What is it?
An asymmetrical face is one where there are two different sides of the face that differ in shape and size. An example would be a left eye with a rounder nose and a smaller jaw than the right side. There are many other types of asymmetry, but these are some of the most common.
A person may have only one side or both sides to their face that differs from normal proportions. A person may also have an extra bone on either side of their face (called a cleft palate) which can cause the two faces to look different.
Why should I care?
There are several reasons why you might want to know what an asymmetrical face is and how it affects your appearance. Some of them include:
You may not like your current appearance because it does not match your personality or personality traits.
If you have a family member or friend with an asymmetrical face, they may feel embarrassed when talking to others. They may even avoid social situations altogether.
People with an asymmetrical face tend to get less attention from potential romantic partners than those without such features.
People with an asymmetrical face are less likely to be hired for jobs in which their face is seen by the public.
If you have an asymmetrical face, you probably want to fix it if possible. This is one of the few aspects of your body that you can actually do something about.
The most common solution is plastic surgery, but there are less invasive ways to approach the situation as well.
How are asymmetrical features treated?
The most common way to correct an asymmetrical face is through plastic surgery. There are several types of surgeries to do this, but the most common ones include:
Smile Lifts: This procedure fixes the position of your facial muscles so that one side isn’t drooping anymore.
Hollow Mask Facelift: This procedure makes your cheekbones more prominent. The skin around your eyes is also tightened.
Cheek Augmentation: This procedure makes your cheekbones more prominent. The skin under your eyes is also tightened.
Lower Blepharoplasty: This procedure reduces the size of your lower eyelids. It can give you a more alert appearance, but may expose dry eye syndrome if you do not take care of your eyes properly.
Rhinoplasty: This procedure reduces the width of your nose and typically makes it longer as well. If you are unhappy with the size of your nose, you may want to consider this surgery.
Chin Reduction: This procedure makes your chin smaller and more defined. You may have an extra piece of skin hanging from your chin or a recessed chin.
Either way, this procedure can fix it.
Ear Correction: If your ears are not in the right position, a surgeon can fix that as well.
Once you have decided which procedure(s) you want to get done, you will have to set up an appointment with a plastic surgeon in your area. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a good place to start your search.
These procedures are not cheap and are typically not covered by health insurance. It is important that you save enough money for this because it is unlikely that you will be able to get a loan from the bank.
There are several side effects to these surgeries which include:
Bleeding
Infection
Numbness
Swelling
Loss of vision
All surgeries come with a degree of risk, but these are especially risky because they are being performed on your face. Always make sure you go to a reputable surgeon.
If something does go wrong, make sure you get a second and even third opinion before continuing with the treatment.
The best way to avoid the risk altogether is to not get the surgery in the first place. As I said earlier, there are less invasive ways to treat your facial asymmetry.
The most common way is through orthodontics. Some people are born with misaligned teeth.
If this is the case, a quick visit to the orthodontist can fix the problem relatively quickly and easily.
If you have misplaced bone structures or need grafting done, a visit to the craniofacial surgeon is in order.
Orthodontics and craniofacial surgery are both covered by health insurance. As a matter of fact, most elective surgery is covered as long as it is not of a life-threatening nature and your doctor writes the request for you.
Be sure to ask your doctor for a letter stating that he/she would like you to get the surgery because this will help expedite the process.
As I stated earlier, all surgeries come with risk. That risk can be severely increased if you do not take care of yourself following the procedure.
It is very important that you do everything your surgeon tells you to do. Make sure you rest and let your body heal.
It is also very important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are obese, consider dieting and exercising.
Smoking and drinking can also increase your risk of post-surgical complications. It is important that you avoid these things while your body heals.
Remember, the side effects listed can be quite severe. Some are even life-threatening.
If you experience anything out of the ordinary, do not hesitate to call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
Sources & references used in this article:
High frequency of facial expressions corresponding to confusion, concentration, and worry in an analysis of naturally occurring facial expressions of Americans. by P Rozin, AB Cohen – Emotion, 2003 – psycnet.apa.org
Facial symmetry and judgements of attractiveness, health and personality by B Fink, N Neave, JT Manning, K Grammer – Personality and Individual …, 2006 – Elsevier
Asymmetrical facial expressions in portraits and hemispheric laterality: A literature review by WR Powell, JA Schirillo – Laterality, 2009 – Taylor & Francis
