Ayla Summer Mucha, born in December, has captured the spotlight on TikTok as her parents leverage the platform to shed light on her unique condition—being born with a “permanent smile.” This adorable infant has quickly become a TikTok sensation, drawing attention and raising awareness about her extraordinary journey.
At the joyous arrival of their newborn, Cristina Vercher, 21, and Blaize Mucha, 20, were confronted with unexpected news about their baby girl, Ayla. The medical revelation disclosed that Ayla had developed bilateral m͟a͟c͟r͟o͟s͟t͟o͟m͟i͟a͟, an exceptionally rare condition characterized by improper fusion of the corners of the mouth during fetal development.
This condition significantly impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of the oral cavity, resulting in a distinctive permanent smile on Ayla’s face. Despite the initial surprise, Ayla has gained widespread attention as a social media sensation. Cristina Vercher has shared numerous heartwarming images of her smiling daughter on Instagram, narrating the family’s journey after learning about Ayla’s condition, which the doctors in Australia attributed to her prenatal development.
In our conversation, Ms. Vercher shared, “Blaize and I were completely unaware of this condition, and I had never encountered anyone born with m͟a͟c͟r͟o͟s͟t͟o͟m͟i͟a͟, so it came as an enormous shock.”
According to a comparative study published in the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal in 2007, only 14 cases were documented at that time. While it’s plausible that occurrences may have increased since then, the rarity of the condition is underscored by the fact that the doctor at Flinders Medical Centre had never encountered it before.
Macrostomia, though, is more than just a cosmetic abnormality — it can affect how infants function, especially with latching and suckling. Because of the impact it has on facial functionality, patients with macrostomia are often told to get surgery.
“We are yet to receive the exact specifications of the surgery, yet we know this involves a skin closure that results in minimal scarring,” Vercher said. “The challenges we will face post surgery are worrying as a couple.”
They were reassured by an array of doctors that it was out of their control as parents and not their fault as they waited for genetic testing to be completed.
Sharing an adorable picture of the baby, she wrote, “My Darling Lala. Better late then never. Running 2 days behind at all times… Almost out of her premmie suits.” This has melted hearts all across social media. Have a look at the picture:
