Facial Asymmetry Etiology, Evaluation, and Management.pdfVIP

Review Article 341 Facial Asymmetry: Etiology, Evaluation, and Management You-Wei Cheong, MD; Lun-Jou Lo, MD Facial asymmetry is common in humans. Significant facial asymmetry causes both functional as well as esthetic problems. When patients complain of facial asymmetry, the underlying cause should be investigated. The etiology includes congenital disorders, acquired diseases, and traumat- ic and developmental deformities. The causes of many cases of developmental facial asymmetry are indistinct. Assessment of facial asymmetry consists of a patient history, physical examination, and medical imaging. Medical imaging is help- ful for objective diagnosis and measurement of the asymme- try, as well as for treatment planning. Components of soft tis- sue, dental and skeletal differences contributing to facial asymmetry are evaluated. Frequently dental malocclusion, canting of the occlusal level and midline shift are found. Dr. Lun-Jou Lo Management of facial asymmetry first aims at correcting the underlying disorder. Orthognathic surgery is performed for the treatment of facial asymme- try combined with dental occlusal problems. A symmetrical facial midline, harmonious facial profile and dental occlusion are obtained from treatment. Additional surgical proce- dures may be required to increase or reduce the volume of skeletal and soft tissue compo- nents on both sides to achieve better symmetry. (Chang Gung Med J 2011;34:341-51) Key words: facial asymmetry, evaluation, surgical treatment erfectly bilateral face