Analysis and treatment of hemifacial microsomia

Our experience over the past 25 years leads us to conclude that hemifacial microsomia is a progressive skeletal and soft-tissue deformity with the earliest skeletal manifestations in the mandible. We find that not only does the mandibular asymmetry become worse with time, but as the contralateral side grows, the deformed mandible also increases ipsilateral secondary deformation of the maxilla, nose, and orbit. We also find that there is virtually no "catch up" growth on the affected side of the face and that these patients always become more deformed with age. The psychological problems also increase with time and progression of the facial deformity. Based on our experience with correction of end-stage deformities, we now treat these patients at the earliest possible age, as determined by the patient's skeletal classification. We treat the mandible first in the hope that this repositioning in a more physiologic position will unlock the growth potential of the adjacent structures, minimize secondary deformity, and improve function and appearance to the greater benefit of the skeletal and psychological growth of the patient.