Maxillofacial surgery grew from the work of mentor surgeons who concentrated their attention on deformities of the jaws and facial skeleton. Modern maxillofacial surgery has expanded into multiple pathological aspects of the oral cavity, face, and craniofacial regions.
Particular attention is paid to the study and care of:

• Oral cavity, facial, and craniofacial tumours (see site-specific part).
• Facial paralysis (see site-specific part).
• Lesions of the nerves of the oral cavity (see site-specific part).
• Oral, face, and skull reconstruction.
• Reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible by bone grafting to enable the placement of dental implants (see site-specific part).
• Trauma to the facial skeleton and soft tissues (mimetic muscles, nerves, glands, skin).
• Disorders of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid and submandibular glands. The most common surgical pathology is pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, which is now treated with a well-hidden incision (face lift-type) and a simultaneous microsurgical search for and preservation of the facial nerve and its tiny branches. Submandibular gland stones are another frequent pathology to be treated surgically (see site-specific part)
• Deformities of the jaws, including prognathism (excessive growth of the lower jaw forward). Development of the facial bones or parts of them may cause alterations. Their surgical correction, together with orthodontic treatment, allows the harmonisation of facial contours and proportions.
• Facial malformations: clefts of the lip and palate are the most common (otomandibular dysostosis is less common). Their early treatment allows restoration of the harmony of the lip and nose, also enabling the development of normal speech ability. Several different specialists in a dedicated multidisciplinary team interact to enhance results and reach a normal quality of life. Malformations of the skull, such as craniosynostosis and craniofacial synostosis (Apert and Crouzon syndromes) are less frequent and must be treated in collaboration with neurosurgeons.
• Orbital and eyelid disorders. Graves’ disease
• Other rare disorders.

Collaboration with colleagues from disciplines that complement the study and treatment of the head and neck region, such as neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, dentists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, vascular surgeons, and speech therapists, enable approaches to these pathologies that are the most effective and appropriate, leading to the best therapeutic solution.