Le Fort Osteotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Le Fort osteotomy is surgery to break and move bones in your face. There are 3 types of Le Fort surgery. Each type of surgery moves different bones in your face. During Le Fort I surgery, your maxillary bone (area just above your upper teeth) is fractured. During Le Fort II surgery, fractures are made above your nose and in your upper jaw. During Le Fort III surgery, fractures are made through your cheekbones and the bones around your eyes.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have clear fluid coming out of your nose or ears.
- You have new trouble breathing.
- You have severe bleeding from your incision wounds.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- You have a fever.
- You have problems with devices or bands on your teeth.
- Your wound looks red, swollen, or has pus coming from it.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help prevent an infection.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound as directed:
When you are allowed to bathe, carefully wash the incisions with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages if they get wet or dirty.
Devices:
- You may need to wear dental headgear for 6 months after surgery to keep bones in place. Ask for more information about dental headgear.
- You may need to wear a distractor after surgery. This device helps slowly pull your bones further apart. Ask how to care for your distractor and how long you need to wear it.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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