What could be causing sudden sagging and jowling and how can this be corrected? 19 y/o (photo)

Question

Hi, I’ve noticed the past week that the left side of my face has been looking rounder and swollen all of a sudden. My weight hasn’t changed that much so I don’t think it is fat gain - but it is looking much rounder and droopier than the right side of my face. It also kind of looks like sagging jowls but I’m not sure how that’s possible. Does anyone know what it is and how it could have been caused?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. The sudden appearance of swelling and asymmetry in one side of your face, especially when accompanied by a droopier appearance and what looks like sagging jowls, can be concerning. There are several potential causes for these symptoms, and it's important to consider a range of possibilities:

1. Localized Swelling or Inflammation
One of the most common causes for sudden facial swelling is localized inflammation or fluid retention. This could be due to an allergic reaction, infection, or recent injury. If you've had any recent dental work, facial treatments, or changes in skincare products, these could potentially trigger localized swelling. Conditions such as sinus infections or cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) could also cause sudden swelling and asymmetry. Assessing any recent changes or exposures that might have contributed to inflammation can help pinpoint the cause.

2. Fat Pad Changes or Volume Loss
Even though you haven’t noticed significant weight gain, changes in the fat pads of the face can sometimes create sudden asymmetry. Conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or localized fat pad changes could lead to unexpected alterations in facial appearance. Sometimes, facial volume loss or shifts can be exacerbated by factors like dehydration or sudden changes in facial posture or sleep position.

3. Recent Facial Treatments
If you’ve had recent cosmetic procedures or treatments, it’s worth considering if these could have contributed to the swelling and asymmetry. Injections, fillers, or other procedures can sometimes cause localized swelling that resolves over time. However, if the swelling persists or worsens, it might indicate a reaction or complication requiring further evaluation.

I hope this helps and best of luck!

What could be causing sudden sagging and jowling and how can this be corrected? 19 y/o (photo)

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What could be causing sudden sagging and jowling and how can this be corrected? 19 y/o (photo)

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