Facial Asymmetry Surgery Overview

Nothing in nature is perfectly symmetric. All faces have some degree of asymmetry. However, more pronounced asymmetry may become bothersome and in severe cases, are indicative of an underlying syndrome. Facial asymmetry can result from congenital problems, trauma, or a prior surgery or treatment.
In some cases, asymmetry may affect not only the form, but also the function of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Often, the lower jaw is uneven with the rest of the face, which may be corrected with orthognathic surgery. Other problems may include cheek retrusion (backward displacement), eye displacement, eyebrow lowering, forehead and brow bone protrusion, or retrusions and nasal deviations.
Your plastic surgeon, in coordination with any other specialists needed, will examine your facial structure and carefully create a plan to reposition bones to create a more symmetrical appearance. Our surgeons are experts in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and frequently employ techniques from both areas to achieve optimal results for facial asymmetry.
Planning and Recovery
What to Expect
Your doctor will make a thorough examination of your face, using photos and imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning. Together, you’ll discuss in detail your doctor’s recommendations and suggested treatment process. Depending on the issues to be corrected, multiple surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired results. Correction may require moving bone (osteotomy), adding bone (bone graft), adding a facial implant (alloplastic implant), reducing bone, adding soft tissue, or reducing soft tissue (through liposuction) to create a more symmetrical result. Fat grafting may also be helpful in improving soft tissue results.
Because of the myriad of tools that can be used, it’s important that you see a surgeon who is skilled with all techniques so that your treatment isn’t limited by a particular set of tools or approaches. In many cases, your surgeon will work with other specialists to carefully plan treatment both before and after surgery.
On the day of the procedure, you will receive anesthesia through an IV. The specific approach will depend on the procedure(s) being performed and may include changes in the forehead, eyebrows/brow bones, ears, eyelids, nose, cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, or neck.
Recovering After Facial Asymmetry Surgery
Depending on how extensive the surgery is, you may return home the same day or spend a night or two in the hospital. You’ll return home with instructions and medications from your doctor. Swelling and bruising after surgery is normal. Swelling and pain will typically peak a few days after surgery, and then resolve within a few weeks.
Ready to take the first step?
Request an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
You may be a good candidate if:
Because each facial asymmetry surgery is highly unique to the individual, costs vary based on your specific needs. Insurance coverage may be available when your insurance carrier determines the procedures to be medically necessary to address deformities or functional problems.
When you come in for your consultation visit, we will be better able to discuss fees in detail with you. Our staff will also review the financing options available and help with insurance approval questions.
Yes, asymmetry may be mild, moderate or severe:
As with any surgery, facial surgery does pose some risks. These risks include:
Insurance coverage is often available when your insurance carrier determines the procedures to be medically necessary to address deformities or functional problems. It is always best to discuss coverage with your insurance carrier and the steps necessary for approval. Our office will assist you with the paperwork needed for pre-approval.
If you’re exploring options for insurance coverage, you may need to request a referral from your primary care doctor, depending on your health insurance plan. Check with your carrier to see if medical coverage is an option for you and, if so, whether a referral is required.