When most people think of plastic surgery, they imagine cosmetic surgeons reshaping noses or lifting faces.
But did you know that oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also trained to perform many types of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries?
In fact, maxillofacial surgeons are among the few specialists with dual expertise in dentistry and facial surgery, bridging the gap between function and aesthetics.
Let’s understand how their role overlaps with plastic surgery — and when you should see one.
A Maxillofacial Surgeon (also called an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon) is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.
Their training includes:
Dental degree (BDS or DDS)
Postgraduate surgical training in oral and maxillofacial surgery
Expertise in reconstructive, trauma, and cosmetic facial surgery
Essentially, they are dental surgeons with advanced surgical training — making them experts in both oral function and facial aesthetics.
Yes, a maxillofacial surgeon can perform plastic and reconstructive surgeries — especially those related to the face, mouth, and jaw.
Common Procedures Include:
Facial Trauma Reconstruction
Fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or eye socket
Laceration repair and scar correction
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
Correcting jaw alignment, overbite, or underbite
Improving facial symmetry and bite function
Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Chin augmentation (genioplasty)
Cheekbone enhancement
Lip reconstruction or correction
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Restoring function and appearance in congenital conditions
Dental Implant Surgery & Bone Grafting
Reconstructing jaw bone structure for prosthetics
TMJ (Jaw Joint) Surgery
Relieving chronic jaw pain and movement restriction
These procedures require both surgical precision and aesthetic understanding — skills a maxillofacial surgeon is uniquely trained for.
| Aspect | Maxillofacial Surgeon | Plastic Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Dentistry (BDS/DDS) + Surgical Specialization | MBBS + Plastic Surgery (MCh/MS) |
| Focus Area | Mouth, jaw, face, teeth, neck | Entire body (face, breast, abdomen, etc.) |
| Common Procedures | Facial trauma, jaw surgery, implants | Cosmetic body & facial reconstruction |
| Aesthetic Skills | Strong focus on facial bone structure | Broad cosmetic expertise |
| Overlap | Facial reconstruction, cleft repair, trauma | Facial aesthetics, scar correction |
Both specializations overlap in facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, but maxillofacial surgeons focus more on structural and functional correction.
You should see a maxillofacial surgeon if you have:
Facial fractures or trauma
Jaw alignment issues
Cleft lip or palate
Dental implant or bone loss concerns
Facial asymmetry or deformities
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain
They are ideal when your condition involves both aesthetic and functional restoration.
At Aartas Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, our specialists combine surgical expertise with artistry to deliver natural-looking results.
We offer:
Facial trauma management
Cosmetic jaw and chin surgeries
Dental implants and bone reconstruction
Minimally invasive aesthetic corrections
Our goal is to help you look good, feel confident, and restore full facial function.
So yes — a maxillofacial surgeon can perform plastic surgery, especially when it involves the face, mouth, or jaw.
They are uniquely trained to balance function, structure, and aesthetics — making them ideal for both reconstructive and cosmetic facial needs.
If you’re looking for expert maxillofacial and aesthetic care in Delhi NCR, visit Aartas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic for advanced, patient-focused treatments.
Q1. Is a maxillofacial surgeon the same as a plastic surgeon?
A: Not exactly. Both perform facial surgeries, but a maxillofacial surgeon focuses more on the jaw, mouth, and facial bones, while a plastic surgeon covers the entire body.
Q2. Can a maxillofacial surgeon perform cosmetic facial surgery?
A: Yes, they can perform facial cosmetic procedures like jawline correction, chin reshaping, and scar revisions.
Q3. Do maxillofacial surgeons perform nose jobs (rhinoplasty)?
A: Some advanced oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform limited nasal or facial cosmetic surgeries, depending on their training and certification.
Q4. What’s the difference between an oral surgeon and a maxillofacial surgeon?
A: Oral surgeons primarily handle dental extractions and implants, while maxillofacial surgeons are qualified for complex facial and reconstructive surgeries.
