Lefort Surgery

The Revolutionary Procedure: Lefort Surgery

What is Lefort Surgery?

Lefort surgery is an orthopedic procedure involving extensive osteotomies and advancements of the midface for correction of congenital malformations or acquired deformities.

Types of Lefort Surgery

Lefort surgery is classified into three types, each targeting different facial bone segments:

• Lefort I: Maxilla or upper jaw
• Lefort II: Maxilla and the nasal bones
• Lefort III: Maxilla and the entire midface, including the orbits and nasal structures

Benefits and Applications

Corrective Applications

Lefort surgery is primarily employed to correct severe midfacial deformities, such as:

• Cleft lip and palate
• Micrognathia (small lower jaw)
• Facial asymmetry
• Pierre Robin sequence (cleft palate, micrognathia, and glossoptosis)

Orthognathic Surgery

Lefort surgery can also be used in orthognathic surgery, which addresses jaw and facial alignment issues:

• Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
• Asymmetric jaw growth
• Sleep apnea

Aesthetic Enhancement

In some cases, Lefort surgery may be tailored for aesthetic purposes:

• Facial contouring
• Double chin reduction
• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)

Procedure Details

Surgical Planning

Comprehensive planning is pivotal. Surgeons collaborate with dental specialists, orthodontists, and other medical professionals to meticulously design a surgical plan customized for each patient's unique needs.

Surgical Execution

Lefort surgery involves precise surgical techniques:

• Osteotomies: Precise cuts are made in the midfacial bones.
• Bone Advancement: The midface is then carefully repositioned and stabilized to address the underlying deformity.
• Fixation: Plates, screws, and wires are employed to secure the repositioned bones until they heal.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Post-operative care is essential:

• Immobilization: The patient's face is immobilized for a period of 4-6 weeks.
• Nasal and Oral Hygiene: Nasal irrigation and oral care are crucial to prevent infection.
• Diet: A soft diet is prescribed until the bones heal.