What is Maxillofacial Surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery in Lima, Peru, is a specialty in medical surgery focused on solving all existing conditions or malformations in the maxillofacial structure. This structure is made up of the skull, mouth, teeth, jaws, face, head and neck.

Maxillofacial surgery is dedicated to the study, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of congenital or acquired conditions in the mentioned areas.

Our specialist maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Alfredo Zuiko, is a highly qualified specialist in complex surgeries, including:

  • Jaw fractures
  • Facial asymmetry surgeries
  • Orthognathic surgery
  • Chin reduction
  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Highly complex dental extractions
  • Combo treatments with orthodontics (brackets) and surgery.

Dr Alfredo Zuiko

Dr Alfredo Zuiko, specialist in Maxillofacial surgeries

HOW DID MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY ORIGINATE?

This is an interesting fact! The origins of maxillofacial surgery date back to 3000 years BC. Past generations also had the need to correct certain diseases or maxillofacial deformities. Therefore, they began to discover and innovate new techniques to correct these problems.

However, it was Simon Hulihen (1860) who made the greatest discoveries. He is considered the father of maxillofacial surgery, due to his multiple publications on maxillary fracture, tooth extraction and orthognathic surgery.

Later, after the Second World War, maxillofacial surgery became a specialty in Europe. Likewise, a great advance is achieved in endosseous dental implants, biomaterials, ontogenic distraction, among others.

This specialty was gaining more popularity until it arrived in Latin America around 1940.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATED WITH MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY?

There are many pathologies that can be treated whether they be tumors, traumas, degeneration or aging. The most commons are:

  1. Maxillary or mandibular bone loss
  2. Facial trauma (after an accident, for example)
  3. Head and neck tumors
  4. Temporomandibular joint pathologies
  5. Problems in the salivary glands and in the oral mucosa
  6. Jaw reconstruction

Maxillofacial Surgery

Evaluation and Diagnosis

First, our specialist, Dr. Alfredo Zuiko, will perform a series of exams and diagnosis. It is important to know the current condition of the jaw. Then, he determines which is the best intervention according to your case.

Planning

It is essential to plan the entire process in detail. There are cases that not only require a maxillofacial surgeon but also an orthodontist to achieve a better result and align the bite.

Orthodontics (if required)

This part depends on the type surgery that the patient needs. For example, if you need orthognathic surgery, then the first step is usually to place braces to correct the position and alignment of the teeth.

Surgical intervention

Dr. Alfredo Zuiko will perform the maxillofacial surgery that the patient needs. Specialized x-rays will be required and we take 3D tomography scans in our clinic. However, it may be necessary to study other types of scans before proceeding with a complex surgery. This will be discussed in person at the consultation.

Postoperative

Each surgery has a different post-care period. It is important to follow all the doctor’s instructions to avoid any inconveniences. In addition, the more complex procedures require special after care for a longer period of time.

Sound good? Get in touch!

There are many pathologies that can be solved with maxillofacial surgery. If you think you need one, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can schedule an appointment or you can ask us what you need.

We are also on WhatsApp for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

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