Craniofacial microsomia

Craniofacial microsomia is a congenital condition in which one side of the face (and sometimes both) is underdeveloped. It most often affects the ears, jaw, cheeks, eyes, and nerves on one side of the face, and can vary widely in severity. Dr. Reza Jarrahy is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in craniofacial surgery who offers personalized, multidisciplinary care for children and adults affected by this condition. His decades of experience, both in academic medicine and global humanitarian work, uniquely position him to address the full spectrum of needs presented by craniofacial microsomia.

Treatment approach

  • Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (jaw lengthening)

  • Ear reconstruction (autologous or implant-based)

  • Facial fat grafting or soft tissue augmentation

  • Orthognathic (jaw) surgery

  • Eyelid or orbital correction

  • Facial nerve reanimation if facial movement is impaired

Surgical Process and Recovery

Surgical treatment for craniofacial microsomia is typically staged and tailored to each patient’s age, growth, and specific needs. Procedures like jaw lengthening, ear reconstruction, and soft tissue correction are performed under general anesthesia in a specialized setting. Most children return home within a few days and follow a guided recovery plan that includes pain management, wound care, and activity adjustments.

Healing timelines vary by procedure, but swelling and bruising are common in the early weeks. Dr. Jarrahy and his team provide close follow-up care and collaborate with speech therapists, orthodontists, and audiologists to ensure functional progress alongside surgical results. Families are supported throughout every step with clear communication and a compassionate, team-based approach.

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the most exceptional teacher, mentor and physician I have had in my career.His dedication to his students and patients is unparalleled. He deserves every accolade known to mankind. I cannot endorse him enough. I owe him so much of my career. He enabled me to match into plastic surgery at Stanford and has guided my career like a guardian angel.”

  • “Thank you so much for the excellent care.

    With much gratitude”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy, there are very few people I would consider both personal & professional mentors/role models. I greatly appreciate your guidance in the technical arts of surgery, but maybe even more so, admire your genuine passion for connecting deeply & authentically with others.The value you place on relationships/human connection was clearly evident and I aspire to bring this element to my future endeavors, regardless of the setting. I admire your life priorities & balance, which I think very few in medicine, let alone surgery, do well.”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the best!! As a medical student Dr. Jarrahy was my mentor and he cares so much about education and the well-being of his students. Amazing teacher and great person to be around.”

  • “Excellent teacher, takes time to teach residents, allows autonomy to improve surgical education while providing adequate supervision.”