Asymmetrical face - what might be causing this? (Photo)

Question

Hello doctors, At the age of 29, I've started to notice that one side of my face appears more prominent than the other. I've looked back at photos throughout my life and can see the difference there as well, though I hadn't previously been conscious of it. It feels as though it might have become more pronounced recently. Based on your expertise, could you provide insights into what might be causing this? Dentist says no infection too

Mark McRae, MD · Answer

As it turns out every single person in the world has facial asymmetry. As a craniofacial surgeon I see this in everyone I examine. I see this asymmetry in most cases as beautiful, unique, and usually not something that I recommend addressing with surgery.

Put in a google search for:  George Clooney Facial Symmetry. It is a wonderful lesson to see how George Clooney, a very attractive man, has facial asymmetry just like the rest of us.

If you do have specific concerns, make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to get advice that you can trust.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, it doesn't look like your asymmetry is out of the normal range. Only on the basis of in-person evaluation an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, could see whether the surgical intervention (volume augmentation) could be of any help. Hope this helps.

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Facial asymmetry is universal- everyone has some degree of variation between the left and right sides of their face. If there are significant changes over time, it is important to rule out an infection or mass (which was done). When patients desire to decrease the asymmetry, filler are the most common technique used. It is important to remember that we can decrease asymmetry, not eliminate it. Good luck

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. It does appear from the photos to be significant asymmetry, and there can be many causes for that. If it seems that it's becoming more pronounced, I would recommend an ultrasound. Your parotid gland (one of the major salivary glands) may be enlarging from something like a benign, slow-growing tumor. It may just be a natural asymmetry from bone or muscle, but I would get it checked out.
Best,Dr. Tower

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Asymmetry is the norm actually. For some individuals, it is more pronounced than for others. Fillers can sometimes be used to offer an improvement.

Asymmetrical face - what might be causing this? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Facial/Parotid Asymmetry

Answer: Facial/Parotid Asymmetry

Answer: Facial asymmetry

Answer: Facial asymmetry

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Asymmetrical face - what might be causing this? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Facial/Parotid Asymmetry

Answer: Facial/Parotid Asymmetry

Answer: Facial asymmetry

Answer: Facial asymmetry

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.