Facial Asymmetry – How to Fix Asymmetrical Face

An asymmetrical face, where features on either side of the face do not match in size, shape or position, can be caused by a multitude of factors. These range from internal genetic factors to external influences, which impact how the face grows, develops and functions.

While it’s entirely normal and usually unnoticeable to have minor facial asymmetry, more pronounced asymmetry can be a cause of self-consciousness and unease for some individuals. Here are a few factors that can contribute to an asymmetrical face:

Genetics

One prevalent cause of facial asymmetry is genetics. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to naturally possess asymmetrical faces due to discrepancies in the development of their facial bones and muscles. For instance, variations in facial bone size and shape or the jaw’s position can lead to facial asymmetry.

Certain genetic conditions can also result in facial asymmetry. These conditions often stem from abnormalities or mutations in genes that govern facial development. Some examples include:

• Craniosynostosis: This condition occurs when the skull bones fuse too early, leading to abnormal growth and development of the head and face.
• Hemifacial microsomia: This condition is characterised by one side of the face being underdeveloped, resulting in visible asymmetry.
• Goldenhar syndrome: This is a rare genetic disorder affecting the face’s development, particularly impacting the eyes, ears, and jaw.

Ageing

Ageing can contribute to facial asymmetry through several mechanisms, such as:

• Changes in bone structure: As we age, our bones lose density and volume.
• Muscle tone changes: Ageing can weaken muscles. Weaker muscles might not support the skin and soft tissue as effectively as before, leading to sagging or drooping on one side of the face.
• Skin elasticity changes: Our skin loses elasticity with age and becomes less resilient to stretching or sagging. This can result in one side of the face appearing more wrinkled or droopy than the other.

To prevent or reduce age-related facial asymmetry, you can:

• Stay hydrated
• Protect your skin from the sun
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain good skincare

Dental Problems

Dental issues can cause facial asymmetry, particularly an asymmetrical jaw. Teeth alignment problems or jaw position can result in noticeable differences between the face’s two sides. For example, a misaligned jaw may make one side of the face look more prominent or recessed than the other.

One prevalent dental issue impacting facial symmetry is teeth misalignment. Misaligned teeth can cause one side of the mouth’s teeth to protrude more than the other, leading to noticeable asymmetry. This also influences the jaw’s position, which can further contribute to jaw asymmetry.

Injury or Trauma

Injury is another common cause of an asymmetrical face. Trauma to the face, such as a broken nose or cheekbone, can change the facial bones’ shape and position, leading to asymmetry. Injuries might result from falls, sports accidents, and car crashes. Fractures, soft tissue injuries, burns, and nerve damage can all affect facial symmetry.

It’s crucial to seek medical help for facial trauma, even if the injury seems minor. A qualified medical professional can assess the injury’s extent and provide the necessary treatment to reduce the risk of complications and encourage healing.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors over time can also lead to an asymmetrical face. Factors like poor diet, sleep position, posture, lack of exercise, sun exposure, and smoking can all affect the face.

These factors influence the face’s development and function and the appearance of the face’s skin and muscles, which leads to asymmetry and other ageing signs. To improve facial symmetry and overall health, it’s crucial to make lifestyle changes.

Understanding the Different Kinds of Asymmetrical Faces

When one side of a person’s face looks different in size, shape, or position compared to the other side, we call this condition facial asymmetry. Generally, we can categorise facial asymmetry into two main types: developmental and acquired. Let’s explore these two kinds of facial asymmetry a bit more.

The first type, developmental facial asymmetry, is often present from birth or early childhood. This type of asymmetry may arise due to genetic influences. For instance, it could be linked to inherited traits that determine how our facial features form and develop. However, it’s not always down to our genes. Sometimes, environmental factors can also play a role in causing developmental facial asymmetry. For example, lifestyle habits during pregnancy, such as nutrition or exposure to harmful substances, can potentially affect the symmetry of a baby’s face.

On the other hand, acquired facial asymmetry develops later in life, usually as a result of an injury or a specific medical condition. If you’ve had an accident that resulted in facial injuries, such as a broken nose or a fractured cheekbone, this could cause your face to become asymmetrical. Similarly, certain diseases or health conditions can lead to changes in the symmetry of your face. For instance, conditions like Bell’s palsy, which affects the nerves in the face, or temporomandibular joint disorder, which affects the jaw’s function, can result in an asymmetrical appearance.

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. If asymmetry is developmental, the focus may be on cosmetic procedures or therapies to balance the facial features. However, if the asymmetry is acquired, treating the underlying injury or health condition might be the first step, possibly followed by cosmetic procedures to restore facial symmetry. In either case, understanding the root cause is key to addressing the issue in the most appropriate way.

How to Test if You Have a Symmetrical Face

Exploring the symmetry of your face can be both intriguing and insightful, offering a glimpse into how balanced your facial features are. A symmetrical face is often considered a hallmark of beauty, but it’s important to remember that minor asymmetries are common and perfectly normal. If you’re curious about the symmetry of your face, there are straightforward methods you can try at home to assess this.

One basic method involves using a mirror. By positioning yourself directly in front of a mirror, you can observe the alignment of your facial features. Imagine or even use a piece of string to create an imaginary vertical line down the centre of your face. This line serves as a reference point to compare the two halves of your face. Look for any noticeable differences in the size, shape, and alignment of features such as your eyes, ears, nostrils, and the corners of your mouth.

For a more detailed examination, you can conduct a photo test. Start by taking a straight-on photo of your face in a well-lit area to ensure clarity and accuracy. Once you have the photo, print it out on a piece of paper. With the printed photo in hand, use a pen or marker to pinpoint key facial landmarks on both sides of your face, including:

• The peak of your forehead.
• The bottom of your chin.
• The widest part of your nostrils.
• The widest point on your face, typically across the cheekbones.
• The corners where your lips begin.
• The points where your eyes meet your nose bridge.
• The outer creases of your eyes.

