If one side of your baby’s face is smaller than the other, they may have hemifacial microsomia (HFM). Babies born with HFM have one side of the face that is underdeveloped, which makes their faces asymmetrical (uneven). At Children’s Hospital, our pediatric plastic surgeons offer leading-edge surgery for kids with HFM.
HFM can affect your child’s skull, ear, upper and lower jaws and soft tissues. Some kids may only have a slight unevenness to their faces, while others may have a more noticeable difference between the two sides of their face.
If you think your baby may have HFM, we’re here to support your family. Our team understands the complex issues kids with HFM can develop. We offer advanced reconstructive surgery and other treatments to improve your baby’s quality of life, from childhood through adulthood.
Hemifacial Microsomia Causes and Signs
The exact cause of hemifacial microsomia is not known, though it may be inherited genetically. Signs of HFM include:
- Small upper and lower jaw on one side of the face
- Slanted or crooked smile
- Small or missing ear (microtia)
- Small eye socket
- Underdeveloped cheekbone and cheek tissue
- Facial weakness due to underdeveloped facial nerves
Treatment can correct these features of HFM. Care from an experienced team can also address other concerns that may affect your child’s quality of life.
When to Get Care for HFM
Your child may need treatment as they grow to avoid problems with eating, hearing, speaking and other activities. We’re here to support you and your child at every step. You can get a referral from your pediatrician, or you can reach out to our plastic surgery nurse directly.
How We Diagnose Hemifacial Microsomia
Because HFM can affect babies in different ways, it can be challenging to diagnose, especially in mild cases. At Children’s Hospital, you’ll see our team of craniofacial (head and face) experts, which includes:
- Geneticists: Can diagnose conditions such as Goldenhar syndrome, a rare disorder present at birth that causes HFM.
- Genetic counselors: Can answer questions about genetic testing for syndromes that cause HFM.
- Pediatric craniofacial surgeons: Plastic surgeons who perform reconstructive surgery of the head and face.
- Pediatric plastic surgery nurses: Help coordinate your child’s appointments and provide education for your family.
To help diagnose your child’s condition, we may order special X-rays of their face and head. Your child may also have computed tomography (CT) scans, which can help us plan their treatment.
