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.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It appears you are under the false belief that the human face is symmetrical.
It is not, and the fact that you didn’t realize your face was asymmetrical until now indicates that facial asymmetry is normal, and that your brain is accustomed to seeing faces as being asymmetrical, and always has been.
During embryological development, the two sides of the face develop independently from each other, and eventually fuse in the midline. The entire human body is highly asymmetrical. all internal organs are generally on the left or on the right. People are either left-handed or right handed. Even classic artists throughout history have incorporated asymmetry in the great classic works of art like David and Mona Lisa.
Your degree officially symmetry is a very much within normal, and is definitely within one standard deviation.
Your face is normal. Nothing happened and you don’t need intervention.
Did you start looking at other faces in the more critical way you’ll recognize that a symmetry is present on everyone. You can also do a Google search on facial symmetry and see lots of examples computer generated symmetrical faces. Most people find a purely symmetrical face to look odd, unfamiliar, and less attractive than a naturally asymmetrical face.
Facial symmetry is not an aesthetic ideal, and should never be thought of that way.
Facial balance, and harmony is what facial aesthetics is all about.
Most facial asymmetry comes from facial, skeletal structure. Soft tissue coverage tends to be fairly consistent on the left and the right.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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