What is hemifacial microsomia in children?Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital problem. This means that your child is born with it. In this condition, one side of your baby’s face is underdeveloped. (Hemi means half). HFM usually only affects one side of the face. Sometimes both sides may be affected. This condition shares features with another condition called Treacher Collins syndrome. Show
What causes HFM in a child?This condition often happens by chance. It commonly develops during the fetal stage of pregnancy at around 4 weeks gestation because of vascular problems causing poor blood supply to the face. It may also run in some families. HFM may be passed on (inherited) in the following ways:
This condition may also occur in children with other chromosome abnormalities. Chromosomes are the structures in our cells that carry our genes. These types of abnormalities often occur by chance. What are the symptoms of HFM in a child?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. The deformities caused by HFM vary. They may range from mild to severe. Different areas of the face may be involved. The following may be underdeveloped in HFM:
In some babies, other parts of the body may also be affected by HFM. How is HFM diagnosed in a child?Geneticists often diagnose HFM. A geneticist is a healthcare provider with special training to diagnose and treat conditions passed down in families (genetic condition). Your child’s provider will look at their health history. Your child will also have an exam. Your child’s provider may also do imaging tests to make the diagnosis. These tests may include:
How is HFM treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It'll also depend on how severe the condition is. If your child has severe symptoms, they may need several surgeries. In this case, your child will be checked by a craniofacial anomalies team. This is a group of healthcare providers who diagnose and treat facial defects. Your child’s treatment may include:
What are possible complications of HFM in a child?If your child has a mild defect, he or she may not be at risk for complications. Children with more severe defects may be more likely to have issues. These can include hearing loss, eating problems, and trouble with self-image. How can I help my child live with HFM?Your child may have hearing loss or eating problems related to HFM. Your child will need to be under the care of a team of craniofacial anomaly experts. This team may include:
HFM support groups can help you and your child. Ask your child’s healthcare provider about support groups in your area. When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child has any new symptoms. These can include trouble eating or gaining weight. Key points about HFM in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Is having a baby face attractive?For a start, there's a ton of evidence that babyfaces are attractive to humans, so perhaps ancestors with the supermodel look had more suitors and more children (sexual selection). This is backed up by the fact that babyfaces are especially attractive in women – and women tend to be more baby-faced than men.
What age does baby face go?A question we hear often at Maxi-Cosi is: when can a baby face forward in a car seat? i-Size guidelines state children should continue travelling rear-facing until at least 15 months old. However, many experts advise longer than this.
Does baby face go away?You're born with specific facial features, though, and if you don't lose that baby face roundness by the time your reach your mid to late 20s, it's likely a genetic trait, not lingering baby fat. (ref 2) Losing weight may help a full face slim down, but you can't directly target your face for loss.
What does it mean if someone says you have a baby face?a face having a bland babyish or childish appearance, especially a plump, small-featured face unmarked by characteristic lines. a person having such a face.
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