The Role of Midfacial Degloving Approach for Maxillary Cysts and Tumors

Abstract

Purpose: The midfacial degloving approach has been used as a surgical approach to gain access to regions of the midface that would otherwise require external incisions. This article describes the role of this technique for various maxillary lesions. Patients and Methods: Thirteen patients underwent the midfacial degloving technique for 8 maxillary benign lesions and 5 malignant lesions. This procedure uses 4 basic incisions: 1) sublabial incision, 2) bilateral intercartilaginous incisions, 3) septocolumellar-complete transfixion incisions, and 4) bilateral piriform aperture incisions extending to the vestibule. Results: All patients successfully underwent the planned procedures after the midfacial degloving technique for the treatment of benign or malignant lesions without significant complications. Postoperative sequelae were nasal crusting and infraorbital hypesthesia, both of which resolved. Conclusions: The midfacial degloving approach offers good exposure of the mid third of the face with excellent cosmetic results. This approach may be combined with downfracture of the maxilla for access to expose and resect sinonasal malignancies. The midfacial degloving technique is a viable procedure with low morbidity and excellent cosmetic outcomes. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.