Nothing in nature is perfect. The same applies to our bodies. If you inspect your recent photo, you might notice that some of your facial features don’t appear the same way on both sides of your face. Then you might think “why is one side of my face bigger than the other”?
One side of your nose might appear sharper than the other. Or maybe when you smile, your left lip looks raised than your right lip. Having such traits is normal, and it’s referred to as asymmetry or facial asymmetry.
We all have asymmetry in our faces to a certain degree. However, in some people, their asymmetry is more pronounced, and it’s an issue of concern. Facial asymmetry can arise from several biological factors as well as environmental disturbances.
Luckily, there are several treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, that can help address severe asymmetry.
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Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Face
The different parts of the human body develop with bilateral symmetry. This means that the right and the left side get divided into identical mirror images. Nevertheless, various biological and environmental factors inherent to the development process affect bilateral symmetry.
Facial symmetry is where facial features on the right and left sides are equal. But in reality, the face usually presents some mild degree of asymmetry. That means that you might have a large eye on one side of the face, different sized ears, eyes located at different heights, and so on.
Is My Uneven Face Ugly?
Symmetrical faces are often considered a norm for aesthetics and a sign of attractiveness in males and females. But according to studies, individuals with symmetrical faces are less attractive compared to those with asymmetrical faces.
The unevenness in your face makes you unique. Men and women tend to be more attracted to normal faces with more asymmetry than symmetrical faces. Furthermore, it’s easier to remember an asymmetrical face.
People who use a filter in their photos to look more symmetrical usually come out unreal and sometimes inhuman. So, your uneven face makes you more beautiful or handsome. Don’t lose your esteem because of uneven eyes or ear positions.
Your asymmetrical face should only be an issue of concern if it’s sudden because it can signify a serious health condition like Bell’s palsy or stroke.
Celebrities With Asymmetrical Face
As we’ve said above, many people consider symmetrical faces attractive, healthy, and genetically fit. But this statement eliminates some vital details. Our brains are not programmed to dwell on a specific aspect of the face, rather on the holistic view. In terms of a holistic view, our faces are asymmetrical.
If you still feel insecure about your uneven face, maybe this list of celebrities with asymmetrical faces can change your mind.
Thom Yorke: He is a famous English singer-songwriter and has uneven eyes. But this makes him unique and easily identifiable.
Meryl Streep: Many people consider her face to be symmetrical. But when you take a closer look, you can see that her nose leans to the left, and her mouth slightly shifts to the right.
Gordon Ramsay: Ramsay is one of the most popular chefs in the world. But he has an asymmetrical face too. Perhaps one reason for this is his difficult childhood.
Other Celebrities Include:
- Tom Hanks
- Emilia Clarke
- Victoria Beckham
- Adele
- Robert Downey Jr
- Megan Markle
People are led to believe that a symmetrical face is the epitome of beauty. But symmetrical face photos of these celebrities prove that this statement is incorrect.
Why Is One Side of My Face Bigger Than the Other?
To answer this question, check the biological and environmental factors that hinder perfect bilateral symmetry below.
Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in facial development and are often responsible for asymmetrical faces. Parents can pass genes of asymmetrical face features like a smaller right eye or wider left jawline to their offspring.
Genetic health conditions like cleft lip and palate as well as vascular disorders can cause asymmetrical features. If these conditions exist in your family, chances are you can inherit them too.
Lifestyle Habits
Lifestyle choices like having poor posture or sleeping on your stomach with your face against your pillow can lead to uneven facial features. Sitting while crossing your legs in the same direction for an extended period and resting your face on your hands can also cause facial asymmetry.
Furthermore, chewing on one side of the mouth can weaken the area where the facial skin folds naturally, making the side look deeper.
Aging
Old age comes with its own challenges, such as reduced mobility and a weak immune system. But perhaps one of the most significant challenges is facial asymmetry. As you grow old, most of your bones stop developing. However, your cartilage continues to grow, meaning your nose and ears will continue to increase in size while other facial tissues will relax. As a result, you might develop asymmetrical features.
In fact, a 2018 study found out that there’s a link between increasing age and asymmetrical face. It’s all part of aging.
Dental Work
When you remove a tooth, some of your facial features might get impacted, causing a degree of asymmetry between the left and right sides of the face. A 2014 study determined that tooth extraction is a significant risk factor for facial asymmetry. Veneer and denture in the mouth can change the already uneven contours of your face.
Injury and Trauma
Childhood or even adulthood injury to the face can make your face appear uneven. A broken nose or deep cut on the face may also cause facial asymmetry.
Health Conditions
Some conditions can affect the appearance of your facial features. These conditions include:
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a sudden, unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. It causes damage to facial nerves, specifically the 7th cranial nerve. You’ll experience pain on one side of your face or head.
Bell’s palsy can affect anyone at any age. But it’s most common after a viral infection or pregnancy. Diabetic people can also get Bell’s palsy.
Although it’s temporary, you might lose your facial strength, muscle control, and expression for two weeks and sometimes six months.
Stroke
A brain attack or stroke is a condition where blood stops flowing to your brain. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the brain ceases to function, even if it’s for a short time. That’s because brain cells begin to die if they don’t receive oxygen.
