At any stage after the breast augmentation cosmetic surgery, a woman may consider breast implant removal due to aesthetic, emotional, or medical reasons. When considering a breast implant removal procedure, the woman should be in good overall health and not pregnant or nursing.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides breast implant removal to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations. 

Removal Due to Inappropriate Implants

The original breast implant surgery may not always create the results that a patient desires. This may occur due to a variety of reasons, such as inappropriate implant shape, type, or size.

After the implant surgery (in an exceptional case) the woman may feel that she was happier with the natural shape of her breasts, or that the new larger breasts are impacting her ability to undertake specific activities. 

Women experiencing such problems could be suitable candidates for breast implant removal surgery. At times, the woman may not be happy with the shape, size, or type of her new implants. She may feel that the implants are too large or excessively small, or the profile or shape may not be suitable. In these cases, the woman may be a candidate for breast implant removal cosmetic surgery. 

Following the implant removal, the patient may sometimes choose to get new, more appropriate implants. Silicone breast implants were approved by the FDA a few years after they approved saline implants. 

Today, they are more sought-after than saline implants because of their superior touch and feel. Certain patients may want implant removal and subsequent replacement with silicone implants.

Surgical Complications Necessitating Removal

At times, a woman may experience complications related to breast implants after their breast enhancement surgery. This may happen at any stage after the surgery.  The risk of complications is greatly reduced in the hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. But complications may still develop even many years after the original procedure. 

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens. These types of cases may necessitate scar tissue or implant removal surgery. Correlating with this, the patient may choose to undergo an implant replacement procedure after the removal. Implants may deflate, rupture, or leak because of natural wear and tear or defects in the implant itself. 

Implant rippling may occur due to the thinning of skin across the breast or hormonal fluctuations. Sometimes the breast implant may move from their original position to create a lopsided breast appearance. In such cases, the patient may need to undergo implant removal surgery.

Other Candidates for Implant Removal

There are other considerations that may make some women poignant candidates for breast implant removal surgery. A cancer diagnosis may necessitate breast implant removal to ensure that the patient receives cancer treatment in an effective manner. Changes in cosmetic preferences or lifestyle may also lead some women to consider breast implant removal surgery.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

While deciding to undergo breast augmentation surgery, chances are that a woman or the patient may not consider that one day the breast implants may need to be removed. 

However, many women with breast implants might later decide to have them removed. Lifestyle changes, a breast cancer diagnosis, or experiencing complications such as capsular contraction can be a few reasons for seeking breast implant removal. This situation is certainly not the rarest thing in the world. 

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides breast implant removal to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

What is breast implant removal?

Breast implant removal surgery is a procedure that reverses breast enhancement. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the breast implant or revises their size or shape. 

Many women who have received breast implant surgery will need another breast revision procedure at some point. These procedures include:

• Implant removal and replacement with new implants
• Repositioning of the existing plants
• Removal of the implants without replacement

In case a patient has had complications with her breast implants (including infection or capsular contracture), the cosmetic surgeon may recommend the removal of the breast implants.

Who is breast implant removal surgery appropriate for?

Women usually choose to have their breast implants removed for the below-mentioned reasons:

• Implant complications: Complications related to breast implants include implant rupture, folding, or deflation (if the implants comprise saline).
• Personal decision: Some women may feel that their breasts implants are the wrong shape or size. The implants may have shifted from the original position over time because of weight loss, weight gain, or pregnancy.
• Other complications: Capsular contracture, tension bands asymmetry, leakage of silicone, displacement, and infection.

What does breast implant removal surgery involve?

Breast implant removal surgery is performed using general anesthesia and usually takes between one and three hours to complete. The patient may be able to return home on the day of the surgery itself, depending on her recovery. 

Following are the three most commonly used breast implant removal surgery techniques:

Breast Implant Removal Only

The surgeon will make incisions in the same site as where the incisions were placed for the original breast surgery. In case the patient experiences capsular contracture, the surgeon will remove the hardened capsules to expedite the healing process. 

Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift

The cosmetic surgeon may perform a breast lift along with breast implant removal in case the breast skin has been stretched or sags. They will remove any excess breast skin and tighten the breast tissue for stronger support. At times, the breast surgeon may also re-size the areolas to better fit the new shape of the patient’s breast. 

