Facial symmetry has long been associated with beauty and attractiveness in males and females. From drooping eyes and crooked noses to uneven jaws, facial asymmetry can take a toll on one’s self-esteem.
Few people are born with perfectly balanced features, but advancements in cosmetic dermatology can help fix facial asymmetries.
What is facial asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry occurs when the two halves of your face don’t mirror each other perfectly. One side may appear slightly different from the other in size, shape, or position. This can affect various features, including your eyes, eyebrows, cheeks, nose, lips, or jawline.
It’s important to understand that some degree of facial asymmetry is completely normal and universal. In fact, no one has a perfectly symmetrical face. These natural variations are often what make each person unique and interesting. However, when asymmetry becomes more pronounced, whether from aging, injury, or other factors, it can impact your self-confidence and how you perceive your own appearance.
The key difference between normal and noticeable asymmetry lies in balance. Minor differences between the two sides of your face are typically undetectable to others, while more significant imbalances may draw attention or make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
What causes an asymmetrical face?
Facial asymmetry results from having a more or less dominant side. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging
- Sun damage
- Injury/trauma
- Genetics
- Lifestyle habits (like smoking)
- Health or medical conditions (like stroke)
- Dental work (especially dental extractions and jaw surgery)
- Clenching and grinding teeth may enlarge facial muscles asymmetrically
How to fix an asymmetrical face?
There are a few simpler, non-invasive options to make your face more symmetrical without surgery. Examples are:
- Makeup – the play of light and shadow using bronzers, highlighters, and concealers can contour the nose, jawline, and overall face shape to improve facial symmetry.
- Dermal fillers and wrinkle smoothers can help achieve facial symmetry.
- Botox to address asymmetrical facial movement and slim enlarged facial muscles.
Injectables
For minor but noticeable facial asymmetry, Dr. Brunner recommends dermal fillers and wrinkle-smoothers, like Botox®, to restore facial contours and enhance facial balance. Fixing facial asymmetry with fillers and Botox is ideal for patients who want subtle and natural-looking results without committing to permanent changes.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, like Juvederm®, Sculptra®, and RHA fillers restore volume in the skin, allowing Dr. Brunner to sculpt the face and achieve a balanced and more youthful appearance. Thinner, hydrating fillers effectively even out or augment the lips, while firmer, structural fillers are ideal for redefining an asymmetrical jawline or fixing an uneven face shape. Fillers may also be used to add volume to the cheeks or replenish fat pads in the midface.
Wrinkle Relaxers
Wrinkle relaxers, like Botox Cosmetic and Dysport, work by blocking nerve impulses to reduce muscle activity. They are most commonly used to treat upper facial asymmetry. When injected, Botox not only smooths lines and wrinkles but can also help correct the appearance of uneven eyes. Botox weakens the muscle that pulls the higher brow up or pulls the lower brow down, effectively providing a non-surgical brow lift. Botox may also be used to reduce the prominence of a patient’s jaw.
Best procedures for correcting facial asymmetry in Princeton, NJ
For permanent results, Dr. Brunner may recommend the following surgical procedures:
Rhinoplasty
Facial asymmetry is often the result of a patient’s nose that has bumps or is too small, large, or crooked. Rhinoplasty, “nose reshaping” or a “nose job,” improves the shape, projection, and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and balance.
Dr. Brunner surgically sculpts the nasal structure through incisions in the nostrils or the columella (skin separating the nostrils) to:
- Increase or decrease the size
- Alter the shape
- Narrow the nostrils
- Smooth the dorsal hump
- Enhance the nasal projection
Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery
One common issue related to facial asymmetry or unevenness of the eyes is excess skin on one eyelid compared to the other. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes excess skin through an incision. This procedure effectively addresses skin laxity and asymmetry in the upper or lower eyelids, creating a more harmonious look. Belpharoplasty is the best option for patients who are unsatisfied with their eyes’ contribution to facial symmetry.
Facelift
A surgical facelift is highly effective at addressing sagging skin and improving facial symmetry. As it tightens and lifts the skin, concerns like ptosis can be corrected, resulting in a more youthful, balanced appearance. By lifting both sides of the face, a surgical facelift can treat facial asymmetry throughout the entire face. This treatment is ideal for people seeking advanced facial balancing.
Otoplasty
Ears that stick out or are uneven, too large, or misshapen can easily contribute to facial asymmetry. Otoplasty (ear pinning) can change your appearance by reshaping and repositioning the ears.
Dr. Brunner creates an incision behind the ear and sculpts the cartilage. The procedure can “pin back” the ears to reduce their protrusion or mold the ears to be in a more balanced proportion to the size and shape of your face and head.
Chin Augmentation
A defined jawline gives the face a more aligned, attractive, and refined appearance. For those with a weak or receding chin, a chin implant can enhance the chin and jawline contours. Especially if the skeletal structure is causing facial asymmetry, using an implant may be the best option.
Mentoplasty, or chin implant surgery, involves placing an implant through an incision, typically made inside the mouth or underneath the chin. The implant increases the chin’s shape and projection, creating more angular facial contours and overall facial symmetry.
Schedule a Consultation with Princeton’s Top Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Eugenie Brunner is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who is committed to helping patients improve their self-esteem through beautiful and natural-looking results. Utilizing the latest in technologies and the most advanced techniques, coupled with her natural feminine touch, she can customize the best treatment plan to achieve her patients’ goals.
To determine how best to make your face more symmetrical or to learn more about Dr. Brunner’s facial rejuvenation procedures, surgeries, lasers, and other cosmetic services, contact her Princeton, NJ, clinic to schedule a consultation.