Maxillofacial surgery in Colombia is one of the most comprehensive and in-demand dental specialties, both by local patients and international visitors seeking high-quality medical care, safe procedures, and competitive prices. This field combines knowledge from dentistry, plastic surgery, general medicine, and facial orthopedics, making it an integrated specialty for the treatment of various conditions affecting the face, mouth, jaw, and neck.
In this article, we will explain what maxillofacial surgery is, when it is indicated, how it is performed, what the prices for maxillofacial surgery are in Colombia, what care you should take before and after the procedure, and how to choose the right specialist. We will also review recommended cities for this type of surgery, highlighting Armenia as an ideal destination for safe and excellent results.
What is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating pathologies, deformities, trauma, and anomalies that affect the stomatognathic system, which includes the organs and structures related to chewing, speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics.
It is a complex discipline that requires years of professional training, including general dentistry degrees, specialization in maxillofacial surgery, and clinical training in advanced surgical techniques.
Maxillofacial procedures can be functional, reconstructive, or aesthetic, and are often combined with other specialties such as orthodontics, implantology, or facial plastic surgery.
What Problems Does a Maxillofacial Surgeon Treat?
Severe Malocclusions
Dental and mandibular alignment problems that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. These cases require orthognathic surgery to properly align the jaws.
Facial Asymmetries
When one part of the face is disproportionate to the other, affecting both aesthetics and functions like chewing and speech.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Chronic pain, jaw blockages, or functional deviations that require surgery when they do not respond to conservative treatments.
Facial Fractures
Injuries resulting from accidents or trauma affecting the maxilla, jaw, cheekbones, or eye socket.
Tumors, Cysts, and Complex Oral Pathologies
Extraction of benign tumors, jaw cysts, biopsies, and complex surgical resections.
Cleft Lip and Palate Correction
Reconstructive procedures to restore facial functionality and aesthetics in patients with congenital malformations.
Placement of Implants in Patients with Severe Bone Loss
In combination with bone grafts and regenerative techniques to ensure proper implant integration.
How is a Maxillofacial Surgery Procedure Performed?
Maxillofacial surgery can be outpatient or require hospitalization, depending on its complexity. The process is generally divided into the following phases:
1. Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
This includes a medical history, panoramic X-rays, 3D tomography, and cephalometric studies. At Odontomurillo, we perform a complete evaluation before treatment to ensure proper planning.
2. Surgical Planning
Specialized software is used to simulate the final result, plan bone cuts, movements, and adjustments. This step is essential in orthognathic surgery.
3. Surgical Procedure
Depending on the case, the intervention can be performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation or general anesthesia. The duration varies between 1 and 5 hours.
4. Postoperative Recovery
The first few days are crucial for healing. A soft diet, rest, medications, and follow-up are required. Most patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
How Much Does Maxillofacial Surgery Cost in Colombia?
The prices for maxillofacial surgery in Colombia vary widely depending on the city, the complexity of the procedure, the treating surgeon, and whether hospitalization is required.
This difference makes patients from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe opt to travel for their treatment in Colombia.
Pre and Postoperative Care
Before Surgery:
- General medical exams.
- Discontinue anticoagulant medications.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Follow a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
After Surgery:
- Apply ice for the first 48 hours.
- Maintain a soft diet for 7-10 days.
- Avoid intense physical exertion.
- Attend follow-up appointments on time.
- Take medications as prescribed.
At Odontomurillo, we provide close support before, during, and after each intervention, with a personalized recovery plan.
Ideal Patient Profile and Contraindications
Maxillofacial surgery is indicated for individuals who:
- Have bone disorders affecting chewing function or facial aesthetics.
- Have chronic pain or functional limitations in the jaw.
- Suffered facial trauma with structural sequelae.
- Have not responded to conventional orthodontic or medical treatments.
- Seek facial aesthetic improvement with a medical and structural approach.
Common Contraindications:
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases.
- Uncontrolled diabetes.
- Bleeding disorders.
- Active infections.
- Advanced pregnancy.
A thorough preoperative examination and lab tests can identify and minimize any associated risks.
How to Choose a Good Maxillofacial Surgeon in Colombia?
Review their credentials
Make sure the specialist is registered with the National Health Workforce Registry (ReTHUS) and has training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Verify their clinical experience
Request clinical cases, before and after images, and testimonials from other patients.
Check if they offer postoperative follow-up
A reliable surgeon is committed to supporting you throughout the process, even if you are an international patient.
Evaluate the clinic’s infrastructure
The clinic should meet the Ministry of Health’s regulations, have modern technology, and follow biosecurity protocols.
At Odontomurillo, Dr. Gabriel Murillo works with certified maxillofacial surgery specialists with extensive experience, ensuring safe, functional, and aesthetic procedures.
Armenia as the Ideal Destination for Maxillofacial Surgery
If you’re considering maxillofacial surgery in Colombia, Armenia is a city that combines the best of specialized care with a tranquil, safe, and accessible environment.
- High-level clinics with affordable prices.
- Personalized care without waiting lists.
- Lower cost of living compared to major cities.
- Proximity to tourist attractions like the Cocora Valley and Coffee Park.
- Accessibility by air from Bogotá and Medellín.
In addition, at Odontomurillo, Dr. Gabriel Murillo’s approach allows for complementary procedures such as implants, oral rehabilitation, and smile design, optimizing time and results for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maxillofacial Surgery in Colombia
No. During the procedure, local or general anesthesia is used. Postoperatively, pain is managed with medication.
It depends on the type of surgery. For orthognathic surgeries, recovery time may be 2 to 4 weeks. Minor procedures only require a few days.
Yes. In fact, many international patients do so. At Odontomurillo, we can combine surgery, implants, orthodontics, or veneers as needed.
Only for complex cases. Many surgeries can be performed in-office with sedation and discharged the same day.
Conclusion
Maxillofacial surgery in Colombia is an excellent option for those seeking to improve their quality of life, functionality, and facial aesthetics with safe procedures, qualified professionals, and reasonable costs. Thanks to the quality of Colombian dentists, their multidisciplinary training, and the infrastructure of clinics like Odontomurillo, more and more international patients are choosing our country as their treatment destination.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, ask specific questions, or know more about a personalized treatment plan, feel free to contact us. We are ready to assist you with closeness, professionalism, and commitment to your well-being.