Deflation

If the breast implants are saline, the cosmetic surgeon may decide to deflate them without undertaking surgery. This procedure can be performed in-office under local anesthesia. Depending on the results of this deflation, the patient may need further surgery, including a breast lift or a breast implant replacement surgery.

What is the recovery process after breast implant removal surgery?

Most women are able to resume work in around one week after the surgery and report minimal discomfort after the procedure. If the patient has had breast implants removed due to capsular contracture or combines it with a breast lift, she might experience a little more post-operative discomfort and a relatively longer recovery.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast implant removal surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Oral Surgeon

The choice of an oral surgeon is an important decision that will have a lasting effect on the patient’s life. A patient may receive less than a perfect outcome in the hands of a less experienced or less trained surgeon.  

This can cause disappointment and at times, additional money and time will have to be required on a revision surgery. For this reason, it is crucial for the patient to work with a highly trained and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 

The appearance of an individual is closely related to the anatomy beneath. Regardless of whether a person requires cosmetic, oral, or facial surgery, they should seek a surgeon who has a thorough understanding of the underlying tissues and structures when making cosmetic improvements and the other way around.  

Double-certified, fellowship-trained, cosmetic, and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain focuses on improving both form as well as function. Dr. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

Personal Rapport and Comfort Level 

The patient should closely assess how the surgeon and their staff make them feel. Every surgical procedure has certain associated risks which can create impediments in the patient’s journey to accomplish their desired appearance.  

Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to choose an oral surgeon with whom they are fully comfortable with and can trust. 

The patient should ask themselves the following questions: 

• How do I feel when engaging with this surgeon? 
• Do I feel that this oral surgeon will recommend safe and effective procedures for me? 
• Do I believe that I can unhesitatingly ask the surgeon questions and express concerns throughout the oral surgery process? 
• Will I feel comfortable enough to disclose my health history and lifestyle habits to this surgeon? 

Questions to Ask During the Consultation 

Ideally, the patient should make a list of any questions that they may have in advance of their pre-operative consultation. Certain facets that they can include in their list of questions are as follows: 

• Information on the credentials and qualifications of the oral surgeon 
• Details on the surgical facility 
• Emergency protocols 
• Risks related to oral surgery 

• The number of oral surgeries that the surgeon has previously undertaken 
• Alternatives to oral surgery 
• Before and after images and testimonials of previous patients 

It is wise to choose a surgeon who is adept in the most advanced techniques for oral surgery. The use of cutting-edge procedures will offer the most benefit to the patient as the latest techniques are often an improvement over previous ones.  

Innovative solutions enable procedures to be less painful and minimally invasive with lesser risk and quicker recovery times. 

Focus on Customization 

The judicious Dr. McLain strongly believes in individualizing procedures such as oral surgery to address the unique needs of the patient to increase the odds that the surgery satisfies the patient the most.  

He does not adopt a “one-size-fits-all” approach to oral surgery and takes the time to evaluate the patient’s health condition, mouth and face stricture, and cosmetic needs as well as encourages them to share their inherent aesthetic aspirations. Dr. McLain will develop a customized and comprehensive surgical plan based on these inputs.  

Dr. McLain creates a fine balance between the principles and science and art in a way that helps create appealing results that are functionally superior as well as attractive, safe, sustainable, and natural-looking.  

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery. 

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

There are various conditions that may require oral surgery. While no one likes to the idea of undergoing surgery, your oral surgeon is ready to share certain facts that will make sure that you are adequately prepare for your upcoming surgical procedure. 

McLain Surgical Arts, led by Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides oral surgery procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

Different Types of Oral Surgery

Some of the most common types of oral surgeries and what patients can expect when they come into the surgeon’s office are as follows:

 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

The last teeth to develop are the third molars. At times, these teeth may erupt without causing any problems to the patient. But more often than not, wisdom teeth either do not completely erupt or are not properly aligned. This leads to them becoming impacted between the gums and the jawbone, which also has an effect on the health of the adjacent teeth. 

