- L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate announced the launch of Mumbai’s first Centre of Excellence for Craniofacial and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery. The centre has been set up to provide care for patients with structural and functional conditions and injuries affecting the face and jaw.
The launch event was attended by actor and director Mahesh Manjrekar, who spoke on the need to increase awareness of facial health and the role of timely and specialised medical intervention.
The Centre of Excellence for TMJ Surgery will manage conditions including jaw pain and stiffness, jaw locking or clicking, facial asymmetry, craniofacial deformities, cleft lip and palate, facial trauma, jaw cysts and tumours, and facial reconstruction. The centre will use minimally invasive and precision-based surgical approaches aimed at restoring jaw function and reducing pain.
TMJ disorders are commonly reported among adults aged 20 to 45 years, though they are seen across age groups. Dr Tofiq Bohra, Head – Craniofacial & TMJ Surgery, S. L. Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate, stated that the hospital treats close to 50 TMJ-related patients every month, with numbers increasing over time. He linked this rise to lifestyle-related factors such as stress, long working hours, posture-related issues, teeth grinding and sleep disturbances. He also noted that patients often undergo multiple treatments before receiving a diagnosis and a structured treatment plan. Established under his supervision, the Centre of Excellence will offer diagnosis, imaging and pain management services within the same facility.
The centre will provide long-term care for patients with cleft lip and palate, including surgical intervention and rehabilitation from childhood through adulthood. The multidisciplinary team at the Centre of Excellence for TMJ Surgery will address facial structure and functional restoration for patients with cleft-related conditions, with support from a dental team. Led by Dr Bohra, who has completed TMJ Mini Residency training at the University of Maryland, USA, the centre includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons, pain specialists, neurologists, physiotherapists and speech therapists. Services will range from non-surgical pain management to TM joint reconstruction, supported by 3D imaging and surgical planning.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Tofiq Bohra said, “This CoE has been created with a clear vision – based on the pillars of precision, function and asthetics. Every facial and jaw condition is unique, and our focus is on offering advanced solutions for TMJ and jaw disorders, complex craniofacial conditions and lymphatic-related facial issues using minimally invasive, precision driven surgical techniques. Our goal is not just treatments, but the long-term functional recovery and restoration of confidence for patients.”
Dr Kunal Punamiya, CEO, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, said, “The launch of this Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment in making highly specialised facial and jaw care more accessible to patients across Mumbai and beyond. By combining deep clinical expertise with Fortis Healthcare’s rigorous quality benchmarks, we aim to deliver consistently superior outcomes for patients with complex craniofacial and TMJ conditions – under one integrated, patient-centric ecosystem.”
Mahesh Vaman Manjrekar said, “Facial and jaw conditions are often ignored until they begin to interfere with everyday life, confidence, and self-expression. Centres like this play a critical role not just in treatment, but in creating awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and specialised care. Reaching the right specialist at the right time can make a profound difference to both recovery and quality of life.”
Following the launch, S. L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai stated that it will continue to expand its range of services as part of its focus on patient care.