Surgical treatment to repair deformities or trauma of the head and face (craniofacial). There are four major bones of the face: the maxilla, the zygoma, the mandible, and the frontal bone of the cranium. Surgery specifics depend on the type and severity of deformity or injury.

Pieces of bone (bone grafts) may be taken from the pelvis, ribs, or skull to fill in the spaces where bones of the face and head have been moved. Small metal screws and plates may be used to hold the bones in place. The jaws may be wired together to hold the new bone positions in place.

Those who have suffered:

• Birth defects (such as hypertelorism, Crouzon's disease, Apert's syndrome)
• Injuries to the head, face, or jaws (maxillofacial)
• Tumors
• Deformities caused by treatments of tumors

All surgery carries risk, and you should be fully aware of the medical risks associated with this procedure before you consent to surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation, and you are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

More details about your consultation and tips on coming to Bumrungrad in the Consultation section of our Getting Your Procedure page.

You will be required to sign a consent form before surgery stating that you have been informed of the risks involved; that you understand those risks; and that you accept those risks. This is standard hospital protocol and surgery will not be performed if you do not sign.

You can find hospital forms on our the Forms section of our Getting Your Procedure page.

It is your obligation to inform your surgeon of key medical information that may influence the outcome of your surgery or may increase the level of risk. These include medications you are taking, history of disease, medical complications, etc.

Risks and risk rates vary from patient to patient depending on a range of factors. No two people are alike. The risks listed below are possible risks associated with this type of surgery and are mentioned regardless of how remote the possibility:

Bleeding. Infection. Nerve damage (cranial nerve dysfunction). Permanent scarring. Partial or total loss of bone grafts. Need for follow-up surgery.

The FAQ question "What are the risks of plastic and cosmetic surgery?" has additional details on risks and how to minimize them.

Time required: 4 - 12 hours
Anesthesia: General

Temporary swelling of the face, mouth, or neck. Temporary blockage of the airway requiring tracheotomy.

Depending on the extent of surgery and need for close monitoring of the airway, the first 2 days after surgery may be spent in the intensive care unit. Without complications, most patients are able to leave hospital within 1 week.

Complete healing: Up to 6 weeks.

Please note that this information should be used only as a guide to your treatment. All specifics will be discussed with your Physician at your consultation.

If you have questions that are not answered in this website, then please contact us.