 

Tooth Extractions 

A person may need a tooth or teeth extraction for a variety of reasons. Besides an impacted wisdom tooth, they may have a diseased tooth that cannot be restored or overcrowded teeth that need to be taken out to create more room for proper alignment during orthodontics.

 

Dental Implants

For patients seeking a replacement for a missing tooth, the dentist will surgically implant a metal post into the jawbone. 

This post will fuse with the gum tissue and bone over a period to create a strong foundation on which to mount a realistic-looking crown (artificial tooth). Dental implants are an excellent option for people with missing teeth who are seeking a long-term treatment solution. 

 

Biopsies

In case a patient has a lesion in their mouth that appears suspicious, the dental surgeon will undertake a biopsy to check for oral cancer. They will excise a small fragment of tissue and then send it to the laboratory for analysis. 

 

Jaw Surgery

Patients with jaws that are aligned improperly may experience issues with both appearance and functionality. Surgery is usually required to address this issue and restore function. 

 

Sleep Apnea

In case other conservative treatments are ineffective for people with serious sleep apnea, the dental surgeon can eliminate excess tissue from the back of the throat to greatly reduce symptoms. 

 

Cleft Lip/Palate 

These birth defects occur most commonly, affecting around one in 700 to 800 infants born in North America. Proper surgical treatment allows the child an excellent chance of leading a normal, healthy life. 

 

Reconstructive Surgery

Facial trauma and knocked-out teeth can make even the most mundane tasks a challenge, such as eating. These procedures replace damaged or missing teeth, address jawbone and gum damage, and correct jaw joint problems.

 

Pre-Surgery 

Prior to the surgery, the dentist will provide the patient with an outlined treatment plan as well as discuss the anesthesia options. The patient should unhesitatingly ask any questions that they may have about their surgery. Most procedures are performed using anesthesia to make sure that the patient does not experience any discomfort.

 

Post-Surgery

Similar to any surgery, there will be a recovery period. In case the patient is under general anesthesia, they will not be able to drive themselves back home after the surgery. They will want someone to pick them up as they will feel tired and groggy. The dentist may prescribe a painkiller to manage post-surgical pain.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Best Oral Surgeon

Oral surgery is an intricate corrective procedure. The surgeon will have to ensure that the harmony, balance, integrity, and identity of the face and mouth remain intact during an oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as create safe and predictable outcomes simultaneously. 

Oral surgery patients should identify a surgeon in a judicious manner as choosing an unskilled or inexperienced surgeon could cause unwanted outcomes, surgical complications, and further expenses on a revision procedure. 

In identifying an appropriate oral surgeon, the patient should focus on whether a surgeon has board certification in oral surgery and whether they have sufficient experience in the area. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

About Dr. McLain

Double board-certified oral & maxillofacial and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS, practices in Huntsville, Alabama. At his cosmetic surgery practice, he serves patients from Birmingham, Decatur, and other Alabama neighborhoods, as well as Georgia and Tennessee. 

Along with cosmetic surgery of the face and body, Dr. McLain also provides patients with specialized surgical procedures of the mouth and jaws. 

 

Training & Experience

Dr. McLain received his undergraduate degree in chemistry and studio art from the Birmingham-Southern College. Upon completing dental school (University of Alabama School of Dentistry) as well as med school (University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio), he pursued a general surgery internship at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, and received outstanding marks.

After this, he completed an oral & maxillofacial surgery residency with a strong focus on facial trauma, reconstruction, and orthognathic surgery, along with cosmetic surgery. Dr. McLain also served as Chief Resident of the oral and maxillofacial department from 2007 to 2008.

Dr. McLain was accepted into an AACS accredited fellowship program in general cosmetic surgery shortly after the completion of his residency. In the course of his fellowship, he completed around 1,400 major surgical procedures that were focused completely on the cosmetic enhancement and revitalization of the face, body, and breast.

 

Attributes of a Good Oral Surgeon

In addition to evaluating the surgeon’s qualifications, training, and experience in the field of oral surgery, the patient should also feel at ease working with the surgeon during the treatment process. Certain attributes to seek in a good surgeon are mentioned below:

• While answering the patient’s questions, the surgeon should be professional and transparent. The patient should be comfortable communicating with the surgeon. 
• The surgeon should focus on the safety, predictability, and health facets of the oral surgery as well as the cosmetic results of the procedure. 
• The surgeon should encourage the patient to talk about their concerns, functional and aesthetic goals, desires, and hopes, and provide thorough and accurate answers.

