Facectomy: Reshaping Your Jaw for a More Beautiful Smile

Facectomy, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a complex surgical procedure that involves the reshaping of the jawbone. This procedure is primarily used to correct misalignment of the jaws, which can lead to a number of functional and aesthetic problems. Facectomy can also be used to treat certain birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate.

Different Types of Facectomy

There are two main types of facectomy:

1. Maxillary osteotomy: This procedure involves the surgical repositioning of the upper jawbone. It is typically used to correct an overbite or underbite.

2. Mandibular osteotomy: This procedure involves the surgical repositioning of the lower jawbone. It is typically used to correct an overjet or retrognathism.

   

Benefits of Facectomy

Facectomy can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved facial symmetry
• Improved bite function
• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Improved speech
• Enhanced self-confidence

Risks and Complications of Facectomy

As with any surgical procedure, facectomy carries certain risks and complications. These include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Facial numbness
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty eating

Who is a Good Candidate for Facectomy?

Facectomy is typically recommended for people who have:

• A misaligned jaw that is causing functional problems, such as difficulty chewing or speaking
• A misaligned jaw that is affecting their appearance
• A birth defect, such as cleft lip or palate

Preparing for Facectomy

Before undergoing a facectomy, your surgeon will discuss the procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you have. They will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. In general, you will be asked to:

• Fast for 8 hours before surgery
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco for 24 hours before surgery
• Take any medications as directed by your surgeon

The Facectomy Procedure

Facectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes several hours to complete. During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions in your mouth and gums to access the jawbone. They will then carefully reposition the jawbone and secure it in place with plates and screws.

Recovery from Facectomy

After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, you will be given pain medication and antibiotics to help you recover. You will also be placed on a liquid diet until your jaw has healed enough to eat solid foods.

Most people experience some swelling and bruising after facectomy. This swelling typically peaks within the first 24-48 hours after surgery and gradually subsides over the next few weeks. You may also experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.

It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully during the recovery period. This will help to ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications.

Long-Term Outlook after Facectomy

The long-term outlook after facectomy is generally very good. Most people experience significant improvement in their facial appearance and function. They are also able to enjoy a better quality of life.

Stories

1. The Woman Who Couldn't Close Her Mouth

One woman who had facectomy was unable to close her mouth due to a misaligned jaw. After surgery, she was finally able to close her mouth and smile properly. She said that the surgery "changed her life."

2. The Man Who Couldn't Chew

One man who had facectomy was unable to chew properly due to a misaligned jaw. After surgery, he was able to chew food without pain and discomfort. He said that the surgery "was the best decision I ever made."

3. The Child Who Was Born with a Cleft Lip and Palate

One child who was born with a cleft lip and palate underwent facectomy to repair the defect. After surgery, the child was able to eat, speak, and smile normally. The child's parents said that the surgery "gave our child a new life."

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories illustrate the life-changing benefits of facectomy. If you are considering facectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Facectomy can be a life-changing surgery that can give you a more beautiful smile and a better quality of life.

Things to Avoid after Facectomy

There are a few things you should avoid after facectomy, including:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Chewing hard or sticky foods
• Playing contact sports
• Exposing your face to extreme heat or cold

Why is Facectomy Important?

Facectomy is important because it can correct a number of functional and aesthetic problems that can be caused by a misaligned jaw. These problems can include:

• Difficulty chewing and speaking
• Pain and discomfort
• Facial asymmetry
• Low self-confidence

How You Benefit from Facectomy

Facectomy can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved facial symmetry
• Improved bite function
• Reduced pain and discomfort
• Improved speech
• Enhanced self-confidence

Pros and Cons of Facectomy

Pros:

• Can correct a number of functional and aesthetic problems
• Can improve your quality of life
• Relatively low risk of complications

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Requires a long recovery period
• Can cause some discomfort and pain

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to recover from facectomy?
A: Most people recover from facectomy within 6-8 weeks.

Q: What is the success rate of facectomy?
A: The success rate of facectomy is very high. Most people experience significant improvement in their facial appearance and function.

Q: Is facectomy painful?
A: Facectomy can be painful, but most people manage the pain with pain medication.

Call to Action

If you are considering facectomy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. Facectomy can be a life-changing surgery that can give you a more beautiful smile and a better quality of life.

References

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Tables

Table 1: Types of Facectomy

Table 2: Benefits of Facectomy

Table 3: Risks and Complications of Facectomy