There are several different types of maxillectomy:

Medial maxillectomy: the part of the maxilla that is next to the nose is removed. This can be done in one of two ways: an incision on the face or using tools inserted through the nostril. Reconstructive surgery is not often needed.

Infrastructure maxillectomy: removes the hard palate (roof of the mouth), lower portion of the maxilla and teeth. It does not require the removal of the orbital floor (bone below eye). Reconstructive surgery is often needed.

Suprastructure maxillectomy: the upper portion of the maxilla and orbital floor (bone below eye) is removed. In some cases the orbit (bone around eye) may be left in place. Due to the removal of the eye, reconstructive surgery is needed.

Subtotal maxillectomy: removes only part of the maxilla using some variation of the above procedures. Total maxillectomy: removes the entire maxilla on one side (unilateral) as well as the hard palate and orbital floor (bone below eye). Reconstructive surgery, possibly with prosthetics, will be needed after this surgery