Facial asymmetry—the unevenness of facial features on both sides—can make a face appear lopsided. Every person has some degree of facial unevenness, which is usually genetic but can be due to other factors. Sometimes, the difference is almost indiscernible; unfortunately for others, it is obvious. When facial features are asymmetrical, the face can look uncomely.
Understanding Facial Asymmetry
Facial asymmetry is a critical factor in an attractive appearance. An aesthetically pleasing face is as symmetrical as possible. Sometimes, facial features are not a mirror image of each other on both sides of the face. It can cause the face to look out of balance.
When the two sides look very different, an individual appears less attractive. Cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift and rhinoplasty, can help fix facial asymmetry, making the face look more beautiful.
Features That Cause Facial Asymmetry
An asymmetrical face can be due to the following:
A crooked nose that favors one side
One eyebrow higher than the other
A cheek fuller than the other
Having one bigger ear
An uneven chin or jawline
The face has more signs of aging on one side
One side of the face is saggier than the other
It is helpful to point out that a small degree of asymmetry makes the face look more natural and unique. No face is perfectly symmetrical, and the most attractive faces can have uneven features.
Causes of Facial Asymmetry
Most people have asymmetrical features, but the degree of unevenness differs. Facial asymmetry can be due to various factors, including:
Genetics, crooked noses can run in families
Injury to one side of the face
Dental work, such as tooth extraction
Aging that causes facial muscles to become lax
Poor posture that applies more pressure to one side
A stroke, Bell’s palsy, or a twisted neck (torticollis)
Consistent sun exposure to one side of the face
Smoking, harmful chemicals make it difficult for nutrients to reach parts of the face
Fixing Facial Asymmetry
If you’re unhappy with your uneven face, consult with a cosmetic surgeon about your issue. Surgery can make your face more balanced and proportional. Several procedures can help fix facial asymmetry.
These include facelift surgery, nose surgery (rhinoplasty), chin reshaping or augmentation surgery, and jaw reshaping surgery. If you are looking for nonsurgical options, facial fillers or injectables can help correct asymmetry.
How a Facelift Can Help With Asymmetry
A facelift can help tighten and smoothen facial skin. During the procedure, the surgeon can make the face more symmetrical by evening the degree of muscle tone and firmness. Various types of facelift procedures target certain features.
They include an upper facelift (brow lift), mid-facelift (cheek lift), and lower facelift that deals with the chin and jaw. A full facelift helps fix asymmetry and rejuvenate the whole face. Facial fat transfer can correct asymmetry.
However, you may require several treatments to get the desired results. Nonsurgical options usually offer temporary results and require regular maintenance. Facelifts are the most effective and permanent way to deal with facial asymmetry.
For more on whether a facelift can help with facial asymmetry, visit Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa at our San Diego, California office. Call 858-264-3800 to schedule an appointment today.