Next, use a ruler to draw horizontal lines connecting each set of corresponding points across your face. For example, draw a line from the peak of the forehead on one side to the peak on the other side, and so on for each set of points. This visual representation will help you compare the alignment and distance between similar features on each side of your face, providing a clearer picture of your facial symmetry.

Non-Invasive Options to Address Facial Asymmetry

Exploring the realm of cosmetic enhancement, particularly for those seeking solutions to an asymmetrical face without undergoing surgery, reveals a variety of non-invasive treatments. These treatments have gained popularity due to 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 differences in soft tissue, such as skin laxity or muscle imbalance. While they may not offer the permanent reconfiguration possible with surgical interventions, their ability to temporarily enhance facial symmetry makes them a valuable option for many.

Understanding that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary widely among individuals is crucial. Factors such as the specific nature of the asymmetry, the treatment area, and individual healing responses play a significant role in the outcome. Therefore, it’s essential to have a detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess your unique situation. This professional can offer insights into the most appropriate treatment options based on a comprehensive evaluation of your facial structure and aesthetic goals.

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, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another effective non-invasive treatment for correcting asymmetrical features. These injectables can add volume and shape to areas that may appear sunken or less defined, such as the cheeks, lips, or under-eye area. Made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, dermal fillers offer a safe and temporary solution for enhancing facial balance. The treatment session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes, with results visible almost immediately and no recovery time needed.

Orthodontics

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, particularly in profiles and lower facial symmetry. Orthodontic solutions are available for individuals of all ages, and advancements in technology have made these treatments more discreet and comfortable than ever before.

Can Facial Exercises, Hairstyling, and Makeup Help?

Facial Exercises

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

Massage Therapy

Massaging your face can boost blood circulation, which can help reduce any puffiness and swelling, often seen on one side of the face. Furthermore, it can help relax tense facial muscles, which can contribute to an improvement in facial symmetry.

Strategic Hairstyling

Choosing certain hairstyles can work wonders in balancing out an asymmetrical face. For instance, a side-swept fringe can help 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 bring attention to specific features can help to balance out an asymmetrical face and provide a more symmetrical appearance.

Surgical Treatments for Asymmetrical Face

When looking into options for correcting a very asymmetrical face, there’s a wide array of surgical treatments available that cater to enhancing different facial features, including facial implants, fat transfers, facelifts, necklifts, and rhinoplasty, to mention a few. These procedures are specifically designed to target various areas or attributes of the face, such as the eyes, nose, chin, or cheeks, aiming to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.

Each treatment has its unique method of addressing facial imbalance. For instance, surgeries like rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty focus on reshaping the facial features to provide a more symmetrical look. On the other hand, facelifts and necklifts are more about improving the overall facial contour and reducing any sagging, contributing to a more youthful and harmonious appearance. Procedures such as fat transfer and liposuction work by adjusting the volume in the face, either adding to areas that might need more fullness or reducing excess fat to create a more balanced look.

One of the key benefits of opting for surgical treatments to correct facial asymmetry 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, something that non-invasive methods may not achieve. The decision to pursue a specific surgical treatment should be made in collaboration with a plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery. A thorough assessment of the asymmetrical features of the face can help in discussing the most suitable options and setting realistic expectations for the outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures that the chosen procedure aligns well with the individual’s aesthetic goals and the unique characteristics of their facial asymmetry.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty):

An asymmetrical or crooked nose is a frequent contributor to facial imbalance. This could be due to the entire nose leaning towards one side of the face, or it could be the nostrils being uneven or the nose tip not being straight. This can be corrected through a surgical procedure called rhinoplasty, often referred to as a ‘nose job’. Rhinoplasty aims to straighten a crooked nose, thereby bringing more symmetry and proportion to the face. Since the nose is a central feature of the face, any misalignment can significantly impact the overall harmony of facial features. Thus, rhinoplasty is often chosen as a primary surgery to enhance facial symmetry.

RELATED: What Makes a Beautiful Nose?

For some patients, the aesthetic concern may be specific to a certain part of the nose, such as the tip or the nostrils. In these cases, they have the option to choose less invasive versions of nose surgery, including:

Tip Rhinoplasty (Tip-plasty): Tip-plasty is a specific form of nose surgery targeted at reshaping the tip of the nose. If you have a tip that is bulky, large, boxy, droopy or pointy, a tip-plasty can help refine its shape, so it looks more congruous with the rest of your face.

Alarplasty – Nostril Surgery: Alarplasty or alar base reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping wide or flaring nostrils. In this procedure, the surgeon reduces the size of your nostrils, which helps to bring about a more balanced and symmetrical appearance to your nose.

Septal Deviation Surgery (Septoplasty): Septoplasty is a procedure designed to rectify a deviated septum – the thin wall between your nostrils. It serves to restore normal airflow and enhance the nose’s aesthetic appeal. This procedure can be carried out independently or as part of a complete rhinoplasty.

A deviated septum can alter the symmetry of your nose and consequently the balance of your entire face. Often, it’s a result of a nose trauma experienced in childhood or adulthood. During a septal deviation surgery, the surgeon straightens the misaligned bone and cartilage. As the septum functions as a ‘core’ for the nose, aligning it effectively straightens the entire nose. A septoplasty not only enhances the shape of the nose but also improves its symmetry in relation to the rest of the facial features.

RELATED: Nose Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Rhinoplasty

Facelift Surgery for Facial Asymmetry