This study focuses on children with hemifacial microsomia (HFM), a common congenital craniofacial deformity caused by abnormal development of the first and second branchial arches. Up to 45% of children with HFM have facial nerve dysplasia, most frequently involving the mandibular marginal branch. These children present with asymmetric lower-lip movement called "crooked-mouth smile" during smiling, speaking or crying. Unlike asymmetric crying syndrome, this condition does not resolve spontaneously and may gradually get worse. "Crooked-mouth smile" results from muscle weakness of the lower lip on the affected side, leading to dynamic perioral muscle imbalance. Static treatment includes botulinum toxin injection, muscle resection, nerve cutting and fascia suspension; dynamic treatment includes muscle transfer procedures. Early intervention is important for children's psychological well-being. Botulinum toxin injection is minimally invasive, safe and reversible, and is regarded as a preferred initial therapy. However, prospective clinical evidence regarding its efficacy, safety and appropriate dosage in this pediatric population remains insufficient. This prospective study aims to explore the safety, effectiveness and optimal dose of botulinum toxin injection for treating "crooked-mouth smile" in children with HFM and mandibular marginal branch dysplasia.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Injection targets the "depressor labii inferioris" and "depressor anguli oris" for correction of crooked-mouth smile.
Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College
Beijing, China, China
RECRUITINGmouth asymmetry
A coordinate system is established based on the palpebral fissure and nasion. The sagittal distance differences at the hemilabial midpoint and oral commissure point are evaluated under static, broad-smile, and teeth-baring conditions in children
Time frame: 1、3、6 months
satisfaction with lips
Face-Q: satisfaction with lips. FACE-Q Aesthetics: Satisfaction with Lips scale. Patient-reported satisfaction with lip appearance. Rasch-transformed scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate greater satisfaction (better outcome).
Time frame: 1、3、6 months
Terzis aesthetic and functional grading system for the depressor muscle
Investigator-assessed depressor muscle aesthetic and functional performance using the Terzis aesthetic and functional grading system for the depressor muscle. Scores range from 0 (Poor, total paralysis) to 2 (Excellent, normal symmetric lower-lip movement); higher scores indicate better aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Time frame: 1、3、6 months
Smile Improvement Score
Investigator-assessed improvement in smile aesthetics using the Smile Improvement Score (SIS), a subjective grading system for lip posture during smile. Frontal smile photographs are compared with baseline; scores range from 0(no improvement) to 3 (excellent improvement, symmetric smile); higher scores indicate better smile outcome.
Time frame: 1、3、6 months
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