Craniofacial microsomia

This is a lack of development of one or both sides of the face. It has many names including hemifacial microsomia and Goldenhar syndrome. The condition has a wide range of manifestations. In mild cases patients have one sided facial underdevelopment with skin tags in front of their ears. Severely affected patients sometimes have a profoundly affected, small jaw and are missing an ear.

As it’s a variable condition, some patients are very mild and require no active treatment, while others require orthodontics and jaw surgery to improve the way the teeth meet (occlusion) and facial symmetry. Craniofacial surgery and tissue transfers to improve the facial appearance are needed for severe cases and often construction of an entire ear is needed.