How To Fix Facial Asymmetry

Asymmetrical Face

An asymmetrical or uneven face is more common than you may think. Slight differences in the sizes or shapes of facial features are expected. However, for some people, facial asymmetry is prominent enough to impact their self-image and confidence.

At TPS, we understand how upsetting it can be to have an uneven face. We are here to provide solutions through advanced cosmetic treatments. Each is tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll better understand what causes a lopsided face. We go over both mild and severe cases. We’ll also overview proven medical techniques to balance out and beautify your features. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your appearance and make positive changes.

What is Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry is when the two sides of a person’s face are uneven. Imagine a straight line going down the middle of your face. In a perfectly symmetrical face, each half would mirror the other. Asymmetrical means the opposite. One side has different shapes, angles, proportions, or dimensions compared to the other side.

For example, one cheek may be bigger than the other, or one eye may be smaller. One side of the mouth may droop lower, or an ear may stick out more. It’s important to understand that most human faces have some degree of asymmetry. Perfect symmetry is very rare, even impossible. Minor differences may include a crooked smile or an eyelid drooping slightly lower. These are normal.

Yet, more noticeable or pronounced asymmetry is significant in a clinical setting. It usually means the discrepancies between the sides of the face become very visible. In those cases, they can negatively impact self-confidence.

Some think an asymmetrical face only results from a facial trauma or illness later in life. However, genetics play a significant role in facial symmetry, starting early in development. These misconceptions can bring up feelings of helplessness, confusion, or even shame.

But take heart: science has progressed far in recent years. The good news is that there are many effective ways to balance out asymmetry through cosmetic treatments. Both surgical and nonsurgical options can produce dramatic improvements.

Causes of Facial Asymmetry

You might be wondering, “Why is my face so asymmetrical?” Facial asymmetry can originate from a variety of factors. Both lifestyle habits and health conditions can lead to unevenness over time. In some cases, genetics or early childhood development is the root cause. Knowing what’s behind your imbalance is crucial in picking the right solutions.

Genetic Factors

Genetics plays a significant role in facial symmetry starting early on. Developmental differences from birth or childhood can lead to noticeable imbalances in adulthood. Inherited traits, such as the shape of the nose or chin, can contribute to asymmetry. In short, uneven muscle tone or bone during development can make one side fuller or more angled. Heredity impacts everything from the size of facial features to the shape of jawlines.

Aging

As we age, facial asymmetry often becomes more pronounced. Loss of elasticity in skin and muscle leads to increased sagging and drooping. Gravity takes its toll, causing jowls, neck tissue, and fatty areas to descend. One cheek may deflate faster than the other. And deep wrinkles may become more visible on one side.

Dental Changes

Dental health also plays a role in facial symmetry. Missing, damaged, or misaligned teeth can cause the face to collapse. Dentistry leads to unbalanced facial dimensions. Jaw alignment also depends on proper bite alignment. Overbites, underbites, and uneven wear all contribute to asymmetry.

Habitual Facial Expressions

Repeated facial movements and expressions can etch lines and wrinkles on one side over many years. Likewise, sleeping only on one side also exacerbates these creases. Squinting, frowning, or even smiling can be contributing factors as well.

Medical Conditions

Next, we have certain neurological conditions like Bell’s palsy, strokes, or tumours. These can immobilize muscles on one side of the face. Of course, that leads to drooping features. Another example is Scoliosis. In this case, it curves the spine, which throws symmetry off balance from the neck up.

How to Fix Asymmetrical Face Naturally

It is true that a very asymmetrical face shape often requires advanced cosmetic treatments for significant improvements. Still, some subtle natural techniques may help maintain results or minor upkeep. Mind you, those desiring drastic transformations will likely need surgical treatments.

Makeup Techniques

Clever makeup applications can disguise mild asymmetry. Consider altering lipstick shades between sides to balance dimensions. Or strategic contouring to sculpt the illusion of symmetry through highlights and shadows.

Massage Therapy

Facial massage promotes circulation. It may drain puffy fluids and relax rigid wrinkle-causing muscles. It can even out slight unevenness over regular sessions through tissue manipulation.

Exercises for Good Posture

Poor posture exacerbates noticeable asymmetry by letting gravity take hold. Exercises promoting back alignment and centred neck posture help maintain balance. Although indirect, it enhances facial symmetry long-term through a straight frame.

Remember that conservative home methods help preserve improvements and perform mild upkeep. However, for extensive adjustments with prominent imbalances, advanced treatments are required. We’ll overview those top options next.

Fillers for Facial Asymmetry

Injectable dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox offer non-surgical options to balance unevenness. They work through strategic volume enhancement and facial contouring when administered.

Dermal Fillers

Several types of effective dermal fillers help correct noticeable asymmetry. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero add volume. We often see them injected into flattened cheekbones, receded jawlines, or other hollows. They lift sagging tissue and sculpt fullness. That reshapes the contours for balanced dimensions.

Thinner areas can also be filled to achieve facial proportion symmetry. In some cases, one side has more prominent nasolabial folds. Or marionette lines or frown creases make the patient appear much older. Fillers can renew plumpness and smooth etched wrinkles. Fat transfer injections replace lost volume for lasting improvements.

