Craniofacial surgery refers to surgery of the skull and facial structures. This primarily involves the reshaping of the bony skeleton but may also involve the soft tissues of the face. Surgeons involved in this surgery have done training in medical school, then at least six years of surgical training and then following this, a fellowship spent working in a big centre working as an apprentice to a senior craniofacial surgeon. Some surgeons may also have done dental training.

It is most important that you are seen by a multi-disciplinary team that will offer you a professional opinion on your disease process and options for your treatment that should include the need for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and social support.

You should leave with a clear understanding of the disease process, the prognosis, your options for treatment and the time frame within which it can be achieved. This understanding may require a few visits and investigations to achieve but should be the goal.