Hemifacial microsomia in children
Assymetrical development of your baby's face and ear could be a birth defect called hemifacial microsomia. While concerning, naturally, don't despair: our internationally-recognized plastic surgeons can help. Using 3-D surgical planning and the newest reconstructive techniques including titanium jaw joint replacement, we love to transform structural imbalance into beautiful confidence.
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Hemifacial microsomia is a genetic birth defect that comes out of the blue. It becomes more pronounced as the child develops, as the lower half of one side of the face and ear are too small. The other side can be too large, or normal. It ranges in severity and is relatively common, second only to cleft palate. This condition affects 50 percent more boys than girls. Hemifacial microsomia is corrected by plastic surgery.
Your child's care begins here
No matter how minor or complex your child's facial reconstruction needs are, we're ready to bring success with our internationally-recognized plastic surgeons and their team. We bring our combined expertise, innovative approaches and advanced technology to the restoration of your child's facial function and appearance.
Our kid-friendly approach includes attending to your child's emotional needs too. Children whose bodies work or look differently than their peers’ often struggle with insecurity and self-esteem. We know that caring for your child’s needs includes more than physical concerns. We’re here to provide outstanding treatment with compassionate care.
Treatment options
This technique allows the body to grow its own bone and avoids the need for bone grafts. In some cases for an underdeveloped jaw, a device can be placed on the jaw for bone “distraction.” This technique avoids the need for bone grafts.
The external ear is usually reconstructed between ages six and eight. Typically, multiple surgeries are done with months in between for recovery.
We are one of the first to offer custom fabricated titanium jaw (TMJ) joint replacement to patients who were born without that joint. This joint will be specially designed to fit your facial structure and is usually done when you have stopped growing.
For severe underdevelopment of the lower jaw, reconstruction using a bone graft may be done.