Facial plastic surgery can be important because our facial expressions allow us to interact and communicate with each other. Our appearance has an impact on how others perceive us. While some would like to improve certain parts of their face, others are born with facial abnormalities such as a cleft lip, a birthmark, or other birth defects. Fortunately, many conditions such as the effects of aging, sun damage, or previous facial trauma can be corrected through procedures performed by a skilled surgeon.

When you look great, it feels amazing. Whether you want a subtle improvement or a dramatic new look.

What is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Maxillofacial surgeons, also known as oral surgeons, specialize in treating conditions and injuries related to the face and mouth. They bring a unique background to the work that blends dentistry and surgery into one. But it’s their detailed understanding of facial physiology that best suits facial cosmetic surgery.

Oral surgeons are trained to correct problems or make cosmetic changes to the face, teeth, gums, and jawbone.

Trained in Plastic Surgery & General Surgery

An oral surgeon is highly specialized with training that goes beyond general dentistry. They must first earn a dentistry degree and then complete four or more years of continued education and residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This includes pre-residential training that is especially attuned to detail. In addition to internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology and all forms of sedation dentistry, oral surgeons are highly trained in cosmetic surgery.

Oral Surgeons Work with the Entire Face

Because of their unique training, oral surgeons can work with the entire face when doing cosmetic surgery. Maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to treat soft tissue injury as well as multiple fractures to the face. This includes full mouth reconstruction as well as facial surgery. They can reassemble the structure and appearance of the face in a way that brings about the best results.

Facial Reconstruction from a 3D Perspective

People who suffer facial injury to the cheeks or lips may suffer from bone abnormality underlying skeletal abnormality. They may be missing teeth which can cause the face to “sink in.” This can be surgically corrected in a way that avoids visible scars. When you treat the face, skin, and jaws as a whole cosmetically, you tend to get more cohesive and naturally aesthetically pleasing results.

Facial Surgeries

Facial surgeries that can be performed by an oral surgeon include chin surgery, also known as genioplasty or chin repositioning (to correct chin alignment); ear surgery, also known as otoplasty (improve the position, shape, or proportion of the ear or ears); eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty (to improve the appearance of the eyelids); and lip enhancement to improve the appearance of your lips as well as your smile.

Oral surgeons can also perform facial liposuction — a common and popular procedure designed for the permanent removal of fatty tissue.

Beyond Dentistry

So yes, an oral surgeon is trained to do far more than remove wisdom teeth and set dental implants. We cover the entire range of the face, jaws, lips, and teeth. If you need cosmetic facial reconstruction, an oral surgeon is well-trained to deliver the results you are looking for.