AbstractFor many years, the Weber‐Fergusson incision has been the standard approach for removing part or all of the maxillary sinus. Exposure is excellent and cosmetic results are generally gratifying. As our experience with these procedures has increased, we have found that the lower half or two thirds of the maxilla can be just as easily resected transorally, avoiding any facial incision. The initial incision is made in the gingivo‐buccal sulcus and is extended beyond the midline to include some of the sulcus on the contralateral side. The nasal cartilages are cut and the soft tissues of the middle one third of the face can be lifted up like a curtain to expose the maxilla. For lesions of the entire maxilla involving the orbital plate and requiring orbital exenteration, the only facial incision required is a 6–8 cm transverse extension from the lateral angle of the palpebral fissure. The bridge of soft tissue bounded by the mouth below and the palpebral fissure plus the lateral extension above can be retracted up and down to expose the underlying maxilla during its excision. Any risk of poor reapproximation of the lip with notching is avoided. These approaches are especially valuable if heavy radiation predisposing to incisional breakdown has preceded oper