Best Facial Paralysis Treatment, Neurofibromatosis Surgery Cost, Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon – Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Glendale

626-765-6885

  • Dr. Panossian
  • PEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY OVERVIEW
  • ABOUT
  • CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
    • General Pediatric
      • Birthmarks
      • Lumps & Bumps
      • Tethered Tongue
      • Prominent Ears
      • Trauma
    • Craniofacial
      • Cleft Lip & Palate
      • Microtia Los Angeles (Ear Reconstruction Surgery)
      • Nasal Deformities
      • Facial Paralysis in Kids
      • Moebius Syndrome
      • Macrostomia
      • Hemifacial Microsomia
      • Apert Syndrome
    • Hand
      • Camptodactyly
      • Clinodactyly
      • Ectrodactyly
      • Hypoplastic Thumb
      • Macrodactyly
      • Polydactyly (Extra Digits)
      • Radial Club Hand
      • Symbrachydactyly
      • Trigger Finger
    • Neurofibromatosis
    • Vascular Birthmarks
  • BACK TO MAIN SITE
  • CONTACT US
  • 626-765-6885
Best Facial Paralysis Treatment, Neurofibromatosis Surgery Cost, Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon – Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Glendale
Request Consultation

626-765-6885

  • Dr. Panossian
  • PEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGERY OVERVIEW
  • ABOUT
  • CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
    • General Pediatric
      • Birthmarks
      • Lumps & Bumps
      • Tethered Tongue
      • Prominent Ears
      • Trauma
    • Craniofacial
      • Cleft Lip & Palate
      • Microtia Los Angeles (Ear Reconstruction Surgery)
      • Nasal Deformities
      • Facial Paralysis in Kids
      • Moebius Syndrome
      • Macrostomia
      • Hemifacial Microsomia
      • Apert Syndrome
    • Hand
      • Camptodactyly
      • Clinodactyly
      • Ectrodactyly
      • Hypoplastic Thumb
      • Macrodactyly
      • Polydactyly (Extra Digits)
      • Radial Club Hand
      • Symbrachydactyly
      • Trigger Finger
    • Neurofibromatosis
    • Vascular Birthmarks
  • BACK TO MAIN SITE
  • CONTACT US
  • 626-765-6885
  • Dr. Panossian

Macrostomia

Home » Pediatric Plastic Surgery » Craniofacial » Macrostomia

What is macrostomia?

Macrostomia is the result of a cleft in the cheek that is continuous with the corner of the mouth. It is a type of facial cleft referred to as a Tessier no. 7 cleft. The cleft can extend from the corner of the mouth to the ear. It is an extremely rare condition, occurring in 1 out of 60,000 to 300,000 people.

(626) 765-6885

Request Consultation
Child with macrostomia.
Child with macrostomia.
Table of Contents
  1. What is macrostomia?
  2. Why does macrostomia occur?
  3. What are the associated problems with macrostomia?
  4. Can macrostomia be inherited?
  5. How is macrostomia treated?
  6. What is the recovery from macrostomia surgery?
  7. What are the risks and complications of macrostomia surgery?

Why does macrostomia occur?

Macrostomia results from failure of fusion during development of the upper and lower jaw precursor tissues during the 7th week of gestation. It is not known why this failure of fusion occurs, but it is frequently associated with other conditions such as hemifacial microsomia.

What are the associated problems with macrostomia?

Aside from other simultaneously occurring problems representing components of a larger syndromic condition, macrostomia by itself is mostly a cosmetic deformity. Similar to hemifacial microsomia, a child with macrostomia may have other craniofacial deformities such as ear tags, underdeveloped lower jaw, dental problems, and other facial clefts. In addition, other organ systems may be involved, such as the spine, gastrointestinal tract, cardiac, renal, and pulmonary organs.

Child with macrostomia from below.
Child with macrostomia from below.

Can macrostomia be inherited?

Although various genetic markers have been identified in hemifacial microsomia, isolated macrostomia in the absence of other malformations is extremely rare and poorly understood. There may be a small increased risk of having an affected relative. It is difficult to estimate this increased risk due to ineffective reporting of mild variations of macrostomia within families, but it may be as high as 2 to 3 percent. A consultation with a genetics counselor is vital in accounting for all variables contributing to macrostomia and for providing a better foundation for family planning.

How is macrostomia treated?

There are several surgical options for correction of macrostomia. Incisions are placed along the borders of the cleft, both inside and outside the mouth. The muscles are then brought into continuity, including the all-important oral sphincter (or, orbicularis oris). The wound is then closed from inside out. Sutures are absorbable and do not require removal. The surgery takes less than 2 hours and can be done on an outpatient basis.

Before and after photo of child's mouth following macrostomia repair.
Before and after photo of child’s mouth following macrostomia repair.

What is the recovery from macrostomia surgery?

Recovery from surgical correction of macrostomia is relatively simple. Patients must avoid contact sports or rough play for a period of at least 3 to 4 weeks. A soft diet is required for up to 6 weeks.

What are the risks and complications of macrostomia surgery?

Fortunately, complications from macrostomia repair are limited. Typical surgical risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, and bad scarring. Additionally, there is a chance of asymmetry and a possibility for future surgical revisions. Anesthesia pre-evaluation may be required in syndromic patients with airway issues or other systemic problems such as cardiac, pulmonary, or endocrinologic defects.

Very caring and helpful. Thank you Dr. Panossian

  • Star fullStar fullStar fullStar fullStar full 5 stars
  • Lanee Hooser

Author

This article was written by Dr. Andre Panossian. Last Modified May 2, 2022

CONTACT US TODAY!

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ASPS AAPS ABSP FACS Top Doctor AAP

Best Facial Paralysis Treatment, Neurofibromatosis Surgery Cost, Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon.
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Glendale

  • About
  • Photo Gallery
  • Cosmetic
  • Reconstructive
  • Patients
  • Testimonials
  • Location
  • Contact Us

Andre Panossian, MD

39 Congress St., Suite 402
Pasadena, CA 91105

Phone:  626-765-6885

5.0 STARS FROM 34 REVIEWS

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
39 Congress St., Suite 402, Pasadena, CA 91105(opens in a new tab)

Copyright © 2022 Andre Panossian, MD. All rights reserved.

Phone: 626-765-6885

Stock photos included on this website may include models who are not actual patients and do not necessarily reflect actual results.

Terms | Privacy | Sitemap