The authors made a profound review on the development and the recent status of craniomaxillofacial surgery in China during past three decades. The emphases were placed on the following aspects: the modifications of the reconstructive procedure and minimal invasive mode, the researches on molecular genetic characteristics of the congenital craniofacial malformations, the clinical applications of three-dimensional digital computer-aided techniques (including three-dimensional printing and prefabricated template for precious osteotomies), the craniomaxillofacial defects reconstructing by using the distraction osteogenesis and osseous integrated titanium implant and prothesis, etc. Finally, the authors outlooked prospectively the future trends of the craniomaxillofacial surgery.
