What No One Tells You About Facial Asymmetry (And How To Fix It)
TL;DR
- While complete facial symmetry is often considered ideal, natural faces tend to have subtle asymmetries, which contribute to individual uniqueness and character.
- The goal of improving facial asymmetry with treatments should be to enhance balance and harmony.
- These treatments include botox and fillers.
Table Of Contents
Ever noticed one side of your face seems a tad different from the other? How do people see your face?
You’re not alone in these questions—facial asymmetry is more common than you think, and while some would say it adds character, there are plenty of ways to achieve a more balanced look if that’s what you desire.
In this article, we share some non-invasive treatments that can help you put your best face forward. We also explore why aiming for perfect symmetry might not be the best goal, and show examples of how slight asymmetry can actually enhance your natural beauty.
What Causes Asymmetry of the Face
Facial asymmetry is when the two halves of your face aren’t identical. This can happen for various reasons—While some severe forms of asymmetry are linked to medical conditions, most people experience more minor aesthetic asymmetry.
Let’s explore some of the leading causes
Genetics
Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in shaping your facial features. Minor asymmetries are often inherited and can present in various ways, such as cheek retrusion, where one cheekbone is less defined than the other, or eye displacement, which makes one eye appear slightly higher or more forward.
Age
Research reveals a strong link between age and facial asymmetry. Older individuals present with more pronounced asymmetry and typically experience changes in the lower two-thirds of the face, from the eyebrows to the chin.
Habitual Behaviours
Everyday habits such as sleeping on one side, favouring one side for chewing, or repetitive facial expressions can contribute to facial asymmetries like jaw asymmetry or brow bone and forehead protrusion.
Other serious conditions that could cause facial asymmetry include neurological or muscular causes. Examples include strokes/various cranial nerve neuropathies such as Bell’s palsy/stroke/wrongly administered botulinum toxins to name a few.
What Facial Asymmetry Looks Like
Facial asymmetry can show up in many different forms. Here’s a detailed look at some types, their causes, potential long-term effects, and how to spot them:
| Type of Asymmetry | Causes | Long-term Effects | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaw Asymmetry | Genetics, habitual behaviours | Uneven facial structure, TMJ issues | Use a mirror to check jawline alignment |
| Cheek Retrusion | Genetic factors, trauma, malnutrition | Imbalanced facial contours | Look for differences in cheekbone prominence |
| Eye Displacement | Genetics, developmental anomalies, thyroid problems | Imbalance in facial aesthetics | Compare eye positions in photographs. |
| Eyebrow Lowering | Genetics, Ageing, muscle asymmetry | Perceived asymmetry in facial expressions | Notice one eyebrow sitting lower than the other |
| Brow Bone and Forehead Protrusion | Genetics, repetitive muscle use | Altered facial profile | Check side profile for differences in forehead projection |
| Nasal Deviations | Genetics, injury, uneven muscle tone | Nasal breathing issues | Use front and side camera views for nasal alignment |
| One Side of Face Looks Fatter | Sleeping habits, muscle overuse | Uneven fat distribution, skin laxity | Observe if one cheek appears fuller than the other |
| Skin Texture Asymmetry | Environmental factors, ageing | Uneven skin texture and tone | Compare skin texture on both sides of the face |
It’s tricky to evaluate facial asymmetry because what we see in the mirror is a reversed image, which can distort our perception.
Taking photos with both the front and back cameras on your phone can offer different perspectives and help identify asymmetries that might not be noticeable in a mirror.
At the end of the day, what we perceive either in the mirror or a photograph can be misleading. To be sure, check with a trusted doctor.
Is Facial Asymmetry Considered Unattractive?
Facial asymmetry isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can add a unique charm and character to a person’s appearance, making them more intriguing. Many well-known individuals have asymmetrical features that add to their distinctive appeal.
Celebrities with Beautiful Facial Asymmetry
Angelina Jolie
Her slightly asymmetrical face, including one eye that sits a bit higher and a more prominent lower lip on one side, has become a part of her iconic allure.
Adrien Brody
During the filming of ‘Summer of Sam’ (1999), the actor broke his number one facial feature—His nose. Choosing to leave it as it is has left him with an uneven face and undeniably iconic look.
TikTok’s “mirror effect” trend also shows that complete facial symmetry isn’t always more attractive, and in fact can be quite unnatural looking. Here are the results when ran on some celebrities:
Beyonce
Scarlett Johansson
Brad Pitt
Does this mean you should not strive for better symmetry or improve your facial features? Of course not – improving subtle imbalances can help bring out your best features and even improve your quality of life.
The key is not aiming for perfection, but achieving a balanced, harmonious look that enhances your natural beauty. And that’s where aesthetic treatments come in—helping to refine and correct minor imbalances while preserving the unique qualities that make your face distinct.
Can You Correct Facial Asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry can be addressed with various aesthetic treatments. Here are some noninvasive options:
| Treatment | Purpose | What it can possibly improve | Duration of results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | Relaxes muscle to help reduce overactivity in specific facial muscles | Uneven eyebrows or jaw muscles, slight eye displacement | Between 3 to 6 months, after which touch-up treatments are needed to maintain the results |
| Dermal Fillers | Add volume to areas where the face may appear hollow or underdeveloped, such as the cheeks, jawline, or forehead | Uneven jaw and cheeks, forehead protrusion, nose, lips | 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. |
| Ultherapy/HIFU/Ultraformer MPT | Improves mild asymmetry by improving skin turgor and by selectively removing unwanted regions of fat. | Unequal chubby/saggy cheeks | 6 to 18 months depending on modality |
Consequently, options like fat grafting and rhinoplasty are available for those with more significant facial asymmetries that may not be fully addressed with noninvasive methods; such treatments offer longer-lasting or permanent results but involve more downtime and recovery.
Consulting with a medical professional can help determine the best treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
Facial asymmetry is a common occurrence with a wide range of causes. While it can be viewed as a form of beauty, a myriad of solutions are available if you want to make changes.
The goal isn’t to achieve perfect symmetry, but rather to create balance and harmony among your facial features. How asymmetry presents visually is just one aspect to consider when considering treatment—Speaking with a professional is essential.
Our team of doctors can guide you through your options and help you achieve a more harmonious look. Contact us today to learn how you can feel more confident in your skin.
