An utterly symmetrical face is rare – slight asymmetries are normal and define every person’s individual beauty. However, more significant asymmetries can, in some cases, lead to problems with self-confidence. Modern facial surgery offers various correction options if you want a more harmonious balance.
Diagnosis of asymmetry is crucial
The first step in correcting facial asymmetry is a comprehensive examination by a qualified facial surgeon. It is essential to understand the causes as asymmetries can be congenital, caused by trauma or developmental disorders.
Non-invasive treatments
Modern aesthetic medicine techniques allow for correcting slight facial asymmetries without surgical intervention. Fillers and botulinum toxin play an important role here.
- Filler applications: Hyaluronic acid fillers are ideal for balancing volume differences in the face. They can be injected into areas such as cheeks, lips or under the eyes to achieve a more symmetrical look. Modern fillers offer immediate results and can improve skin quality as hyaluronic acid attracts water and hydrates the skin.
- Botulinum toxin for muscle relaxation: Botulinum toxin (Botox) is particularly suitable for alleviating asymmetries arising from varying muscle activity levels. For example, a raised eyebrow lift on one side can be relaxed and adjusted to the other side’s level through targeted injections.
Both methods are minimally invasive, offer a short recovery time and are an attractive option for patients who cannot or do not want to afford downtime.
Surgical options
Surgical procedures may be considered if non-invasive methods are insufficient to achieve the desired improvement. These include
- Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty can correct asymmetries of the nose (crookedness) and thus improve the symmetry of the entire face.
- Jaw surgery: In the case of asymmetries due to misalignment of the jaw and teeth, orthodontic or jaw surgery treatment, possibly in combination, may be necessary to improve not only aesthetics but also functionality.
- Bone augmentations, implants and fat transfers: Custom-made implants and bone augmentations (e.g. Lyocartilage) can correct contours in the chin or cheek area. Fat transfers, in which the body’s fat is redistributed, can also restore volume asymmetries.
These surgical procedures require careful consultation and planning and are usually performed under general anaesthesia. They offer long-term to permanent solutions and can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Detailed consultation and planning with an experienced facial surgeon is the key to the best possible result.
Harmony, not perfection
It is important to note that the goal of any treatment should be to improve facial harmony and not to achieve perfect symmetry. The natural uniqueness of each face includes a certain asymmetry, which is often considered an aspect of individual beauty. In aesthetic medicine, the main goal is to improve the balance of facial features while respecting the natural characteristics of the individual. Overemphasizing symmetry can lead to unnatural or overcorrected results that do not harmonize with the natural shape and structure of the face. Therefore, patients and practitioners must have a realistic understanding of beauty and facial harmony and accept that perfect symmetry is neither necessary nor desirable to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking result.