The key is the precision placement of customized filler amounts. Providers must harmonize each patient’s recessed regions. An expert injector artistically integrates each dose for a natural appearance. Another benefit of dermal fillers is that they require little to no downtime and have minimal risks or side effects.

Botox

Botox relaxes specific muscles underlying wrinkles. These have an uneven pull on one side more than the other. Botox allows opposing muscles to relax into realigned balance. For example, Glabellar frown lines between furrowed brows can create an angry appearance. Botox can release it.

Forehead lines accentuating drooping brows become softened with Botox. Crooked lip lines exaggerating asymmetrical smiles get straightened. Even neck bands cause tilted head positions to rebalance. Periodic maintenance touch-ups every 3-6 months keep these muscles relaxed for facial symmetry.

Botox, in effect, decompresses areas where overactive muscles have been culprits of facial asymmetry. It refines contours as neighbouring muscles regain equilibrium following initial treatments.

Facial Asymmetry Surgery Options

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty involves various techniques, depending on the individual’s needs and the surgeon’s preference. Surgeons can adjust wide nostrils, reduce bulging or hooked nose tips, and straighten bent bridges. The goal is to create balance and proportion in the nose’s appearance. This precision-focused procedure not only enhances facial balance but also improves the overall aesthetic harmony of the asymmetrical face.

Facelift and Necklift

Facelifts can reposition sagging cheek tissue, lift jowls, and tighten neck skin. These procedures work together to create a more youthful and balanced facial appearance. They effectively address the signs of aging, offering a rejuvenated look while maintaining natural facial expressions.

Brow Lift

A brow lift can correct drooping brows and uneven brow movement, making the eyes appear more symmetrical and rejuvenated. This procedure not only enhances the symmetry of the brows but also opens up the eye area, giving a more alert and refreshed look.

Cheek Lift

Cheek lifts, often combined with midface surgery, target sagging facial fat, repositioning it to restore fullness and balance to the cheeks. This lift provides a more youthful contour to the face, emphasizing the cheekbones and improving overall facial proportions.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to replace volume loss in areas like sunken temples or hollowed eyes, achieving a more balanced facial appearance. This natural approach ensures a seamless integration of volume, enhancing facial contours with long-lasting results.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implants can enhance facial symmetry by adding volume to flattened cheekbone areas, helping to balance the overall facial structure. Implants provide a permanent solution for enhancing facial contours and are tailored to match each patient’s unique facial structure.

Dental Approach

Jaw alignment and healthy teeth provide critical foundations for facial balance. Dentistry offers powerful options to reconstruct ideal profiles. Today’s cutting-edge techniques transform crooked bites that ruin the balance.

Tooth Replacements

Replacing missing, broken, or infected teeth is one solution to fix imbalance. Dentures, bridges, and preparatory implants all re-establish ideal arch integrity for realigned jaw comfort. Later, life-like dental implants fuse to the bone. All approaches prevent abnormal bite settling.

Orthodontics

Precision orthodontic intervention straightens cockeyed teeth. These may be pulled in varied directions by uncontrolled periodontal ligaments. Aligned teeth help correct jaw orientation. This allows the entire facial skeleton to regain posture. It improves the structural foundations and enhances balance.

TMJ Treatment

Recalibrating strained TMJ joints with occlusal splints or night guards is another option. It relieves torque pressures from misaligned bites. When the jaw moves, it should do so without pain or abnormality. Uneven grinding and clenching may damage facial bones while also triggering migraines.

Bite Adjustment

When the problem comes from an irregular bite, grinding the surface of teeth can realign them. The result is a more harmonious bite that distributes force evenly. The procedure also helps align the jaw and achieve facial symmetry.

Facial Asymmetry Solutions At TPS in Toronto

At TPS, we provide a comprehensive array of both surgical and nonsurgical solutions in Toronto tailored for correcting facial symmetry. To discover the most suitable treatment plan and approach for your unique needs, and to gain insights into the risks and considerations associated with each procedure, we invite you to contact us. Schedule a consultation today to embark on your journey towards a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance!

Asymmetrical Face FAQs

Can Chewing on One Side Cause Facial Asymmetry?

Only chewing on one side can trigger gradual facial asymmetry over the years. The unilateral chewing action builds larger masseter jaw muscles on that side, shifting alignment. Orthodontic treatment can help correct this issue.

Can Missing Teeth Cause Facial Asymmetry?

Yes. Missing teeth allow structural facial collapse and bite settling around the vacancies. Jaws shift into uneven alignment without intact support. Replacing teeth through bridges, preparatory implants, or dental implants re-establishes balance.

Can Plastic Surgery Fix Asymmetrical Face?

Plastic surgery can dramatically improve moderate-to-severe asymmetrical faces. Precision surgical techniques conducted by a professional are a solution for many cases. However, it is best to consult a facial asymmetry specialist for an evaluation of your needs.

How do You Fix Facial Asymmetry from Sleeping on the Side?

Side sleeping strains half the face, etching creases and flattening tissues. Avoid sleeping only on one side by training yourself to alternate. You can also add an extra pillow for unsupported side lifting during side sleep. Combine with a facial massage to improve circulation. In severe cases with shoulder torticollis, physical therapy helps re-strengthen neck support. See a facial plastic surgeons about structural midface lift options to re-center drooped cheek fat if mild facial asymmetry or severe.