Treatment of craniofacial microsomia.

The term "craniofacial microsomia" indicates that many patients with hemifacial microsomia have orbital and cranial dysplasia. Skeletal dysplasia, displacement, or absence is the prime cause of facial asymmetry, flatness, and occlusal tilt. Correction in all three-dimensional planes minimizes or eliminates the necessity for soft-tissue augmentation. Current modifications, as applied to a previously published surgical-anatomic classification, include better bone grafting and skeletal fixation techniques, as well as variations in osteotomy lines. Increasing evidence shows that earlier surgery is indicated because of previously unsuspected growth of face bone grafts.