Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital disorder that affects the development of the lower half of the face, most commonly the ears, the mouth and the mandible.

The severity may depend on the extent of the area with an insufficient blood supply in utero, and the gestational age of the fetus at which this occurs.

[citation needed] Figueroa and Pruzanksky classified HFM patients into three different types:[2] Depending upon the treatment required, it is sometimes most appropriate to wait until later in life for a surgical remedy – the childhood growth of the face may highlight or increase the symptoms.

When surgery is required, particularly when there is a severe disfiguration of the jaw, it is common to use a rib graft to help correct the shape.

[citation needed] According to literature, HFM patients can be treated with various treatment options such as functional therapy with an appliance, distraction osteogenesis, or costochondral graft.

[3] According to Dr. Harry Pepe, a pediatrician from Hollywood, Florida, the goal of treatment in hemifacial microsomia is to elongate the deficient jaw bone to restore facial symmetry and correct the slanting bite (occlusion).