What Is Facial Asymmetry

13 Jul What Is Facial Asymmetry

Solutions for an Uneven Face

Facial asymmetry refers to the phenomenon where the two sides of a person’s face are not mirror images of each other. This can include differences in the size, shape, or position of facial features such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

In this blog, Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts will take a close look at facial asymmetry – what causes it, how to identify it, and what you can do about it. Dr. Watts will cover both surgical and non-surgical options to help balance and even out your features.

What Causes an Uneven Face?

Facial asymmetry can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from natural development to lifestyle habits. Let’s explore some common causes:

• Genetics Just like you inherit your eye colour and height from your parents, the shape of your facial bones and muscles is also determined by genetics. If you have family members with noticeable asymmetry, you’re more likely to have it too.
• In-Utero Pressure: The position you held in your mother’s womb can also contribute to facial asymmetry. Constant pressure on certain facial features during development can lead to slight differences in shape.
• Childhood Habits: Habits you developed as a child, like sleeping on one side consistently or sucking your thumb, can influence the development of your facial muscles and bones, potentially contributing to asymmetry.
• Ageing: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles. This process can happen unevenly on each side of the face, making existing asymmetry more pronounced.
• Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure without proper protection can damage collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to premature ageing and potentially exacerbating asymmetry.
• Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet can also contribute to uneven ageing and accentuate facial asymmetry.
• Trauma or Injury: Facial injuries, fractures, or surgeries can obviously alter the shape of your face, leading to noticeable asymmetry.
• Medical Conditions: In rare cases, facial asymmetry can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis, or a tumour.

Identifying Facial Asymmetry

Facial asymmetry exists on a spectrum – it’s extremely rare for anyone to have a perfectly symmetrical face. But how can you tell if your asymmetry is more pronounced?

Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Uneven eyebrows – One brow may sit higher or lower than the other. This is one of the most noticeable forms of facial asymmetry.
• Lopsided smile – When you smile, one corner of your mouth may turn up more than the other.
• Uneven eyes – The sizes or shapes of your eyes may appear slightly different.
• Crooked nose – Your nose may be slightly off-centre or angled to one side.
• Jawline irregularity – One side of your jawline or chin may be more pronounced.
• Lopsided facial features – Overall, the right and left sides of your face just don’t quite match up.

The degree of asymmetry can vary greatly from person to person. Some people have very subtle, barely noticeable unevenness, while others have much more pronounced and obvious asymmetry. The good news is that there are treatments available to help balance out your features, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.

Assessing Your Facial Asymmetry

If you’re concerned about facial asymmetry, the first step is to assess the extent of the unevenness. Here are a few ways to do this:

• Take Photos: Use your phone or camera to take photos of your face from different angles. This can help you see the asymmetry more clearly and determine which areas are most affected.
• Use a Mirror: Stand in front of a mirror and observe your facial features. Pay attention to the position of your eyes, eyebrows, cheekbones, and jawline.
• Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the extent of your facial asymmetry or want a more detailed assessment, consider consulting Dr. Watts.

Non-Surgical Solutions for Facial Asymmetry

If your facial asymmetry is relatively mild, there are several non-surgical treatments that can help reduce the appearance of unevenness:

• Dermal fillers – Injectable fillers made from hyaluronic acid can be used to add volume and balance out areas of the face that appear sunken or uneven. Common treatment areas include the cheeks, chin, and around the mouth.
• Neurotoxin injections – Muscle-relaxing injections can be used to soften the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and uneven facial movements.
• Facial exercises – Performing specific exercises to target the facial muscles can help retrain them to work more evenly.

These non-surgical options are usually quicker, less invasive, and more affordable than surgical treatments. They can provide some changes, although the results are often temporary and may require regular maintenance.

Surgical Solutions for Facial Asymmetry

For more significant cases of facial asymmetry, surgical treatments may be recommended. These procedures aim to physically alter the underlying structure of the face to create better balance and symmetry. Some common surgical options include:

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery, is a procedure that reshapes or resizes the nose. It can address a variety of issues, including:

• Size Adjustment: Reducing or increasing the overall size of the nose to create a harmonious balance with other facial features.
• Nasal Tip Reshaping: Modifying the shape of the nasal tip to make it more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
• Bridge Correction: Adjusting the bridge of the nose, whether it’s too wide, too narrow, or has a bump that creates asymmetry.
• Nostril Reshaping: Changing the size or shape of the nostrils to make them more even.

The procedure typically involves making incisions either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). Dr. Watts then reshapes the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired outcome.

DOWNLOAD DR WATTS’ ULTIMAGE GUIDE TO RHINOPLASTY

Ultimate Guide To Rhinoplasty

• Name*
  First Last
• Phone Number*
• Email*
• Message
• Would you like us to contact you?
  • Yes - please contact me
  • No - Not ready just yet!
• Best time to call
  No preference9:00 AM - 10:00AM10:00 AM - 11:00 AM11:00 AM - 12:00 PM12:00 PM - 1:00 PM1:00 PM - 2:00 PM2:00 PM - 3:00 PM3:00 PM - 4:00 PM4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Phone
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Δ

Chin Augmentation or Reduction

Chin augmentation or reduction is a surgical procedure that modifies the size and shape of the chin. This can be done through:

• Chin Augmentation: Adding bone, cartilage, or a synthetic implant to increase the size of a receding chin. This can improve the profile and create a more pronounced jawline.
• Chin Reduction: Removing bone or cartilage from an overly prominent chin to soften the facial features and enhance symmetry.

