title: Facelift approach for mandibular resection and reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mandibular resection is the mainstay in the treatment of several pathologies involving the jaw. When benign lesions are approached, a limited exposure and less invasive access considering the cosmetic outcome is desirable to reduce morbidity and increase patient's quality of life after surgery. The facelift approach is widely used for rhytidectomy, parotidectomy, and facial animation procedures, whereas its use for mandibular resection and reconstruction is not described yet.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six patients underwent mandibular resection and reconstruction with free flaps or bone grafts via the facelift approach were retrospectively evaluated with regard to function and cosmesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No impairment of occlusion or facial nerve occurred; mouth opening was normal in 4 patient and partially limited in 2. Cosmesis was assessed as excellent by 3 patients and good in 3.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The facelift approach is a valid option for resecting and reconstructing benign lesions involving the mandibular ramus, angle, and posterior body.
authors.affiliation: Maxillo-Facial Surgery Division, Head and Neck Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Copelli
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sesenna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: face lift; facial reconstruction; mandibular reconstruction; mandibular resections; mandibular tumor