Is my side profile and face symmetry poor and would it be considered ugly? If yes, what do I have to change? (photos)

Question

I‘ve struggled with my side profile and face symmetry my whole life. I feel like I have a very deformed face, as in my face constellation is poor. I also feel like I don‘t really have a jawline and my nose is my biggest insecurity... Would I have to change a lot of my face?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Learn more" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_LPNinja.html
I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.You have striking, beautiful facial features. If we want to find something to change, it probably would be to draw attention away from the nose, by working on both the nose and the chin.In the morph, I lowered the bump on the bridge of your nose, elevated the tip a little, and then I brought the entire nose back closer to your face. Those changes would draw attention away from your nose, and let people concentrate on your gorgeous three-quarters and profile jaw line, your big eyes and big lips, your long neck, I mean, really, there are very few models in Cosmo who have anything on you.You'll see that I added some strength to your chin. I simulated placing a **small** chin implant. Adding strength to the chin draws more attention away from the nose, which is good, but you don't want too big of a chin implant. Your chin is tall, when measured vertically from where your lips meet down to the bottom of the chin. When the chin is tall, we don't want it to come forward too much, because that would make the chin too big and draw unwanted attention to the chin.
You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. You should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. Read that page very carefully. Most plastic surgeons are quite poor at this operation, and I believe my advice will go a long way toward keeping you safe.
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns?
Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who understands all of the issues I mentioned, and how they fit together, and who can actually accomplish them in surgery.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Your nose could be improved with rhinoplasty, which would give permanent improvements in symmetry and profile. When you meet with a facial plastic surgeon, he or she will consider your nose in balance with your other features. You can bring some photos of noses that you think would be flattering to your face and these can be discussed.  I hope this helps.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. You may also benefit from a dorsal hump reduction.  A chin implant can be performed at the same time for
improved jaw line contour.  I always use a medpor implant with screw
fixation, which stays in place over time.  A silicone chin implant has a
high rate of malrotation over time.  Make
sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients
who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer
animation system. The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

If you are displeased with your appearance, you could benefit from a consultation with a plastic surgeon for suggestions.  That being said, I would only recommend this if you personally are concerned about your appearance, do not do surgery to please anybody else.  Best of luck.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend starting with a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery. 
I would recommend writing down the following questions before scheduling your consultation:
1. Are you unhappy with the tip of your nose? 
2. Do you feel that your nose is too wide? 
3. Do you want to make your nostrils smaller in appearance? 
4. Are you looking to decrease the general size of your nose?
I hope some of these questions will help you pinpoint what it is that you don't like about your nose.  Cost will vary due to many factors including: facilities fee and anesthesia fee. I wish you the best as you research your options when scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Is my side profile and face symmetry poor and would it be considered ugly? If yes, what do I have to change? (photos)

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Answer: Facial side profile concerns

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Is my side profile and face symmetry poor and would it be considered ugly? If yes, what do I have to change? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Facial side profile concerns

Answer: Facial side profile concerns

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Answer: Rhinoplasty Candidate

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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