Facial surgery: information & facial surgeons

Facial surgery is part of oral and maxillofacial surgery, also abbreviated as " maxillofacial surgery". This specialist area includes the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the jaw

• of the jaw,
• the teeth,
• the oral cavity,
• the face,
• the eyes,
• the brain and
• the ears

The MKG also deals with aesthetic therapy. This is used for malformations, changes or as treatment for the consequences of accidents.

Facial surgery therefore includes

• Areas such as the mouth, jaw, teeth and the face itself
• Diagnosis and treatment of accidents, malformations and injuries
• Collaboration with specialists in adjacent organs (eyes, brain, ears)
• Elements of plastic surgery

As maxillofacial surgery encompasses many different areas and organs, close interdisciplinary cooperation is required.

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) is part of maxillofacial surgery © InsideCreativeHouse | AdobeStock

Which doctors work in facial surgery?

In Germany, there are special specialists for maxillofacial surgery. However, a number of requirements must be met in order to obtain this specialist title.

Thebasic requirement is a degree in human medicine and dentistry. This is one of the reasons why dual licenses are not uncommon in German-speaking countries. These degree courses are followed by a five-year period of further training.

In the further course, the doctor can also acquire additional qualifications in the field of plastic surgery.

What does a facial surgeon treat?

Facial surgery is a combination of different specialist disciplines. The range of treatments is therefore very diverse.

Maxillofacial surgery is required, for example, for complicated jaw fractures or tumor diseases where bone substance needs to be rebuilt. Accidents or illnesses can cause functional disorders when chewing or swallowing. Maxillofacial surgery is also used here.

Basically, it should be noted that facial surgery is a very diverse medical field, as many specialist areas come together here.

First-class qualifications and interdisciplinary collaboration, for example with

• ear, nose and throat specialists,
• dentists or
• oncologists

are therefore of crucial importance.