PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
Ashlynn
Diagnosed with hemifacial microsomia,
treated with distraction
osteogenesis surgery

“Mommy, is my mouth broken?” Ashlynn used to ask her mother, Candy.

When Ashlynn turned 3, she let her mother know she was aware she looked different from other children. Ashlynn had a congenital deformity called hemifacial microsomia, or an underdeveloped lower jaw, that became more obvious as her face grew.

Although Ashlynn could speak, she drooled constantly, wore bibs and had trouble eating and drinking.

The family seeks treatment

Having heard about Texas Children’s Plastic Surgery Center, Ashlynn's parents scheduled a visit for their daughter. After an initial assessment, they were referred to two of the department’s craniofacial specialists, Dr. Larry Hollier and Dr. Terry Taylor, who recommended a surgical procedure called distraction osteogenesis. The procedure would restore her lower jaw to a normal position, improve the function of her mouth and enhance her appearance.

“It helped so much when the doctors described how Ashlynn would look after the surgery,” said Candy. “They explained the procedure in detail to us; we knew exactly what to expect.”

Just days after her fourth birthday, Ashlynn had distraction osteogenesis surgery, during which Hollier and Taylor attached a device to the child’s lower jaw that would gradually coax the bone to move forward.

Therapy helps Ashlynn’s jaw

Ashlynn had little trouble accommodating to the daily adjustments at home, and progress was evident within the first month of treatment. When the device was removed after three and a half months, she was well on her way to improved function and an enhanced appearance that will last her a lifetime.

With her newly matching jaws, Ashlynn no longer drools or has to wear bibs. And her lips are able to stay together.

“I’ll never forget the day Ashlynn’s jaws matched so well that she could give me a kiss for the first time,” recalls Candy.

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