
- Day 1 – Arrival day:
- Arrive in Colombia.
- Your advocate will welcome you at the airport.
- Transport to your hotel will be arranged.
- Receive a welcome briefing from your advocate at the hotel.
- Day 2 – Preparation day:
- Your advocate will meet you at the hotel.
- Transport to your pre-procedural consultation with your specialist will be provided.
- Discuss final preparations for your procedure with your advocate.
- Day 3 – Procedure and Initial Recovery:
- Meet your advocate in the morning.
- They will accompany you to the clinic for your procedure.
- After the procedure, your advocate will assist you and transport you back to your hotel for initial recovery.
- Day 4 – Recovery day:
- Take at least one full day to recover post-procedure.
- Ensure you are ready for travel and confirm the success of the procedure.
- If you feel well enough, you may wish to leave your hotel for a while. Transport and advocate support will be available throughout the day.
- Day 5 – Travel day:
- Your advocate will meet you at your hotel for transport to the airport.
- They will accompany you up until customs.
What to expect before, during, and after maxillofacial surgery?
Before Surgery:
- You will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns.
- Pre-surgery instructions may include avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and arranging for someone to assist you after the procedure.
During Surgery:
- The surgery may be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the complexity.
- The surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous areas or through the mouth to minimize visible scarring.
- Procedures may involve repositioning bones, repairing fractures, or reconstructing soft tissues.
- The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical adhesives.
After Surgery:
- You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which should gradually improve over the first few weeks.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage any discomfort.
- Use prescribed medications and avoid strenuous activities to aid in the healing process.
- Full recovery varies, with results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides and healing progresses.
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Our base package includes:
- In-country ground transportation,
- In-country concierge service,
- Stay at a comfortable 4 Star Accommodation,
- Consultation and orientation with our in-house doctor,
- Medical Procedure,
- Travel insurance.
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The duration of maxillofacial surgery depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. For minor surgeries, such as treating simple fractures or soft tissue injuries, it may take as little as 1-2 hours. More complex procedures, like orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery or TMJ surgery, can take 3-5 hours. The exact time will be determined during your consultation with the surgeon, who will consider the specifics of your case.
Recovery time and experience vary based on the procedure. Generally, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, especially in the first few days. Pain management medication and ice packs are typically recommended to control swelling and discomfort. Most patients can begin eating soft foods after a few days, but a restricted diet may be necessary for several weeks, depending on the surgery type. Full recovery, including the return to normal activities and the complete resolution of swelling, usually takes 4-8 weeks. Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Maxillofacial surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can usually go home the same day after a few hours of monitoring. However, more complex surgeries or those involving significant jaw reconstruction may require an overnight stay in the clinic to ensure proper recovery and to monitor for any immediate post-operative complications. Your surgeon will advise you on whether an extended clinic stay is necessary based on your specific surgical plan.
The timeline for returning to work depends on the complexity of the surgery and the nature of your job. For less invasive procedures, such as minor fracture repairs or TMJ arthroscopy, most patients can resume work within 1-2 weeks. However, for more extensive procedures like orthognathic surgery, it might take 2-3 weeks before you can comfortably return to work, especially if your job involves physical activity or speaking for extended periods. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance tailored to your recovery.
Like any surgical procedure, maxillofacial surgery carries potential risks. These include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, nerve damage (which can cause temporary or permanent numbness), and scarring. More complex surgeries, such as corrective jaw surgery, may carry additional risks like changes in bite alignment or the need for further adjustments. However, experienced surgeons use advanced techniques and technology to minimize these risks. A thorough pre-surgical assessment and following all post-operative instructions are crucial to reducing the likelihood of complications.
Scarring depends on the type and location of the surgery. Many maxillofacial procedures are performed through incisions inside the mouth, which means they leave no visible external scars. For procedures requiring external incisions, surgeons make every effort to place them in inconspicuous areas, such as along natural skin creases or the hairline. With proper care, any scars that do occur are typically minimal and fade over time. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for incision sites to optimize healing and reduce the visibility of scars.
The information provided here within should not be construed in any way as medical guidance or advice. Please consult with your medical physical or health provider. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The medical field is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.