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Hemifacial Microsomia
Causes of Facial Paralysis Hemifacial Microsomia
A condition called “Hemifacial Microsomia” is one in which part of the face did not develop normally. Development of the ear and the jaw are compromised but can be surgically improved. After clefts this syndrome runs in second for surgical aid for the patient.
There are no studies that link “Hemifacial Microsomia” to the actions or activities of mother’s during pregnancy. Why it happens still baffles researchers. It could be a lack of blood supply to the fetus’s brachial arches in the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Adults wanting more children can expect a mere 1% chance of transferring Hemifacial problems to other children.
The winning idea behind surgery for children is the fact that the bone and soft tissue can be corrected. The age for these surgeries depends upon the surgeon and the general condition of the child. Common surgeries include:
Lowering the upper jaw to match the opposite side and lengthening the lower jaw. 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.
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