Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons specialise in the treatment of facial, mouth and jaw disorders such as cancer, salivary gland disease, trauma, facial and jaw joint pain, and facial disfigurement and deformity.  They are also trained in reconstructive and microsurgery harvesting other parts of their patients¡¯ bodies such as ribs and hips to rebuild the face.  It is the job of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons not only to save lives but also to save faces.

Facial surgery is challenging not only because of its intricacy, but also because the surgery has a profound effect on the patient¡¯s psyche – the ability to be accepted within society so often depends on facial appearance.  For example, patients with facial deformity are usually shy and reclusive before surgery.  The surgery transforms them emotionally and, like every metamorphosis, their true character and psychological potential is released from the constraints of their pre-surgical facial appearance.   Patients who suffer facial trauma may forever be haunted by the events leading to their injury simply by examining their face in the mirror each morning.  Patients with facial cancer not only have to cope with a life threatening disease, but also with treatment which will have visible effects on their facial appearance, and affect their speech and diet.