Congenital facial asymmetry

This code signifies a birth defect characterized by an uneven development or proportion of the facial structures. It involves a noticeable difference between the two sides of the face, present from birth. This asymmetry can affect bone, muscle, and soft tissues, leading to a distorted facial appearance.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a congenital origin for the patient's facial asymmetry. This diagnosis is typically made in infancy or early childhood based on physical examination and may be supported by imaging studies. It applies to cases where the unevenness is not due to trauma, tumor, or acquired conditions.

• Differentiate from acquired facial asymmetry (e.g., due to Bell's palsy, trauma, or tumor), which would use different codes.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "congenital" or "present at birth" to support this code.
• Consider additional codes for specific underlying syndromes or associated anomalies if present and documented.