Facial Asymmetry – How to Fix Asymmetrical Face

In this guide14 sections

1. Key Points
2. How to Fix an Asymmetrical Face: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
3. What is an Asymmetrical Face?
4. Why Is One Side of My Face Bigger Than the Other?
5. What Causes Facial Asymmetry?
6. Is Facial Asymmetry Developmental or Acquired?
7. Facial Asymmetry Test: How to Check Your Own Face
8. Can Facial Asymmetry Be Fixed Without Surgery?
9. How to Fix an Asymmetrical Face Naturally at Home
10. Surgical Treatments for an Asymmetrical Face
11. Which Facial Asymmetry Treatment Is Right for You?
12. Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Asymmetry Surgery
13. Why Should You Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Facial Asymmetry Surgery?
14. References

How to Fix an Asymmetrical Face: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

Facial symmetry is the degree to which the left and right sides of a person’s face mirror each other. When a face is symmetrical, it means that if you were to draw a line down the middle, the two halves would be very similar to each other. An asymmetrical face is one where the two sides do not mirror each other exactly, with variations in eye size, cheek shape, or nose position. A lopsided face — where one side of the face sits visibly lower, fuller, or differently positioned than the other — is simply a more pronounced form of the same thing.

Symmetry is only one part of how faces are judged; our guide to facial beauty standards and the golden ratio covers the rest.

Asymmetry in the face can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics, injury, and the natural ageing process. Symmetrical faces are often said to be more attractive, though the evidence is weaker than that claim suggests. When researchers mapped the faces of 565 adults and had a subsample rated for attractiveness by opposite-sex assessors, they found no correlation between attractiveness and the degree of asymmetry in either sex (Farrera et al., American Journal of Human Biology, 2015 ↗)^[1]. However, no face is perfectly symmetrical — each person’s face is unique, and minor asymmetry is perfectly normal and often not something others would even notice. Even an extremely asymmetrical face or a very asymmetrical face rarely looks as uneven to other people as it can feel to the person examining it closely in the mirror. Online facial analysis trends actively encourage that kind of scrutiny — our guide to looksmaxxing covers what those tools actually measure and where the advice goes wrong. If measuring and photographing your own face has become a preoccupation rather than a passing curiosity, our guide to body dysmorphia and cosmetic surgery explains why surgery is rarely the right response.

What is an Asymmetrical Face?

An asymmetrical face is a face with features that aren’t perfect mirror images of each other on either side. Facial asymmetry can be attributed to one side of the face having more signs of ageing, one eye looking more closed than the other — covered in our guides to eye shapes and canthal tilt — one eyebrow being higher, the nose being crooked or one nostril bigger than the other, nostrils of uneven width, a forehead that sits differently on one side, one cheek being fuller, one side of the jawline sitting differently to the other, or the jaw or chin being uneven. Our facial plastic surgeons at Centre for Surgery can offer you a range of options to make your facial features look more proportional and restore a beautiful balance to your face.

When Facial Asymmetry Needs Urgent Medical Attention

Nearly everyone has some natural, minor asymmetry — this is not something to worry about. However, a sudden onset of facial unevenness is different from the gradual, lifelong asymmetry most people have. If one side of your face suddenly droops, if you develop sudden weakness or numbness on one side, if your smile becomes uneven within hours or days, or if you notice sudden difficulty speaking, swallowing, or closing one eye, this can be a sign of a medical emergency such as a stroke or facial palsy. In this situation, you should seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or attending A&E — do not wait for a cosmetic consultation. Our guide to facial palsy causes, symptoms and treatment explains how to tell a stroke from Bell’s palsy, and why steroid treatment works best when started within the first 72 hours. Cosmetic treatment for facial asymmetry is only appropriate once any underlying medical cause has been ruled out or treated by a doctor.

Why Is One Side of My Face Bigger Than the Other?

Where the difference is about fullness rather than bone position — one cheek looking rounder, one side of the jaw wider — the usual explanations are soft tissue rather than skeletal:

• Uneven facial fat distribution. The face contains discrete fat compartments, and these are rarely identical in volume on both sides. This is the single most common reason one cheek looks fuller than the other.
• Chewing side preference. Most people chew predominantly on one side. Over years, the masseter muscle on the preferred side can become modestly larger, producing a wider, fuller appearance at the jaw angle.
• Sleeping position. People often ask how to reverse facial asymmetry from sleeping on one side. Consistently sleeping on the same side produces temporary morning asymmetry from fluid distribution, and over many years may contribute to soft tissue changes. The useful test is time: asymmetry that is obvious on waking and settles within a couple of hours is fluid, not structure, and switching sides will not reverse anything that has genuinely changed shape.
• Age-related volume loss. Facial fat pads deflate and descend with age, and rarely at exactly the same rate on both sides. Asymmetry that was invisible at 25 can become noticeable at 50 without anything having gone wrong.
• Dental factors. Missing teeth or a long-standing uneven bite change how the muscles of the lower face work and sit.