One sign of stroke is facial drooping. This is where your smile appears uneven because you have no control over your facial muscles. You can also experience numbness on one side of your brain. Stroke can also affect your ability to speak, think and remember, and move.
Torticollis
Torticollis is the twisting of the neck. It causes your head to tilt at an abnormal angle. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, and it’s most likely to occur while you’re in the womb. The position of the fetus in the uterus can result in neck muscle injury, which may affect facial muscles. As a result, a baby is born with asymmetrical facial features.
Viral infections, vigorous movements, and injury can also cause acquired torticollis. But it’s usually temporary, and the signs can go away within a few weeks.
Eyes weakness can also cause asymmetry of facial features. By tilting or twisting your neck to see clearly, you can increase the strength of one side of your neck than the other, resulting in torticollis.
How to Fix Asymmetrical Face
There are several ways you can fix your facial asymmetry. That’s if it makes you insecure. Keep in mind not so many people notice facial asymmetry. That said, below are several solutions to address facial asymmetry.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies to fix asymmetrical faces. You can follow these remedies.
Makeup and Hairstyles
If you have uneven facial features, consider fixing them using makeup. Use makeup to contour fine lines on your face to accentuate your cheekbones, making them look higher. It will down your chin and nose if you’re worried about their unevenness. Makeup will help you balance your facial features, giving more definition to any asymmetry. Find makeup tutorials online.
Also, select a hairstyle that can draw people’s attention away from your face.
Eyelid Tape
If you have uneven eyelids, consider using eyelid tape or glue, so they can lift the sagging skin and give your face an asymmetrical look.
Facial Exercises
Although facial exercises are not considered a treatment for facial asymmetry, they help to augment facial muscles. Exercises trick facial muscles into alignment. Some exercises you can do include.
- Facial Stretch: Pull down the muscle under your upper lip over your bottom lip and look up to elongate your face as much as possible.
- Partial Wink: Partially wink your eyes 50 times and then use your fingers to push into the skin around the templates. Next, pull them slightly back and close your eyes tightly but maintain your fingers in the same position. Do this 20 times.
- Cheek Toning: Use three fingers to press the upper cheek and then push them down toward your jaw. Using your cheek muscles, apply resistance to the pressure from your fingers by smiling as hard as possible.
You can also consider trying out some facial yoga exercises.
Facial asymmetry happens to us all. It’s often temporary and influenced by our day-to-day choices. So, it should not make you feel less attractive.
Facial Asymmetry Surgery
If the above methods fail to provide you with the results you desire, check out these facial asymmetry surgeries.
Dermal Filler
Dermal filler insertion into your face via injection can help correct facial asymmetry. A soft filler like Botulin toxin or Botox will help to raise eyebrows and balance other facial features. Botox injection relaxes tissues and reduces wrinkles, making your face appear more symmetrical.
Facial Implants
Birth defects, traumatic accidents, or oral surgery can leave you with an asymmetrical face. But facial implants can correct the unevenness and make your face appear more balanced. A plastic surgeon must design the implant to fit exactly with the affected area and insert it beneath your skin.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose job, involves correcting the appearance of a broken nose that makes a face look asymmetrical. An asymmetrical nose can have significant effects on the overall appearance of your face. Consult a plastic surgeon or ask your doctor for a referral if you want the best nose job.
Teeth Replacements
As we said earlier, tooth loss can have a detrimental effect on your facial structure. Teeth support facial muscles. Without that support, the muscles will sink and make your face look uneven. Dental implants and bridges can help fill this space and provide facial muscles support.
Orthodontics
Facial asymmetry can also be caused by occlusal cant. This occurs when you have slanted teeth compared to the alignment of the lips and nose. It affects the uniformity of the bite plane, causing tilting of facial muscles and misalignment of jaws. Orthodontics treatment like Invisalign or braces can help even these facial features.
Chin Surgery
If you feel your chin is asymmetrical, chin surgery can benefit you. There are several chin surgeries options. Genioplasty procedure involves moving the chin forward or backward. A surgeon can also reduce the size of the chin if the need arises or place implants to make the chin more defined. Consult a specialist to find what options will suit you best.
Face and Neck Lift
Face and neck lift involves removing excess fat cells and contouring different facial features to eliminate sagging skin and tired eyes. Facelifts can help even out asymmetrical facial features and also help you look younger by removing dead skin cells.
Risks of Facial Asymmetry Surgery
All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. That’s why it’s important to discuss with your doctor or plastic surgeon the risk associated with different asymmetry surgery. Whether you’re having a surgical or non-surgical procedure, you might encounter the following risks.
- Bleeding
- Persistent asymmetry
- Infection
- Facial nerve damage
- Facial swelling
Take Away
If you look in the mirror and see one side of your face is bigger than the other one or it’s uneven, don’t worry! Facial asymmetry is very normal for all human beings. Even though our body parts are programmed to develop with bilateral symmetry, factors like genetics and lifestyle choices make some parts asymmetrical. One of those areas is the face.
However, if your facial asymmetry is sudden, chances are you’re developing a serious condition like stroke or Bell’s palsy. So, it’s wise to consult a doctor.
Furthermore, if you’re uncomfortable with your facial asymmetry, you can consider facial asymmetry surgery. But, before sitting for any treatment, consult your doctor first.
