Understanding Hemifacial Microsomia
I shared this in a smaller forum, but I'm hoping to get more insights here. At 18 years old, I am navigating life with hemifacial microsomia. To enhance my functionality and appearance, I've undergone orthognathic surgery and otoplasty, which corrected my previously closed external ear. While the improvements are noticeable, there remain additional surgical options that could further balance the asymmetry in my face. Let me provide a bit of context by detailing the characteristics of each side of my face. **Right Side:** On this side, I experience jaw malformation and microtia. The skull appears more pronounced here, while the frontal bone of my forehead looks smooth and normal. My eyebrow and eye on this side are noticeably elevated. My nose is tilted towards the left, there is minimal fatty tissue present, and my mouth is raised. There is also a significant deviation in my jaw, which has impacted the shape of my chin, although a prosthesis has been placed to add volume. **Left Side:** This side seems more typical since both my jaw and ear developed normally. However, the skull is less protruding and deeper. The frontal bone exhibits marked asymmetry, with some areas appearing lower than others, causing my eyebrow and eye to also appear lower. This side has a considerable amount of fat tissue, presents a nose that is more pronounced, and features a drooping mouth along with a more prominent chin. I am curious to learn about the types of plastic surgeons who specialize in treating facial deformities and who offer more significant surgical interventions. I apologize if my vocabulary is unclear, as English is not my first language. I'd appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 12:01:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience with hemifacial microsomia. It’s understandable that you are seeking further options to improve balance and functionality in your facial structure. Let's break down your questions about additional surgical interventions and the types of specialists to consider.
Main Points
- Hemifacial microsomia can cause asymmetry, and you have already taken steps toward improvement through surgery.
- It's important to find a qualified specialist who has experience in correcting facial deformities.
- Consider exploring options that align with your specific concerns for functionality and aesthetics.
Explanation
Hemifacial microsomia is a condition where one side of the face is underdeveloped, affecting structures such as the jaw, ear, and facial soft tissue. It’s great that you have pursued corrective surgeries. Knowing that you’re looking for further enhancement, various surgical options may be available depending on the specific features you want to address.
Typically, specialists in this area include:
-
Craniofacial Surgeons: These surgeons focus on reconstructive surgery of the skull and face, particularly for congenital conditions. They have the expertise to address complex asymmetries.
-
Plastic Surgeons: Many plastic surgeons specialize in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Look for those with experience in craniofacial surgery, as they can offer tailored approaches.
-
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Since you've undergone orthognathic surgery, these surgeons are trained in facial jaw surgeries and may help in correcting jaw malformations further.
-
Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists): If you need further improvement regarding ear structure or function, an ENT specialist with experience in reconstructive cases could also be significant.
Next Steps
-
Research Specialists: Look for medical directories or university hospital listings specific to craniofacial and reconstructive surgery. Read reviews and look for testimonials regarding their experience with hemifacial microsomia.
-
Consultations: Schedule consultations with a couple of specialists to discuss your goals and understand the potential procedures and what they entail. This will help you gauge their approach and find the right fit for you.
-
Personal Reflection: Take some time to think about your priorities. Are you looking for functional enhancements, cosmetic improvements, or both? This will guide your discussions with the specialists.
-
Support System: Engage with support groups or communities where others share similar experiences. They can offer personal insights and recommendations on specialists.
Remember, it's important to feel comfortable with your chosen doctor and align your treatment goals with their recommendations. Your journey is valuable, and each step you take is towards achieving the balance and function you desire. If you have more specific questions about surgical options or preparation, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Availability of Rabies Vaccination in UK NHS A&E for Post-Exposure Treatment
After being bitten by a dog while traveling abroad, I completed the necessary rabies vaccination schedule as instructed (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14) and also received Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG). Now that I'm back in the UK, I need to get my final vaccine dose after 28 days. Is it possible for me to visit an A&E department for this shot? Local doctor's offices do not provide this service, and the only clinics I've discovered are private travel clinics that charge upwards of £100, which is beyond my budget at the moment. My travel insurance covered the initial treatments I received in Thailand (minus the excess charge), but they will not pay for this last dose. Given that I am dealing with a post-exposure situation, isn't it reasonable to expect that I could receive this vaccine through the NHS? I was indeed bitten, and if the dog was rabid, not receiving this last dose could have severe consequences. I'm puzzled as to why the only option appears to be a costly private clinic. Can I access this vaccine through the NHS? If so, what steps should I take to obtain it? Personal details: Female, 48 years old, 172 cm tall, 70 kg in weight, bitten on the left leg by a dog, no known medical issues.
Understanding the Dark Spot on My Toe
I recently observed a dark mark on my toe that is quite alarming. The area around it is also unusually dry, which is not typical for my skin. Additionally, there is noticeable swelling, and it becomes painful whenever it is touched. I'm uncertain how long this has been present, but I'm eager to determine whether I should seek medical attention. - **Age**: 20 - **Gender**: Male - **Height**: 187 cm - **Weight**: 87 kg - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian - **Duration of the issue**: 1-4 days - **Affected area**: Toe - **Any prior medical conditions**: None reported - **Current medications**: None prescribed I'm anxious to find out if this warrants a visit to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Concerns about Food Aspiration
Hello, I'm a 23-year-old female, currently using pregabalin to manage chronic migraines. Recently, I made the unfortunate choice to chat while indulging in a soft chocolate bar. This happened about thirty minutes ago, and ever since, I’ve been anxious about the possibility of aspirating some of the chocolate. Shortly after eating, I noticed an unusual sensation in my throat—nothing painful, but definitely off, accompanied by a strange feeling in my neck. Although I haven’t experienced any coughing or the typical sensation of something going the wrong way, I’m still feeling a bit odd in my throat and neck area. Additionally, I had some belching and felt a wave of dizziness right after the incident, which I’m still experiencing to some extent. I'm genuinely worried about the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, and it’s causing me a lot of stress.
Is Eating an Old Starburst Safe?
Recently, I sampled a Starburst that I saved from last Halloween. I’m 9 years old, roughly 4 feet tall, and weigh about 80 pounds. The packaging looked perfectly intact, and the wrappers seemed fine too. The candy itself didn’t show any signs of spoilage, such as browning or mold. I also made sure to wash it before eating. Should I be concerned about this choice?
Seeking Advice for Ingrown Toenail Care
Hello, I'm a 17-year-old male dealing with an ingrown toenail issue. I underwent surgery to address it a few months back, and while it initially healed well, I've noticed it's not looking quite right again. My plan is to soak my foot nightly in a warm bath with Dettol for about 20 minutes over the next two weeks before consulting with a professional for further treatment and medication. I would really appreciate any additional suggestions or remedies you might have to help manage this situation.