Fullness-driven asymmetry generally responds well to soft tissue treatment — filler, fat transfer, or reducing an over-active masseter with jaw slimming injections — whereas asymmetry rooted in the underlying bone does not. Establishing which one you have is the main purpose of the assessment.

What Causes Facial Asymmetry?

Genetics

One prevalent cause of facial asymmetry is genetics. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to have naturally asymmetrical faces due to differences in the development of their facial bones and muscles. Certain genetic conditions can also result in facial asymmetry, including craniosynostosis (skull bones fusing too early), hemifacial microsomia (underdevelopment of one side of the face), and Goldenhar syndrome (a rare genetic disorder affecting the face’s development).

Ageing

Ageing can contribute to facial asymmetry through changes in bone structure (bones lose density and volume), muscle tone changes (weaker muscles can’t support skin and soft tissue as effectively), and skin elasticity changes (skin loses its resilience to stretching and sagging). To prevent or reduce age-related facial asymmetry, you can stay hydrated, protect your skin from the sun, exercise regularly, and maintain good skincare.

Dental Problems

Dental issues can cause facial asymmetry, particularly an asymmetrical jaw or an asymmetrical jawline. Teeth alignment problems or jaw position can result in noticeable differences between the two sides of the face. A 12-year follow-up of a Finnish birth cohort found that occlusal asymmetry and overjet increased significantly over time in people with facial pain, while controls trended towards more normal occlusal relationships (Kiviahde et al., Cranio, 2020 ↗)^[2]. One prevalent dental issue impacting facial symmetry is tooth misalignment, which can cause one side of the mouth’s teeth to protrude more than the other, and can also contribute to a jawline that appears uneven from the front.

Injury or Trauma

Injury is another common cause of an asymmetrical face. Trauma to the face, such as a broken nose or cheekbone, can alter the shape and position of the facial bones. It’s crucial to seek medical help for facial trauma, even if the injury seems minor.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors over time can also lead to an asymmetrical face, though the mechanism differs depending on the factor. Sun exposure rarely damages both sides of the face equally — the angle of sunlight shifts throughout the day and across seasons, so one side (often the side nearest a car window, for drivers) accumulates more UV damage, leading to uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and sagging over time. Smoking accelerates skin ageing generally by reducing blood flow to the skin, but because facial movement and sun exposure are rarely perfectly even, the effect is often more visible on one side. Habitual sleep position (always sleeping on one side) and posture can compress and stretch skin asymmetrically over years. Significant weight gain or weight loss can also affect facial symmetry, since fat is rarely gained or lost at an identical rate on both sides of the face — sudden or significant weight change can therefore make pre-existing minor asymmetry more noticeable, even though it isn’t usually the original cause.

Is Facial Asymmetry Developmental or Acquired?

We can categorise facial asymmetry into two main types: developmental and acquired. Developmental facial asymmetry is often present from birth or early childhood, arising due to genetic influences or sometimes environmental factors during pregnancy. Acquired facial asymmetry develops later in life, usually due to an injury or a specific medical condition such as Bell’s palsy and other forms of facial palsy, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Where facial palsy is the cause, timing matters — asymmetry is usually left to settle for around twelve months before any corrective treatment is considered, because the nerve may still be recovering.

Acquired asymmetry that is visibly worsening over months or years needs a diagnosis before anyone discusses treating its appearance. Progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome) and linear scleroderma both cause one side of the face to lose volume gradually, and both are commonly misidentified at first presentation. In one review of nineteen patients referred with an incorrect diagnosis of silent sinus syndrome, four proved to have Parry-Romberg syndrome and one linear scleroderma, alongside cases of tumour, trauma and congenital asymmetry (Burroughs et al., Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2003 ↗)^[3]. The distinction that matters is stability: asymmetry you have had for as long as you can remember is a cosmetic question, whereas asymmetry that is changing is a diagnostic one.

Knowing whether facial asymmetry is developmental or acquired is crucial because it helps surgeons make a correct diagnosis and plan the most effective course of treatment.