Both procedures can be performed through intraoral incisions (inside the mouth) to avoid visible scarring.

Jaw Reshaping

Jaw reshaping involves surgical adjustments to the jawbone to correct asymmetry or deformities. There are several techniques used, including:

• Osteotomy: Cutting and repositioning the jawbone to align it correctly. This is often used for severe asymmetry or bite issues.
• Genioplasty: A type of osteotomy focused on the chin, where the bone is cut and moved to a new position. This can be used to correct both horizontal and vertical asymmetries.
• Jaw Contouring: Sculpting the jawbone to remove excess bone and create a smoother, more symmetrical appearance.

These procedures often require a combination of surgical techniques and may involve collaboration with an orthodontist to address dental alignment issues.

Cheek Implants or Fat Grafting

Cheek implants or fat grafting are procedures aimed at adding volume to sunken or flat cheekbones, enhancing facial contours and symmetry. Here’s how they work:

• Cheek Implants: Synthetic implants made of materials like silicone are inserted through small incisions inside the mouth or lower eyelid. These implants provide a permanent solution to enhance cheek volume and contour.
• Fat Grafting: Fat is harvested from another part of the body (usually the abdomen or thighs) and injected into the cheeks. This technique provides a more natural look and feel, as it uses your own tissue.

Both methods can restore lost volume and lift the mid-face area.

Facial Liposuction

Facial liposuction is a procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from areas like the cheeks, chin, and neck to create more even contours. It is particularly effective for:

• Reducing Double Chin: Removing fat from under the chin to enhance jawline definition.
• Sculpting the Jawline: Contouring the jaw to reduce fullness.
• Cheek Reduction: Slimming down the cheeks.

The procedure involves making small incisions through which a cannula (a thin tube) is inserted to suction out the fat. It’s usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery.

These surgical treatments are more complex and involve longer recovery times compared to non-surgical options. But for severe cases of asymmetry, they can provide more visible and long-lasting results.

Lifestyle Changes

While not a direct solution for existing asymmetry, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent further unevenness caused by ageing or lifestyle factors:

• Sun Protection: Wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent premature ageing that can exacerbate asymmetry.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can support skin health and overall well-being.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and supple.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates the ageing process and damages collagen and elastin, making existing asymmetry more noticeable.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin and contribute to premature ageing.

FAQs about Facial Asymmetry

Can facial asymmetry develop over time?

• Yes, facial asymmetry can develop or become more noticeable over time due to factors like ageing, injury, or changes in your dental structure. As you age, the skin loses elasticity, and underlying tissues may shift, making asymmetry more apparent. Injuries can also lead to changes in facial structure as they heal, and dental issues like tooth loss or shifting teeth can affect the alignment of your jaw and face.

Are there non-surgical treatments for facial asymmetry?

• Yes, there are several non-surgical treatments for facial asymmetry. These include dermal fillers, neurotoxin injections and facial exercises. Dermal fillers can add volume to areas that appear sunken or uneven, while Botox can relax overactive muscles that contribute to asymmetry. Facial exercises can help strengthen and balance facial muscles, potentially reducing mild asymmetry over time.

How can I determine if my facial asymmetry requires medical attention?

• If you notice sudden changes in your facial symmetry, such as drooping on one side or difficulty with facial movements, it is important to seek medical attention. These symptoms could be indicative of underlying medical conditions such as Bell’s palsy, stroke, or other neurological issues. Consulting with your GP or Dr. Watts can help determine if there is a medical cause for your asymmetry and what treatment is needed.

Can orthodontic treatment correct facial asymmetry?

• Orthodontic treatment can help correct facial asymmetry, particularly when it is related to dental issues like misaligned teeth or an uneven bite. Braces or clear aligners can gradually shift your teeth into better alignment, which can improve the overall symmetry of your face. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be combined with other procedures, such as jaw surgery, to achieve optimal results.

Is it normal for facial asymmetry to affect one side more than the other?

• Yes, it is common for facial asymmetry to be more pronounced on one side of the face. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, habitual behaviours (such as chewing predominantly on one side), or previous injuries that have affected one side more than the other. Each person’s facial structure is unique, and some degree of asymmetry is normal and natural.

Further Reading about Face Surgery with Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts

• Read more about Turkish Rhinoplasty
• Read more about Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty
• Read more about What Is the Difference between a Forehead Lift and Blepharoplasty
• Read more about What Is Chin Ptosis? – Solutions for a Double Chin
• Read more about What Is Jaw Augmentation?

Medical References about Facial Asymmetry

• Facial asymmetry: a current review – PubMed
• Asymmetrical face: Causes, treatment and more – Medical News Today
• What to Know About Facial Asymmetry: Causes and More -WebMD
• Original Article Facial asymmetry, the right-side dominance – Science Direct