Historical evolution of surgical approaches to the face-part II: midface.

Abstract

Surgical approaches to the head and maxillofacial area have been described and modified by multiple authors throughout history. It was during nineteenth and twentieth century when most of the techniques evolved due to advances in anesthesia and antibiotic therapy. Currently, a myriad of surgical approaches are employed to gain access to the maxillofacial complex, with each of them having advantages and disadvantages. Although the approaches are presented in numerous textbooks and articles, few texts describe the circumstances or historical context under which they were developed. In a series of three articles, we will provide a historical perspective of the evolution of the most common surgical approaches to the head and face employed today. Descriptions contain advantages and disadvantages of the approaches and modifications are also provided. The purpose of the present article (2/3) is to review the approaches to the midface.