Some patients may have a severe ear deformity but may be otherwise almost completely normal in appearance. As mentioned in the section on muscles, some parts of the face do not move symmetrically in certain patie nts. This deficiency of motion usually involves either the inability to raise one eyebrow or the inability to smile symmetrically. It is difficult to describe treatment which will be applicable to all patients because the condition varies so dramatically. We will, however, outline the most common types of treatment and the recommended timing for the treatment interventions.
Attention is directed towards assessing the vital functions such as breathing, eating and sleeping.
In rare cases the lower jaw is so severely deficient that the tongue obstructs breathing during sleep and a temporary tracheostomy is recommended. Once the airway is secure, attention is directed to feeding to make sure the newbom is taking adequate calories and is growing appropriately. In patients who are mildly affected, no treatment will be necessary in this period. The bone lengthening technique has certain advantages. It requires only a short operation to insert and the parents are able to lengthen the mandible at home by tuming a simple screw at the end of the device.