Lopsided, asymmetrical jaw. Will facial fat transfer help?

Question

My right jaw is much larger than my left side with a totally different jawline. When I press on it, I can't tell if it's bone or muscle under the skin causing this. No clue if it's craniofacial microsomia, condylar hyperplasia (hemimandibular elongation/ hemimandibular hyperplasia), TMJ asymmetry, etc. I've had numerous facial fillers in the past with great results, but I'm thinking about trying a facial fat transfer. Would I be a good candidate for the fat transfer? Thanks!

Robert Glasgold, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer works very well for correcting jawline contour.  Frequently, when building up the lateral jawline I will need to do more than one fat transfer to get the ultimate degree of augmentation.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

A 3D CT scan of your face will likely show that the jaw asymmetry is skeletal in nature. While there is nothing wrong with fat injections they are not predictable in survival and very difficult to end up with ideal correction. A custom jawline implant made from the 3D CT scan to match the bone shape on the opposite side of the chin/jaw is the more accurate and assured jaw symmetry outcome.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Facial fat transfer is finicky and less precise and not as predictable as fillers. The best approach is to cautiously graft volume planning on doing a few sessions until you feel the result is ideal. Over treating during the first treatment anticipating fat loss can be an issue if more fat survives than anticipated.

Facial asymmetry is almost always based on skeletal structure. The two sides of the face form as two separate halves and fuse in the midline during embryology.

Everyone has an asymmetrical face. This is the standard that some people may have more than others.

To be evaluated for craniofacial anomalies I suggest having in person consultations with craniofacial surgeons. Sometimes you can find these type of doctors and academic medical centers.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Lopsided, asymmetrical jaw. Will facial fat transfer help?

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