Facial Reconstruction Surgery

In many cases, yes. Facial reconstructive surgery is often considered medically necessary when it addresses functional impairments or health issues, such as difficulty chewing, breathing, or speaking. Because of this, many medical insurance plans and some dental plans may cover part or all of the procedure.

At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our insurance coordinators work closely with you to:

• Help verify your benefits and eligibility
• Submit pre-authorizations and documentation
• File insurance claims on your behalf or help you with filings
• Coordinate coverage with both medical and dental insurance, if applicable

Insurance paperwork can seem overwhelming, but we can help make the process easier. If your procedure includes cosmetic components, we’ll also walk you through financing options for any out-of-pocket costs.

The most common types of patient cases that require facial reconstruction:

• Being born with facial abnormalities, such as a congenital or developmental abnormality that causes facial asymmetry.
• Having an upper and lower jaw that did not grow at the same rate, resulting in facial imbalance.
• Suffering from an accident or injury that resulted in facial trauma, such as facial lacerations, avulsed or knocked out teeth, and bone injuries, including fractured cheekbones, jaw bones, eye sockets, palates, and noses.
• Pathology that results in the loss of part of your jaw, such as a tumor or cancer.
• Having temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as significant pain, due to a misaligned or mismatched bite.
• Being cosmetically unsatisfied with the appearance or proportions of your face.

No matter what facial concern you are interested in restoring with maxillofacial reconstruction, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery can help you with a customized treatment plan.

The recovery time after facial reconstructive surgery depends on the complexity of your procedure and your personal healing timeline. Minor soft tissue corrections may take just a few days to heal, while more complex procedures like jaw reconstruction may require several weeks of recovery.

We provide customized post-operative instructions, support, and 24/7 access to our team if any questions or concerns arise during your recovery. We always want you to be fully comfortable and confident in your care and recovery.

Yes, absolutely. One of the key advantages of seeing a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for facial reconstructive surgery is our expertise in both the form and function of the jaw, face, and head. This means we don’t just improve the way your features look—we also ensure proper function.

Reconstructive procedure could help you:

• Breathe easier by correcting structural blockages
• Chew and speak more effectively by restoring jaw and bite alignment
• Relieve chronic pain in the jaw, face, or head caused by trauma, imbalance, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
• Regain facial symmetry for a more natural and confident appearance
• Feel more like yourself again after an injury, surgery, or condition that altered your face

Our surgeons use advanced imaging, precision surgical techniques, and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver results that are functional, aesthetic, and long-lasting—so you don’t have to choose between health and confidence.

After maxillofacial surgery, it’s crucial to focus on nourishing your body without stressing your surgical sites with gentle, easy-to-digest foods. Soft foods such as blended soups, creamy oatmeal, steamed vegetables, and tender proteins, like scrambled eggs or soft fish, are ideal. Avoid anything tough, chewy, or overly hot that could irritate sensitive tissues. Drinking plenty of fluids is important, but steer clear of straws to prevent disrupting your healing. Your surgeon will provide personalized dietary recommendations to ensure you get the nutrients you need while protecting your recovery.