 

Focus on Individualization and Innovation 

Each person has a unique mouth and facial features. Therefore, it is vital for the surgeon to individualize the procedure, depending on the specific anatomical and cosmetic needs of the patient. When the procedure is customized to develop more complete and natural outcomes, patients experience the highest levels of satisfaction. 

Oral surgeons who focus on routinely upgrading their knowledge and skill set by educating themselves on the most advanced surgical techniques and cutting-edge technologies usually offer their patients safe and predictable outcomes. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery can be undertaken to improve a patient’s oral well-being and appearance. Over the past few decades, oral surgery has become quite accessible and relatively affordable due to advancements in surgical technology.

Patients should choose the best oral surgeon possible for safe and cosmetically appealing results. The surgeon should have the appropriate training, qualifications, and experience to undertake procedures in a safe and effective manner.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

 

About Dr. McLain

Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS is a double board-certified oral & maxillofacial and cosmetic surgeon serving patients in Huntsville, Alabama. Patients seek Dr. McLain from Birmingham, Decatur, and other Alabama communities, as well as, Tennessee and Georgia. Besides cosmetic surgery of the body and face, he performs surgical procedures of the jaws and mouth.

 

Why Choose a Board Certified Oral Surgeon?

Dr. McLain is board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The board has a strict selection process and only certifies a small number of surgeons each year.

Upon choosing a board certified oral surgeon, patients have an assurance that the surgeon would have received a certain minimum number of years of training in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Board certified oral surgeons will usually invest in top-notch quality standards and best practices, adopt the latest techniques, pursue continuing education, and follow the latest safety protocols to offer their patients with dramatic and safe surgical results.

 

An Eminent Leader in the Field

Dr. McLain lectures as well as serves as faculty for various American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) sponsored live surgical workshops, assisting in training cosmetic surgeons from across the globe.

He is considered an authority in oral & maxillofacial surgery and has published multiple articles on this subject, along with topics pertaining to cosmetic surgery for the face, body, and breasts.

The sagacious and reliable Dr. McLain also serves as an examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), assessing potential surgeons from various surgical disciplines who wish to attain board certification in cosmetic surgery.

 

Do Your Research before Selecting an Oral Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures are generally quite complex, and should only be undertaken by an expert. Prior to proceeding with oral surgery, the patient should spend adequate time in performing their research in advance and choosing the right surgeon.

The patient should respect their body as well as their budget by being thorough and upfront. Receiving any type of surgical procedure is a vital decision. Therefore, the patient should try to get the most value from their consultations to ensure that their decision is, in fact, the correct one. 

The skill and experience of the surgeon in oral surgery is a critical factor to assess when seeking such an intricate procedure. A surgeon with extensive training in oral and maxillofacial procedures will comprehend the complexities and features of the mouth and face as well as customize the procedure to develop results that address the patient’s unique needs. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Ear Reshaping Surgery

The recovery process is an important element of any surgical process, including ear reshaping cosmetic surgery. The patient should undertake all precautions during the recovery duration to allow for a predictable healing process. 

The surgeon will provide the patient with information on the expected downtime, post-operative care, maintaining surgical drains, normal post-surgical symptoms, and signs of potential complications.

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides ear reshaping surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Initial Post-Op Stage

After the otoplasty surgery, the patient will have dressing wrapped around the ears. Once the surgeon assesses the incision areas, this heavy bandage will be replaced by a lighter dressing. The patient should make sure that the dressing remains in position unless directed otherwise by the cosmetic surgeon. 

The patient will usually be able to return home from the surgical venue on the same day. But they should ask a responsible person to drive them back after their ear surgery. 

The surgeon may prescribe mild pain medications to enable them to remain comfortable for the first few days after the ear reshaping surgery. 

 

Recovery Time Frame 

The patient should ideally have someone to assist them at home, at least for the first 24 hours after the recovery phase. In the first week after the procedure, the patient should get sufficient rest but perform gentle walks and light activities inside the home to improve the blood supply to the incision areas. 

