Maxillofacial surgery can be considered cosmetic or therapeutic depending on why it is being done.  If the surgery is done solely to improve the appearance, then it is considered cosmetic.  An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) is qualified to treat issues of bone and soft tissue concerning the entire head and neck.  The OMS has degrees in both medicine and dentistry.  They may also choose to undergo further training in cosmetic facial surgery, among others.

Facial cosmetic surgery is performed to correct physical malformations resulting from aging, disease, trauma and birth defects, to improve appearance, and to help restore normal function.  Cosmetic surgery of the head and neck includes:

  • Facelift / rhytidectomy
  • Brow Lift
  • Eyelids / blepharoplasty/Asian blepharoplasty
  • Ear pinning / otoplasty
  • Nose / rhinoplasty
  • Septoplasty (deviated nasal septum)
  • Cheek augmentation or reduction
  • Chin augmentation
  • Chin reshaping / genioplasty
  • Orbit/Eye Socket / oculoplastics
  • Facial asymmetry (orthognathic surgery)
  • Face and neck liposuction
  • Lip enhancement
  • Injectable cosmetic treatments (Botox, fillers)
  • Chemical peel and other skin treatments

Injuries to the face generate a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma.  Maxillofacial surgeons are also trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial injuries.  The science and art involved in treating these injuries requires special training and an understanding of how the treatment will affect the patient’s long-term appearance and function.

Another maxillofacial surgery of a cosmetic nature is Facial Feminization.  This is done to alter facial bone and soft tissue to create features that are more feminine in nature.  The techniques used in FFS include several surgical procedures common in maxillofacial and reconstructive surgery as well as in general plastic and cosmetic surgery.  Some of these procedures are:

  • Brow lift
  • Hairline correction
  • Forehead contouring (male brow bossing)
  • Orbital rim contouring/reduction
  • Rhinoplasty (nose job)
  • Cheek implants
  • Lip augmentation
  • Chin and jaw contouring
  • Adam’s apple reduction
  • Face and eye lifts

The new reality TV show, “I am Cait”, featuring former Olympics champion, Caitlyn (Bruce) Jenner, has helped make facial feminization surgery a recognized concept.  The surgery is not only for transgender women like Jenner, however, but is also sought by women who have overly masculine features.  Actually, FFS can be for anyone who wishes to become more attractive by harmonizing or softening the underlying bone and soft tissue structure which creates the shape and features of their face.

Since your maxillofacial surgeon is also a skilled dentist, you can easily combine your dental and cosmetic needs with one provider.

If you are interested in facial cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica, fill out the “Find a Dentist” form on this page.  One of our patient advocates will reply to your needs.