Hello, this is Respect Plastic Surgery. :D
Does your face look misaligned overall, with the eyes, nose, or mouth slightly off-center?
Today, we’ll explain the causes of facial asymmetry and whether it can be improved through contour surgery. :)
What Is Facial Asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry refers to a condition where the left and right sides of the face are not balanced.
This may appear as differences in length or size when comparing both sides, or imbalance in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Facial asymmetry can occur in anyone, and depending on the degree, it may place strain on the chewing muscles or jaw joints.
Causes of Facial Asymmetry
There are both congenital (from birth) and acquired causes of facial asymmetry.
Congenital Causes
Abnormal bone development
Genetic factors
Impaired bone formation or growth due to maternal medication, alcohol use, or illness during pregnancy
Polio
Acquired Causes
Habit of chewing only on one side
Habit of resting the chin on one side
Trauma to the jawbone or jaw joint in childhood
Hemifacial microsomia or Romberg’s disease
Sleeping consistently on one side
These issues can lead to conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, and rhinitis.
In severe cases, even brain function may be affected.
Characteristics of Facial Asymmetry
Eyes, nose, or mouth appear misaligned
One corner of the mouth rises more when smiling
Head tilts to one side
Malocclusion (misaligned bite)
Easier to chew on one side of the molars
Different positions of the cheekbones
What If You Were Born with Asymmetrical Facial Bones?
In childhood,asymmetry may not be noticeable.
However, as the bones develop during growth—especially the size of the jaw—the asymmetry can become more pronounced.
At the dentist, X-rays may be taken early on to predict whether facial asymmetry is likely to occur in the future.
If the asymmetry is severe and the teeth are misaligned to the point where the mouth cannot close properly,
orthognathic surgery or orthodontic treatment may be necessary.
However, in many cases, patients come to us after already having orthodontic treatment to align their teeth, even if they still have mild asymmetry.
If this is the case, it is possible to improve the asymmetry significantly in appearance without going through extensive procedures such as double jaw surgery or repeat orthodontics.
For example, when reviewing CT scans after surgery,
patients can see that the position of the jaw’s center has been corrected compared to before.
In some cases, we reshape and reposition the overall jawbone to realign the center.
If there are serious functional problems that interfere with daily life,
more extensive surgery or longer treatment may be required.
Orthognathic surgery may be necessary in some cases.
However, if the issues are primarily aesthetic rather than functional,
it may be possible to resolve them with less invasive procedures.
We strongly recommend visiting a specialist for a consultation beforehand.
This post features an actual patient of Respect Plastic Surgery.
Content was posted with the patient’s prior consent and in compliance with medical regulations.
Please note that surgical results may vary from person to person.
Why Respect Plastic Surgery?
Customized Design for Each Patient
We consider not only the overall facial shape but also proportions and internal structures to create a personalized surgical plan.
With blood tests, anemia screening, ECG, and 3D-CT facial structure analysis, we precisely assess the patient’s condition to plan the optimal surgery.
Detailed Analysis Using 3D-CT
By utilizing 3D-CT, we gain a more accurate understanding of internal structures and identify issues to be addressed.
One-on-One Responsibility System
A dedicated surgeon is responsible for every step—from consultation to surgery follow-up and postoperative care.
Safety System
For focused surgery and safe care, we limit the number of consultations and surgeries per day.
With an anesthesiology specialist present, patients receive one-on-one monitoring and safe management from start to finish.
Systematic Aftercare
To help patients return to daily life quickly, we support recovery through swelling reduction treatments such as laser therapy and injections.