The patient should keep their head in an elevated position while resting to manage the discomfort. They should not rest their head on the treated ear to prevent pain and throbbing. The surgeon will inform the patient about when the bandages will be removed and may prescribe an antibiotic cream for the incision sites. 

In around one week after the otoplasty procedure, the patient will need to visit the surgeon’s office for the removal of sutures and drains. 

The recovery process varies for each patient. But most patients can resume their routine in nearly one week. After two weeks, the final outcomes of the procedure will start to manifest. However, minor improvements in the ears can continue to occur for up to one year. 

 

Longevity of Results

Patients should not smoke and take certain medications such as blood thinners for a specified duration before and after the ear reshaping surgery. This will mitigate the risk of delayed healing and aid the process of recovery. The results of otoplasty typically sustain for the patient’s entire lifetime, unless there are any incidents that affect the ear shape and size.

Patients should visit the surgeon for their schedule follow-up appointments and examination in a committed manner. In case they notice any abnormal changes in the ears or other symptoms, they should promptly contact the ear surgeon.

 

Balanced Diet 

A balanced diet comprises vital nutrients that strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infection for a safe recovery process. The patient should intake sufficient amounts of lean proteins such as chicken, fish, yogurt, eggs, and light cheese to expedite the recovery after the surgery.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for ear surgery. 

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

There is significant overlap between oral surgery and other dental specialties. 

General dentists can undertake minor oral surgeries, but they are not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which refers to the full name used to describe these specialists. 

Patients should speak to their dentists to identify which specialist they should see for the treatment of their facial or mouth issues. If the patient needs oral surgery, it is usually an outpatient procedure that necessitates local or general anesthesia. They will likely return home shortly after the surgery is completed. 

At the time of the initial appointment, the patient should certainly ask their doctor about how to prepare for the surgery, such as whether they will need to fast the night before, as well as any vital after-care guidelines that they should be aware of. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

Many people interact with an OMS for the first time to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, an OMS does much more than tooth extractions. These medical professionals also undertake the following:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, and these implants are embedded in the patient’s jawbone, similar to natural teeth.

Developmental Conditions

Other than cosmetic benefits, the surgical treatment of a cleft palate and cleft lip has medical advantages as well. The repair of a cleft palate and lip will offer an infant an enhanced ability to nurse or drink from a bottle while simultaneously facilitating optimal speech.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer (which includes oral cancer) occurs when abnormal cells within the lining of the gums, roof of the mouth, cheeks, lips, or tongue grow uncontrollably. 

Oropharyngeal cancer, which impacts the side and back walls of the throat, the soft palate, the back third of the tongue, and the tonsils, is usually lumped under this term as well.

Facial Injury and Trauma

Facial injury and trauma include fractures of the upper and lower jaws and the orbits around the eyes as well as facial lacerations. An OMS has specialized knowledge about how jaws come together (dental occlusion), which is crucial when treating complex facial fractures. 

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) is undertaken to correct various minor and major dental aberrations, including the misalignment of teeth and jaws. Surgery can improve speaking, chewing, and breathing. Orthognathic surgery is undertaken to address functional problems, but it may also dramatically enhance the patient’s appearance.

TMJ and Facial Pain

TMJ is a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is found in front of the ears and connects the jaw to the skull. However, TMJ disorder is a more appropriate term for any TMJ-related dysfunction that leads to facial pain or other symptoms.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery focuses on repairing defects to re-create a normal function and appearance, whereas cosmetic surgery is meant to enhance the aesthetics of a person.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea refers to a chronic breathing condition in which an individual repeatedly stops breathing during the night. It usually occurs due to partial or complete obstruction, or collapse, of the upper airway by large tonsils, excess tissue, and/or a large tongue.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

An oral surgeon is a dental expert who is trained to undertake surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, teeth, and face. 

Dentists can undertake minor oral surgeries, but they are not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which is the complete name of these specialists. The word “maxillofacial” means pertaining to the face and jaw. 

An OMS receives four years of dental school and then completes a minimum of four to six years of additional surgical training. In addition, these specialists are trained to administer anesthesia and offer care in an office setting. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Training and Certification

For an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the average total length of education and training after secondary school is 12 to 14 years.