Facial Asymmetry Test: How to Check Your Own Face

One basic method is to use a mirror, positioning yourself directly in front of it and imagining a vertical line down the centre of your face as a reference point to compare the two halves. For a more detailed examination, you can conduct a photo test — take a straight-on photo in neutral lighting, print it, and mark the following seven landmark points on each side of your face:

• The peak of your forehead, at the centre hairline
• The outer corner of each eye
• The inner corner of each eye, near the bridge of your nose
• The widest point of each nostril
• The widest point of your face, typically at the cheekbones
• The corner of your mouth on each side
• The lowest point of your chin

With a ruler, draw horizontal lines connecting each pair of corresponding points across the face. Before you interpret what you find, it is worth knowing what a normal result looks like, because without a reference range this exercise reliably generates alarm. Researchers CT-scanned 54 people specifically selected as average-looking and symmetrical, mapped 23 anatomical landmarks on each and measured how far the two sides diverged (Gateño et al., International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2018 ↗)^[4]. Even in this deliberately symmetrical-looking group, the mean difference at each landmark ranged from 1.0mm to 2.8mm, and at the 95% upper limit from 2.2mm to 5.7mm. In other words, close to half a centimetre of difference between the two sides is within normal range in faces that everyone reads as symmetrical. If your photo test finds a few millimetres of difference, it has found normal anatomy rather than a problem. This visual representation will help you compare the alignment and distance between similar features on each side, including whether the widest point of your face sits at the same level on both sides, and whether one side of the jawline sits lower than the other.

Can Facial Asymmetry Be Fixed Without Surgery?

Non-invasive treatments have gained popularity for their ability to improve facial balance and harmony with minimal downtime and risk. Ideal for addressing mild to moderate asymmetries, non-invasive methods can effectively treat discrepancies primarily caused by soft-tissue differences.

Common Non-Invasive Treatments for Facial Asymmetry

Anti-Ageing Injectables

Anti-wrinkle injections are a popular choice for addressing facial asymmetry related to muscular imbalances. Temporarily paralysing targeted muscles can smooth out uneven facial expressions and reduce the appearance of asymmetry. The procedure is quick, typically taking about 30 minutes, and requires no downtime.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another effective non-invasive treatment for correcting asymmetrical features. Made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, dermal fillers offer a safe, temporary solution for enhancing facial balance. The treatment session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes, with results visible almost immediately.

Can Braces Fix Facial Asymmetry?

For asymmetries influenced by dental misalignments, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners can provide significant improvements. By correcting the alignment of teeth, these treatments can also impact the overall balance of the face.

How to Fix an Asymmetrical Face Naturally at Home

Do Facial Exercises Fix an Asymmetrical Face?

These exercises can strengthen the muscles on the weaker side of your face, helping balance out your facial features. Activities such as puckering your lips, raising your eyebrows, or practising different smiles can contribute to a more symmetrical face.

Massage Therapy

Massaging your face can boost blood circulation, helping reduce puffiness and swelling. It can also help relax tense facial muscles, contributing to improved facial symmetry.

Strategic Hairstyling

Choosing certain hairstyles can work wonders in balancing out an asymmetrical face. A side-swept fringe can downplay a broader forehead, while layers can add volume and movement to balance out an uneven jawline.

Makeup Techniques

Makeup is an incredibly effective tool for creating an illusion of symmetry. Using techniques such as contouring to define your face or highlighting to draw attention to specific features can help balance an asymmetrical face. If you’re wondering how to make your face symmetrical without surgery, a combination of strategic hairstyling and makeup contouring is often the fastest and lowest-commitment starting point, even if the improvement is temporary and cosmetic rather than structural.

Surgical Treatments for an Asymmetrical Face

When looking into options for correcting a very asymmetrical face, there’s a wide array of surgical treatments available, including facial implants, fat transfers, facelifts, necklifts, and rhinoplasty. Each treatment has its unique method of addressing facial imbalance. One of the key benefits of opting for surgical treatments is the durability of the results — these interventions offer a more permanent solution and the ability to make physical changes to the face’s structure.

Facial Implants

Facial implants work by directly augmenting the underlying bone structure rather than adjusting the soft tissue around it, making them a genuinely structural (rather than volumetric) solution for asymmetry caused by a real deficit in bone projection on one side of the face. At Centre for Surgery, this is most commonly addressed through chin augmentation surgery, using either a silicone implant or sliding genioplasty (repositioning the chin bone itself) to correct chin-related asymmetry and improve lower-face balance. Facial implants more broadly can also address cheek or jaw asymmetry; if your surgeon assesses that your asymmetry is centred on the cheek or jaw bone rather than the chin, they’ll discuss the most appropriate structural or soft-tissue approach for your specific anatomy at consultation, which may include fat transfer or a referral for the most suitable technique.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

An asymmetrical or crooked nose is a frequent contributor to facial imbalance. This can be corrected through rhinoplasty, which aims to straighten a crooked nose, thereby improving symmetry and proportion of the face.

Our guide to what makes a beautiful nose explains how nasal proportions affect facial balance.

