What's happening to my face? One side has gravity pulling it down (Photo)

Question

I'm 33. I have noticed one side of my face is starting to pull down with gravity more than the other. My biggest insecurity is one side of my lip and jaw on left side of picture. I worry there is an underlying issue but feel embarrassed to ask a physician. When I was a young child I hit my head on that side and can still feel that spot on my skull. If I can get rid of droop, and asymmetry this would make me so happy. What is this and what can fix this?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. facial asymmetry is quite normal, I would recommend fillers. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a proper evaluation.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very frequent to have some degree of facial asymmetry. Only on the basis of in person consultation and discussion about your concerns and goals, an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon can provide meaningful options of treatment. Good luck.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Your pictures show evidence of difference in bone structure from side to side.  This is normal and everyone has differences.  It is not trauma related.  Your only solution at this point is to provide volume to those areas which are deficient- fillers are an excellent choice for your age group.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Often times, the side that we tend to sleep on can appear "droopier" than the other side. You could always consult with a plastic surgeon in your area about fillers to help fill in and perk that side up. If you want my honest opinion, I wouldn't do anything. It is a minor asymmetry and no two sides of a face are perfectly alike. Remember, the enemy of good is perfection. Best of luck!

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear myamyamya,

Thanks for sharing these photos. I see your concerns and they are due to the natural and expected asymmetry of us, humans, and the beginnings of facial skin laxity.  I notice that the left side of your face is fuller wider and more projecting. The right side of your face is narrower, more lax and a bit deeper. This probably has little to do with your injury years ago.

Such tissue drooping starts at 30 years old when collagen skin repair diminishes and passive skin aging relaxes downward. The web of fibrous compartments under the skin loses fat, stretches, separates and elongates forming 5 growing “waves” of skin at points of attachment, developing:
•	hooding along the eyes,
•	lower eyelid / cheek junction or tear trough / nasojugal fold
•	nasolabial fold,
•	lateral mouth commissure and marionette folds,
•	jowls and neck.

Without the opportunity for an in-person consultation, I would recommend that you discuss your concerns with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who provides non-surgical, minimally invasive and surgical alternatives.

You may wish to discuss (in no specific order):
•	Fillers such as hyaluronic acid gels and/or Radiesse
•	Fat grafting of the upper cheeks, folds and lateral brow 
•	Lifting options such as jowl, cheek and lateral brow lifting using Silhouette and other minimally invasive FaceLift suspension sutures. 
•	Botox may help your lateral brow.

I hope this is helpful. All the best!

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and questions. It is very common and normal to have slight asymmetry to the face. Often times this can be corrected with fat grafting, especially at your age. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who can assess your specific anatomy and develop a plan for you. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  You can have hyluronic acid fillers injected into the lower cheek and possibly pull up that side of the mouth Your upper lip on that side can use some filler as well.   I do not recommend anything surgical at this point.

What's happening to my face? One side has gravity pulling it down (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Facelift Questions

Can kenalog or other similar injections get rid of a hematoma?

How soon prior to surgery should I start taking arnica & eat pineapple? Can I continue to take C, D, probiotics & zinc?

What is the average length of time a surgeon should honor a facelift price quote? Are Instagram surgeons driving pricing up?

Need advice. Endoscopic midfacelift, deep plane facelift. No longer filler/threadlift

Can a facelift fix droopy face & overfilled Radiesse? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS