The surgeries recommended for children with hemifacial microsomia have a goal to improve facial symmetry, by reconstructing the bony and soft tissue, and establishing normal occlusion and joint junction. The timing for such surgeries vary among the surgeons and the severity of the problems. Sometimes a bone graft is used to lengthen the jaw and sometimes a distraction device is used. Ear reconstruction at about 5-6 years of age, involves 3 to 4 surgeries. Occasionally, it may be necessary to add bone to build up the cheekbone.
Some children benefit from the addition of soft tissues to further balance the face.
Your child may have skin tags in front of the ear or on different parts of the face. Hearing problems depend on the structures that are involved. Some children have some weakness in movement on the affected side of the face. New advances in procedures to correct the symptoms of Hemifacial Microsomia are constantly being developed. Your child should be treated by a qualified craniofacial medical team at a craniofacial center.