Maxillectomy

Last modified on June 24th, 2018

Maxillectomy

This is removal of part or all of the upper jaw (maxilla).

This has been classified by a number of different methods, but in essence usually either just involves the tooth part or can be extended to include the floor of the eye socket. The size and position the tumour dictates how much of the jaw will need to be removed.

Conventionally for this type of surgery, an incision was made through the upper lip and along the
side of the nose with extension under the eyelashes. Unfortunately this leads to a scar with notching that can be quite noticeable.

However, Luke and Alastair have developed and published a technique to completely avoid facial scars and simplify the healing after this, by hiding the surgical cuts inside the mouth and nose, and behind the eyelids.