Correction of maxillofacial asymmetry using orthognathic surgical methods.

A total of 20 patients with varying degrees of facial asymmetry were followed clinically and radiographically for at least 18 months after undergoing surgical correction. In 12 of the patients, the cause of asymmetry was hemifacial microsomia of varying severity. Infection of the TMJ in early childhood and irradiation damage were other causes of facial growth disturbance. Bimaxillary osteotomy was carried out in all cases and was often combined with resection of the coronoid process in order to lengthen the ramus. A postoperative jaw exercise programme has proved important as a means of maintaining or increasing mouth-opening capacity. The facial asymmetry cases are not easy to correct and are not always in line with expectations. However, they are an important part of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.