In general, training includes two to four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental study (DMD, BDent, DDS, or BDS), and four to six years of residency training (six years include two additional years for attaining a medical degree).

Upon completing surgical training, a majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons undertake final specialty exams. This certifying body in the US is the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Patients can verify that a surgeon is board-certified through the ABOMS.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons with board certifications are expected to maintain current standards through continuing professional endeavors. This ensures that they remain updated in their knowledge and skills as well as practice in a safe and contemporary manner.

 

Procedural Expertise

There are various procedures that oral surgeons are trained and authorized to undertake, such as:

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is the most recognized form of oral surgery. Some reasons for tooth extraction are as follows:

• Teeth beyond repair either from root fracture, tooth decay, or trauma
• Primary teeth that have failed to fall out, preventing the eruption of permanent teeth
• Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Orthodontic treatment plans, which may warrant the removal of some teeth to decrease crowding and accomplish the optimum result

 

Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery

This surgery does not refer to a single procedure, rather a series of surgeries to help maximize the advantage to a child while minimizing the risks involved. 

 

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery typically is undertaken to treat:

• Major or minor trauma to the jaw
• TMJ and dysfunction due to trauma or deformation
• Malocclusion or incorrect bite
• Incorrect jaw position, which can cause an out-of-proportion facial appearance

 

Dental Implants

Today, dental procedures are a common procedure to replace missing teeth or offer stability to a new or existing denture. The procedure for fixing a dental implant may differ, depending on the technique used by the surgeon as well as the type of implant used. 

 

Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Their specialized surgical and dental background allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to undertake a cosmetic procedure that involves the aesthetic and functional aspects of the face, teeth, mouth, and jaws. 

 

Sleep Apnea

Oral surgeons typically serve as a member of the sleep team to help address obstructive sleep apnea. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Oral surgery provides patients with more than the mere restoration of oral health and cosmetics. It improves their confidence and enhances their perspective on life.

It is understandable that new patients are typically anxious to initiate their oral surgery journey as soon as possible. However, before scheduling their procedure, they should thoroughly weigh their options.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Things to Consider

Prior to seeking an appropriate oral surgeon for their needs, the patient should create a checklist of questions to help them determine their choice of a surgeon. Patients should consider a surgeon with the right experience and credentials, likely a surgeon with board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

But the patient will also want to consider a surgeon whose fees are within their budget. In addition, they will want to learn more about the surgeon’s bedside manner. 

Do they want to work with a friendly surgeon who will be available to comfort them or one who has a more business-like and clinical approach to the process?

Would the patient feel more at ease with an oral surgeon who will provide them with recommendations on the most suitable procedure or one who will take their lead and do precisely as they ask them? It is important to assess these factors before consulting an oral surgeon to avoid being overly influenced by that surgeon’s personal style.

 

About Dr. McLain

Double board-certified oral & maxillofacial and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS practices in Huntsville, Alabama. His cosmetic surgery practice serves patients from Birmingham, Decatur, and neighboring communities as well as from Georgia and Tennessee. 

Other than cosmetic surgery of the face and body, Dr. McLain provides patients with cutting-edge surgical procedures of the mouth and jaws.

People researching cosmetic surgeons in the Huntsville area can learn more about Dr. McLain and his reputation from remarkable cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgery by seeking a consultation online or contacting his office.

 

Choosing the Right Surgeon: Checklist 

• What is your professional background and experience?
• What number of years of experience in oral surgery do you have?
• To date, how many oral and maxillofacial surgeries have you performed?
• Can I request to see some examples of your past work?
• What procedure do you recommend to me to help achieve my goals?
• Is a specific procedure suitable for me? If not, what options do you recommend?
• What options do I have in case I find the final results unsatisfactory?
• What will the procedure costs be?
• What additional costs can I anticipate?
• Where will you undertake my oral surgery?
• What are the potential risks associated with a particular procedure?
• What can I expect during the recovery period?
• How sustainable are the results?

In addition to the above, there are many more questions that a patient can ask a potential surgeon. At the time of the consultation, the patient should openly ask any other questions that they may have.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.