The use of a face mask for postoperative retention in cleft lip and palate patients

Abstract

Surgical relapse in cleft lip and palate patients following Le Fort I osteotomy can be pronounced due to the presence of scar tissue from previous surgical episodes. This article reviews the literature on the use of protraction face masks. It describes the use of a face mask in the postoperative management of osteotomy patients undergoing surgery for the correction of severe skeletal Class III relationships. The management of a patient with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate is illustrated.