Head and Neck Cancer and Recontructive Surgery Woollahra | Eastern Suburbs Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, and Orthognathic Surgery

The head and neck region is one of the most complex areas of the body. It includes many vital structures involved in breathing, speaking, eating, and facial movement. At ESOMS, we provide surgical care for people with conditions affecting the jaw, mouth, face, and neck. Including cancer diagnosis and treatment, reconstructive procedures, and jaw correction surgery.

Each of these areas requires careful planning and a clear understanding of both function and appearance.

Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Cancers that affect the mouth, tongue, jaw, or surrounding tissues need prompt attention.

When surgery is needed, our aim is always to remove the tumour fully while maintaining as much healthy tissue as possible. This helps to preserve essential functions like eating, swallowing, and speech.

Reconstructive Surgery After Cancer Treatment

After tumour removal, some people may require reconstructive surgery to rebuild areas of the face or mouth. This can involve using tissue, skin, or bone from another part of the body to restore both shape and function.

Reconstruction may include:

Transferring tissue (microvascular free flaps)
Bone grafting or soft tissue repair
Rebuilding the jaw or cheekbone
Fitting dental implants or prosthetic devices

We aim to achieve outcomes that allow people to return to eating, speaking, and socialising as comfortably as possible.

Orthognathic (Jaw Correction) Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is used to reposition the upper or lower jaw, or both. This is often considered when the jaws do not align properly, and orthodontics alone cannot correct the issue. It may be recommended for people with:

Bite or chewing problems
Jaw joint pain or locking
Facial asymmetry
Breathing issues such as sleep apnoea

The process involves detailed planning with your orthodontist. Braces are usually worn before and after surgery to align the teeth correctly. The surgery itself is carried out under general anaesthetic and is often done entirely within the mouth to avoid visible scars.

Patient-Centred Care

Our team is committed to providing thoughtful, individualised care. We know that surgery involving the face and jaw can feel overwhelming, and we are here to guide you at every step. From initial consultation through to recovery.

We work alongside other healthcare professionals, including cancer specialists, speech therapists, and restorative dentists, to make sure your care is well-coordinated and focused on what matters most to you.

If you’d like to speak with someone about any of these treatments, please feel free to contact our team at ESOMS for more information.