Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat facial areas affected aesthetically or functionally by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities or trauma. Without adequate maxillofacial reconstruction, patients often suffer from decreased quality of life related to impaired speech and deformities.

Although oral surgery is mainly used to correct functional problems, it can also dramatically enhance your appearance and improve your quality of life. The latest in dental technology provides the tools and techniques needed to reduce recovery time and maximise results. Reconstructive surgery can help improve your ability to chew, speak, and breathe, as well as restore self-confidence.

Types of major reconstructive surgery

The maxilla is the upper part of the jaw bone. Surgery to remove the maxilla is called a maxillectomy. A maxillectomy can be used to treat cancer of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or maxillary sinuses (pockets found in the bones of the face). In some cases, a maxillectomy can cause disfiguration. In these cases, Prof. Hendricks is able to perform a special reconstructive surgery using an advanced technique called curvilinear distraction osteogenesis. During this procedure, Prof. Hendricks corrects complex mandibular deformities with a special device called an internal distractor.

Mandibulectomy is a removal of part of the jaw bone called the mandible. This surgery is performed when cancer is involved with or close to involving the jaw bone. The defect is then reconstructed with bones from another body part or metal plates.

Jaw surgery corrects irregularities of the jaw bones and realigns the teeth and jaws to improve the way they look and function. Making these corrections may also enhance your facial appearance.

Jaw surgery may be a solution if you have jaw problems that can't be resolved with orthodontics alone. Prof. Hendricks uses a specialised technique called Free vascularised fibular grafting (FVFG) to reconstruct the jaw. During the procedure, Prof. Hendricks replaces dead bone with structurally sound bone grafted from a patient’s own fibula (calf bone).

Aftercare

After surgery, most people remain in the hospital for 1 to 4 days. When you’re able to leave the hospital, Prof. Hendricks will give you instructions for eating, drinking and maintaining oral hygiene. It’s important to follow these instructions very carefully during recovery.

After your surgery, it’s normal to experience stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in your face and jaw. These after-effects should go away over time. To ease these symptoms, Prof. Hendricks will prescribe medications.

In some instances, you may experience numbness in your top or bottom lip. This is usually temporary and will go away over a period of weeks or months.

Initial healing after surgery typically takes about six weeks after surgery, but complete healing can take up to 12 weeks.