Differences Between A Maxillofacial Surgeon And A Plastic Surgeon

In the world of surgical expertise, the distinctions between maxillofacial and plastic surgeons are often blurred, leaving many people uncertain about which specialist to approach for their needs. Most individuals don’t realize the specific skill sets and areas of focus that set these two types of surgeons apart. This confusion can lead to hesitation and misinformed decisions when seeking the right care for facial injuries, reconstructive needs, or cosmetic enhancements. 

This guide aims to demystify the roles of maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, providing clarity on their unique specialties and helping you make informed decisions about which expert to consult for your specific issues.

Definitions and Areas of Expertise

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon:

Maxillofacial surgeons focus on fixing jaw problems and improving how the facial functions work. 

Areas of Expertise: They specialize in:

• Rectifying improper jaw alignments
• Facial reconstructive surgery
• Cosmetic facial surgery
• Treating face and jaw infection
• Jaw cysts and tumour treatment

These experts are also highly trained in anesthesia and pain management, ensuring you can comfortably walk out of the office after your procedure. 

Plastic Surgeon:

A plastic surgeon specializes in surgeries that improve a person’s appearance and function, focusing on cosmetic procedures across the entire body.

Areas of Expertise: Their specialties include:

• Liposuction
  
  
• Breast augmentation
• Flap reconstruction
• Burns
• Diabetes wound management

Training and Certification

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon:

Maxillofacial surgeons undergo specialized training in maxillofacial surgery. Here is a glimpse into the education and training they undergo:

1. Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

The journey to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon begins with completing the HSC examination from a recognized board and selecting the science stream with physics, chemistry, and biology. 

2. College Entrance Exams

Next, they need to pass the necessary college entrance exams to become eligible for admission. After securing good ranks in the entrance exam, they may need to pass personal and group interviews and attend counseling sessions.

Here are some of the entrance exams:

• Delhi University Medical-Dental Entrance Test
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
• Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences Entrance Exam
• Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka Under Graduate Entrance Test

3. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree

Enroll in a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, comprising four academic years and one internship year. This program trains students to diagnose and treat oral and maxillofacial conditions. After earning their BDS degree, they can pursue a surgical career in the private or governmental sector or further their studies for advanced qualifications.

4. A Master’s Degree

After completing BDS, they take the NEET for the MDS in oral and maxillofacial surgery. High scores are crucial for admission. Then, they need to obtain a permanent dental license from their state dental council and attend interviews and counseling sessions. This three-year specialization hones advanced surgical skills.

5. Consider Obtaining a Doctorate Degree

An MDS in oral and maxillofacial surgery is required for pursuing a PhD, which takes three years. Admission depends on seat availability and college policy, including stipends. Some colleges may require at least two years of general professional dental practice.

6. Earn Further Credentials

Students can enhance their qualifications through short-term certification courses in oral implantology, minor oral surgery, and root canal preparation. They may also pursue a two-year oral and maxillofacial surgery diploma, typically requiring a BDS or MDS degree and professional clinical experience.

Plastic Surgeon:

Choosing the best plastic surgeon in India involves ensuring they have the essential qualifications and certifications, typically requiring over a decade of training in this highly competitive field.

Here are the qualifications and training a plastic surgeon undergoes:

1. Medical Degree (MBBS):

The MBBS degree is a five-and-a-half-year program that gives aspiring plastic surgeons essential medical knowledge and clinical training, building a solid foundation in medical sciences.

2. Postgraduate Degree (MS/MD):

The Master of Surgery (MS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD)MS or MD in Plastic Surgery is a three-year program providing hands-on training, clinical rotations, and research.

3. Plastic Surgery Residency (MCh/DNB):

The Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) and DNB in Plastic Surgery are three-year residency programs providing specialized training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, recognized nationally.

4. Fellowship and Super-Specialization:

Plastic surgeons can pursue 1-2 year fellowships in subspecialties like aesthetic, hand, craniofacial, microsurgery, and burn reconstruction to enhance their expertise.

5. Membership and Certification from Professional Bodies: 

Plastic surgeons can join the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) for certification and to stay updated on advancements, research, and best practices.

Common Procedures Performed by Maxillofacial Surgeons

Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform procedures such as:

1. Incision and drainage: This is done to treat jaw infections resulting from teeth and gums. It prevents these infections from spreading to the cheek, neck, and other facial areas.
2. Removal of Jaw Cysts: Jaw cysts typically develop without symptoms and progress slowly. They are often detected during routine radiographic or clinical exams. Surgical intervention is typically recommended by maxillofacial surgeons for all cysts.
3. Joint lavage with arthroscopy: This is performed for more severe cases of jaw joints involving synovitis and disc adhesions. For early-stage jaw joint issues, treatment can involve only medications and physiotherapy 
4. Dental occlusion: Facial bone fractures and injuries require prompt treatment to prevent lasting facial deformities and loss of function. Maxillofacial surgeons perform dental occlusion procedures to address these injuries effectively.
5. Benign Jaw Tumors Surgery: During surgery, the jaw tumor is removed along with nearby teeth, tissue, and jawbone, sending it to a lab for examination. A pathologist then examines the tissue and provides a diagnosis immediately, allowing the surgeon to take immediate action based on this information.
6. Cosmetic facial surgery: It enhances facial profiles through a scientific and minimally invasive procedure that minimizes risks and discomfort. The surgery involves repositioning facial features inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.
7. Reconstructive facial surgery: It restores lost jaw function and facial shape after tumors, cancers, or infections, using advanced techniques like microvascular reconstruction or patient-specific titanium implants for dental rehabilitation.

Common Procedures Performed By A Plastic Surgeon

During their medical training, plastic surgeons learn various cosmetic procedures, including:

1. Facelift: Rejuvenates a youthful appearance by tightening loose skin caused by aging.
2. Brow lift: Repositions the forehead to reduce creases, frown lines, and sagging eyebrows.
3. Blepharoplasty: Removes excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue from the eyelids.
4. Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to enhance appearance or address medical issues like difficulty in breathing.
5. Hair transplant: Adds fullness to the scalp by transplanting hair from other body parts.
   
   
6. Botox injections and dermal fillers: Administer products like Botox or Juvaderm to correct facial wrinkles and fine lines.
7. Laser treatments: Procedures like hair removal or treatment for spider veins
8. Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat deposits from specific areas of the body

Conclusion

Choosing the best surgeon for your jaw surgery is critical and requires careful consideration. Understanding the fundamental differences between plastic and maxillofacial surgeons is essential for making an informed decision that meets your needs and goals.

To identify a qualified professional, conduct extensive research, and examine their qualifications, experience, patient testimonials, and ability to tackle functional and aesthetic concerns.

Conditions like treating facial fractures, realigning upper and lower jaws, and treating jaw cysts and tumours require the expertise of skilled maxillofacial surgeons. At Gnathos Facial, we deliver advanced care to patients using minimally invasive techniques to reduce the possibility of scars and complications. 

With the correct maxillofacial surgeon and sufficient post-operative care, you can attain facial harmony and reap the benefits of a successful procedure for your specific issues, whether jaw cysts or facial fractures.