OBJECTIVETo summarize the methods and experiences in surgical treatment of hemifacial microsomia.

METHODSFifty-eight cases of hemifacial microsomia that have been treated by plastic and reconstructive surgery and followed-up in our department during last 20 years have been reviewed. Every patient's characteristic was assessed by physical examination, photography, craniofacial cephalometry before planned the method of surgery. Different surgical treatments were chosen according to the side and the structures involved in the abnormalities and the severity of hemifacial microsomia, and the cases were followed up since 3 months after the treatments. The follow-up lean of midline of the lower 1/3 face with that before treatment is compared. The degrees of patients' and surgeons' satisfactions with the treatments were evaluated respectively.

RESULTSThe average angle of lean of midline of skeletal and soft tissue of the lower 1/3 face decreased 4.2 degrees and 2.9 degrees respectively after treatment. Fifty (82.6%) cases satisfied with the outcome of the surgical treatment and surgeons satisfied with 84.5% of the outcome of all the cases.

CONCLUSIONSIndividual surgical treatment based on the side and the structures involved in the abnormalities can effectively correct facial asymmetry of hemifacial microsomia.