What Is Hemifacial Microsomia?
Hemifacial microsomia is one of the most common craniofacial conditions. Here is what families should know.
Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a condition where one side of the face is underdeveloped compared to the other. It is the second most common craniofacial birth defect after cleft lip and palate.
- Key features:
- Ear β underdeveloped or absent ear (microtia/anotia) on the affected side
- Jaw β the lower jaw (mandible) is smaller on the affected side
- Cheek β the cheekbone may be underdeveloped
- Eye β the eye socket may be smaller or positioned lower
- Soft tissue β the cheek muscles and fatty tissue may be deficient
- Nerve β facial nerve weakness on the affected side (in some cases)
- Dental β teeth may be delayed or missing on the affected side
- What it looks like:
- The face is asymmetrical (one side looks different from the other)
- The chin is shifted toward the smaller side
- The ear on the affected side is small or absent
- The mouth may be angled upward on the affected side
- What is the cause?
- The cause is unknown
- It is not typically inherited
- There is no known preventible cause
Treatment
Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team and multiple surgeries:
- Ear reconstruction (ages 6β10)
- Jaw surgery (mandibular distraction or orthognathic surgery)
- Soft tissue augmentation (fat grafting or dermal fillers)
- Orthodontic treatment
- Hearing aids (if needed)
- Speech therapy (if needed)
Clinical Guidance
Hemifacial microsomia is a condition where one side of the face is underdeveloped, affecting the ear, jaw, cheek, and soft tissues. Treatment involves multiple surgeries over childhood to improve symmetry and function. Outcomes are excellent with proper multidisciplinary care.