Bimaxillary hyperplasia: the facial expression of homozygous beta-thalassemia.

A boy born in Curaçoa, who was 6 years old at his initial visit and known to have homozygous beta-thalassemia, is described. Emphasis is directed to the typical facial expression. The possibility of surgical treatment of the maxillary hypertrophy is discussed. However, in view of the limited life expectancy of these patients, correction should not be performed before adolescence.