When discussing advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the name Luke Cascarini invariably takes centre stage. As a renowned Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the United Kingdom, Mr Cascarini has pushed the boundaries of innovation and care, especially in the complex domain of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery. From cutting-edge TMJ replacements to pioneering minimally invasive techniques, he is reshaping patient outcomes and redefining surgical excellence.
Background and Education
Luke Cascarini stands among the rare few surgeons in the UK to have qualified in both medicine and dentistry. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), as well as fellowships in dental and surgical specialties (FDSRCS and FRCS in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery). This unique dual training has given him a significant edge in managing complex facial and jaw disorders with clinical precision and a holistic approach.
He underwent his medical training at King’s College London and further honed his surgical skills through higher specialist training at leading NHS institutions. His education laid a strong foundation for a career dedicated to advancing surgical frontiers and delivering excellence in patient care.
Clinical Roles and Hospital Affiliations
Currently, Mr Cascarini serves as a Consultant at Harley Street Specialist Hospital and holds an honorary consultant post at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. He leads the multidisciplinary team for head and neck cancer at HCA Healthcare UK, located within the Guy’s and St Thomas’ campus. His NHS and private sector roles allow him to blend clinical leadership with patient-centred innovation.
These prestigious affiliations enable him to work with complex cases across a broad spectrum—from jaw deformities and tumours to trauma, facial reconstruction, and degenerative joint conditions.
Specialisation in TMJ Surgery
One of the standout elements of Luke Cascarini’s medical career is his authority in temporomandibular joint disorders. The TMJ is a complex and often misunderstood area of the body that, when impaired, can significantly affect quality of life. Mr Cascarini is recognised as one of the few surgeons in the UK who not only performs total joint replacements of the TMJ but also leads the field in advanced arthroscopic procedures.
He performs more TMJ replacement surgeries in the South of England than any other practitioner. His technique involves the use of custom-fabricated prosthetics that restore both form and function to the jaw, allowing patients to regain movement, eliminate pain, and recover from previously debilitating conditions.
Minimally Invasive Innovations
Cascarini’s approach to surgery is not only effective but also minimally invasive wherever possible. One of his key innovations is the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in TMJ arthroscopy. This regenerative method allows the repair of the joint’s internal structures without the need for open surgery. The result is less scarring, reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal risk of complications.
These techniques represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of TMJ conditions, especially for younger patients and those with autoimmune or degenerative diseases where preserving natural anatomy is crucial.
3D-Printed Jaw Reconstruction
In 2019, Luke Cascarini made headlines by performing the UK’s first 3D-printed titanium mandible replacement. This ground-breaking surgery not only saved the patient from a life-threatening tumour but also preserved facial symmetry and functionality. Only five surgeons globally had completed this type of procedure at the time, placing Cascarini in an elite circle of innovators.
The process involved creating a personalised jawbone using 3D imaging and printing technology, offering unmatched precision in both the surgical plan and the final result. This innovation showcases his commitment to using technology not for its novelty, but to improve lives meaningfully.
Free Flap Microvascular Surgery
Another field in which Luke Cascarini excels is free flap microvascular jaw reconstruction. This technique involves transferring tissue from other parts of the body to the face, along with its blood vessels, and reattaching it with microscopic precision. It is often necessary after tumour resections or traumatic injuries.
With a near 98% success rate, his outcomes in this high-stakes field are on par with the best medical centres in the world, such as MD Anderson Cancer Centre in the United States. His ability to manage post-operative care and ensure long-term success is a testament to his multidisciplinary approach and surgical expertise.
Thought Leadership and Teaching
Cascarini’s impact extends far beyond the operating theatre. He is the author of the widely used Oxford Handbook of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a crucial reference for students and junior doctors in the UK and abroad. Additionally, he co-authored Maxillofacial Surgery (Elsevier) and Principles of Surgery, both of which have become standard texts in surgical education.
He also leads international workshops on TMJ arthroscopy and jaw surgery, contributing to a global community of skilled surgeons. Many of his lectures focus on Level III arthroscopy techniques, which few surgeons are qualified to teach or perform.
Research and Publications
Luke Cascarini has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in respected journals, covering a wide array of topics including jaw reconstruction, head and neck oncology, TMJ disorders, and surgical techniques. His scholarly work has been cited by peers across the globe, reflecting its relevance and influence.
As a former Associate Editor for the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Section Editor for the International Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, he has helped shape the academic conversation in his field. His editorial roles underscore his commitment to evidence-based medicine and continuous improvement.
Case Studies and Patient Outcomes
Perhaps the most powerful testament to Cascarini’s skill is found in the lives he has changed. One patient, suffering from degenerative bilateral TMJ disease combined with a rare autoimmune condition, underwent successful joint replacements on both sides. Prior to surgery, she could barely open her mouth; post-operatively, she regained full function and reported a significant improvement in quality of life.
Such outcomes are not isolated. Patients consistently report rapid recovery, significant pain relief, and dramatic improvements in their ability to eat, speak, and smile—things most of us take for granted.
Patient-Centred Philosophy
Beyond his surgical excellence, what truly sets Luke Cascarini apart is his philosophy of care. He believes in transparency, education, and partnership with patients. From the initial consultation to post-operative rehabilitation, his approach is collaborative and empowering.
Cascarini tailors each treatment plan to the individual, considering not only medical factors but also lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and long-term goals. This comprehensive strategy ensures that patients are not just treated, but genuinely healed.
Future Outlook and Legacy
As surgical techniques continue to evolve with advances in robotics, regenerative medicine, and AI, Cascarini remains at the forefront. His ongoing research into less invasive methods and personalised surgical solutions signals a future where maxillofacial surgery is even more precise, effective, and patient-friendly.
His legacy will likely be measured not just in innovations or academic citations, but in the thousands of lives restored through his hands. In a healthcare landscape that often feels impersonal, Cascarini’s combination of technological mastery and human compassion offers a model for what modern medicine should aspire to be.
Conclusion
Luke Cascarini is more than just a surgeon; he is a pioneer, educator, and patient advocate. His work in TMJ replacement, jaw reconstruction, and minimally invasive surgery has changed the lives of countless individuals and set new benchmarks in British surgical practice. Whether mentoring the next generation of surgeons or restoring smiles to those once resigned to a life of pain, he embodies the best of British medicine.
His contributions continue to resonate not only in hospitals and lecture halls but also in the daily lives of patients who have been given a second chance—often when all hope seemed lost. In the evolving story of maxillofacial surgery, Luke Cascarini is writing the most transformative chapters.