For some patients, the aesthetic concern may be specific to a certain part of the nose. Less invasive versions of nose surgery include Tip Rhinoplasty (Tip-plasty) for reshaping the tip of the nose, Alarplasty – Nostril Surgery for reshaping wide or flaring nostrils, and Septal Deviation Surgery (Septoplasty) for rectifying a deviated septum.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, targets asymmetries in the upper or lower eyelids. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids, followed by careful reshaping to eliminate sagging and restore a youthful, alert appearance to the eyes. Patients can anticipate taking a week off from work, with a full recovery expected within two weeks.

We cover this in more detail in can eyelid surgery fix asymmetrical eyes?

Brow lift

A brow lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the eyebrows to a more aesthetically pleasing position, correcting eyebrow asymmetry and contributing to a balanced and youthful appearance in the upper face. The surgery typically requires 1–2 hours under TIVA (total intravenous anaesthesia), with patients expecting a full recovery within two weeks.

Facelift Surgery for Facial Asymmetry

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to create a more youthful and symmetrical appearance by tightening and smoothing the skin on your face. Different types of facelifts target various parts of the face:

Upper Facelift (Brow Lift) — corrects eyebrow asymmetry by adjusting the height of one eyebrow relative to the other. Mid-Facelift (Cheek Lift) — tightens the skin in the middle portion of your face, reducing nasolabial folds and elevating sagging cheeks. Lower Facelift — addresses sagging jowls and wrinkles around the chin that can contribute to facial asymmetry. Full Facelift — if asymmetry is present in various areas including the forehead, cheeks, jaws, and neck, a full facelift comprehensively rejuvenates the entire face.

Neck Lift

The neck lift procedure is a transformative cosmetic surgery designed to refine the contours of the neck and jawline, involving the meticulous removal of excess fat from the neck area followed by careful redressing and tightening of the skin. The procedure typically spans 2–4 hours and recovery generally takes 6–8 weeks.

Our guide to the different types of neck lift explains which suits which concern.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a versatile surgical technique used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body, such as the cheeks or jawline, and is particularly effective in enhancing facial symmetry by addressing asymmetrical fat distribution. The procedure lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours, with a recovery timeline of just one week.

Fat Transfer to the Face

Fat transfer to the face, also known as fat grafting, involves extracting fat from another area of your body and carefully injecting it into specific areas of your face to address facial imbalances by enhancing specific features such as the chin, cheeks, or jaw. It’s worth noting that the transferred fat may shrink over time, so multiple injection sets may be necessary.

Chin Reshaping Surgery

Chin reshaping surgery can address the chin’s contribution to facial balance. Chin Augmentation Surgery enhances a receding chin by inserting a chin implant or shifting the chin bone forward. Chin Reduction Surgery reduces an overly prominent chin by removing excess bone and reshaping the chin to achieve a more harmonious balance with the rest of your facial features.

Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of your cheeks by eliminating fat from the inside. When one cheek is fuller than the other, this can give the appearance of a face that’s overweight on one side. The outcome tends to be long-lasting, as the removed cheek fat doesn’t grow back.

If you would rather avoid surgery, there are non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal.

Which Facial Asymmetry Treatment Is Right for You?

Choosing the right treatment for facial asymmetry depends on your personal objectives, the specific cosmetic issues you’re dealing with, your age, the extent of your facial asymmetry, and any other aesthetic concerns you might have. Our facial plastic surgeons will take the time to explain the various options during a consultation at our clinic on Baker Street.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Asymmetry Surgery

Why Should You Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Facial Asymmetry Surgery?

Choosing to undergo facial asymmetry surgery is a significant decision, and you must be in the best hands possible. At Centre for Surgery in London, we have a team of highly qualified facial plastic surgeons who can perform a thorough evaluation of your unique situation and devise the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Our surgeons will take the time to understand your specific goals and expectations and have open and honest discussions about all aspects of the procedure.

To book a consultation: 📞 020 7993 4849 | 📧 contact@centreforsurgery.com | 📍 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

References

1. Farrera A, Villanueva M, Quinto-Sánchez M, González-José R. The relationship between facial shape asymmetry and attractiveness in Mexican students. American Journal of Human Biology 2015;27(3):387–396. doi:10.1002/ajhb.22657 ↗
2. Kiviahde H, Silvola AS, Pesonen P, Sipilä K, Raustia A, Pirttiniemi P. Occlusal characteristics in facial pain cases and controls – 12-year follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC) 1966. Cranio 2020 (published online 29 March);40(5):394–400. doi:10.1080/08869634.2020.1745499 ↗
3. Burroughs JR, Hernández Cospín JR, Soparkar CNS, Patrinely JR. Misdiagnosis of silent sinus syndrome. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2003;19(6):449–454. doi:10.1097/01.IOP.0000096161.78346.AB ↗
4. Gateño J, Jones TL, Shen SGF, et al. Fluctuating asymmetry of the normal facial skeleton. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2018;47(4):534–540. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2017.10.011 ↗

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