128 lbs, 5’9” – Asymmetric Submental Fat and Masseters: Would Liposuction Help? (Photos)

Question

I weigh 130 lbs at 5’9” and have noticed facial asymmetry since childhood. I appear to have more fat under the left side of my chin and a larger right masseter. I recently had a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon who reviewed my 3D scan and said my jaw was symmetrical, but I still have doubts. Could this asymmetry be caused by uneven fat distribution and masseter size rather than the jawbone itself? Would I potentially be a good candidate for submental liposuction, or could it make the asymmetry more noticeable?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

At 5’9” and around 128–130 lbs, you’re already quite lean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have differences in how fat and muscle are distributed across your face and neck. Facial asymmetry is very common, even when the underlying jawbone is relatively symmetrical.

Yes, the difference you’re noticing could be related to uneven submental fat distribution and differences in masseter muscle size, rather than the jawbone itself. A larger masseter on one side can make the lower face appear wider on that side, while differences in the soft tissue beneath the chin can affect the appearance of your neck and jawline. Muscle size can also be influenced by habits such as clenching or grinding your teeth.

Submental liposuction may help if there is a clearly identifiable pocket of excess fat beneath the chin. However, because you’re already lean and your fullness appears asymmetric, I would be cautious about removing fat without first determining exactly what is causing the difference. Liposuction removes fat but does not correct muscle asymmetry or underlying structural differences. If the fullness is minimal or unevenly distributed, removing fat could potentially make the asymmetry more noticeable rather than improve it.

Since a maxillofacial surgeon has already reviewed your 3D scan and found your jaw to be symmetrical, that is useful information, although a scan of the bone does not necessarily explain differences in the surrounding soft tissue. A focused examination of your chin, neck, and masseter muscles would help clarify the cause. If you clench your jaw frequently, evaluating the masseter muscles may also be worthwhile.

My recommendation would be to avoid rushing into liposuction until the source of the asymmetry is clear. In someone with your body weight, subtle anatomical differences can have a significant effect on facial contour, and a conservative approach is often best. The goal should be to improve overall balance without removing too much of the natural tissue that supports your jawline.

128 lbs, 5’9” – Asymmetric Submental Fat and Masseters: Would Liposuction Help? (Photos)

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