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Le Fort III osteotomy is a craniofacial operation that cuts and repositions the bones of the midface. The segment includes the upper jaw, cheekbones, and portions of the eye sockets and nose. Moving it forward can address an underdeveloped midface and related breathing or eye protection problems.
read more about le fort iii osteotomy ...Craniofacial teams may consider the operation for substantial midface underdevelopment associated with certain conditions, including syndromic craniosynostosis. A small midface can contribute to airway obstruction, exposed eyes, and problems with the bite. Examination and imaging guide the timing and amount of advancement.
The surgeon makes planned cuts to separate the midface bones from the surrounding facial skeleton. The segment may be moved forward during one operation or gradually with a distraction device. Fixation holds the bones in their new position while healing occurs.
Patients need close monitoring after this major operation, particularly for breathing, eye health, and swelling. Care of the incisions and any distraction device follows a detailed schedule. Follow-up checks bone healing, facial position, and the bite as recovery progresses.
Risks include bleeding, infection, airway problems, and injury to nearby nerves or eye structures. The bite or facial position may differ from the plan, and further treatment may be needed as a child grows. Risks and recovery vary between a single-stage advancement and gradual distraction.
No. Le Fort I primarily moves the upper jaw. Le Fort III moves a larger midface segment that includes the cheekbones and portions of the eye sockets.
No. Surgeons may advance it during the operation or use distraction to move it gradually. The approach depends on the patient's anatomy and treatment goals.
Advancing an underdeveloped midface may create more space in the upper airway. The expected benefit depends on the cause of the breathing problem.
Some patients need additional treatment as facial growth continues or other concerns become clearer. The craniofacial team plans follow-up around those changes.
Guideline for Care of Patients With the Diagnoses of Craniosynostosis: Working Group on Craniosynostosis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/4568904/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Le Fort Osteotomy. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/treatments/le-fort-osteotomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Le Fort Osteotomy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564372/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Perioperative Care for Children With Syndromic Craniofacial Synostosis Undergoing Le Fort III Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11346705/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
The Le Fort III osteotomy: to distract or not to distract? PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11373547/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.