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FACTS:

• Children with this condition usually have one side of the face is smaller than the other; rarely it can occur on both sides of the face. 
• The most obvious sign of this condition is a partially formed ear or a total absence of an ear.
• The cause is thought to be that something occurred in the early stages of fetal development, such as a disturbance of the blood supply, in the first 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy. Studies do not link this condition with genetics or the mother's activities or actions during her pregnancy.
• This is the second most common facial birth defect after clefts.
• A child with this condition should be treated by a qualified craniofacial team.
• In severe cases, the child may have a narrowed airway that may lead to difficulties in breathing.
• Children with Hemifacial Microsomiamay also suffer from sleep apnea due to narrowed airway. It is important to watch for airway problems.
  
  

TREATMENT:

• Surgeries for children with hemifacial microsomia have a goal of improving facial symmetry, by reconstructing the bony and soft tissue, such as the ear and possibly the jaw. The timing for such surgeries vary among the surgeons and the severity of the problems.
• There may be skin tags in front of the ear or on different parts of the face.
• Hearing problemsdepend on the structures that are involved. One or both ears may be affected.
• Some children have some weakness in movement on the affected side of the face.
• The appearance of the ear and jaw can be helped with surgery when the child is older.
• Hearing aides and/or surgery may help if hearing loss is present.
  

HELPFUL HINTS:

• A child may have trouble hearing when it is crowded or noisy. It  may help to speak towards good ear.