Facial Asymmetry Correction

Facial symmetry is always considered one of the most influential characteristics of a beautiful face. Although we commonly believe the face to be symmetrical, in reality, typical symmetry is a myth. A noticeably asymmetrical face is considered unattractive or unpleasant and demands cosmetic surgical correction.

Additionally, irregular jaw growth or a crooked face may also cause irregularities in teeth alignment. Corrective and cosmetic jaw surgery techniques give a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing face as well as correct functioning. Facial asymmetry is a developmental problem i.e. it occurs due to disturbances in growth and usually manifests in early youth. Facial asymmetry is highly attributed to the underlying facial skeleton and to a larger extent by the morphology of the lower jaw (mandible). Commonly, face asymmetry is because the lower jaw is shorter on one side as compared to the other.

The treatment of facial asymmetry has advanced rapidly over the past two decades. Keeping pace with recent global trends, Balaji Dental & Craniofacial Hospital offers the latest advances and sophisticated technologies to attain perfect results. Dr. S.M. Balaji’s expertise is at the forefront in the field of facial asymmetry surgery.

Distraction Osteogenesis is an innovative treatment option in maxilla-facial surgery. In this procedure, the jaw bone is cut on the side it requires to be lengthened and a distractor device is placed. The two arms of the device are attached to the cut bone segments. After a few days, the distraction procedure is started. The screw attached to the device is turned gradually (about 1 mm per day) which pushes the bones apart. New bone is formed in the resultant gap. After the desired jaw bone length is achieved, distraction is stopped. Once the new bone stabilizes, the distractor device is removed.

Distraction is the magical technique by which we can achieve bone growth even in adulthood. The versatility of this technique lies in the fact that corrections can be achieved more precisely even to the last millimeter.

Besides unequal jaw growth, there are other rare causes of facial asymmetry. In spite of normal articulation of jaws, soft tissue discrepancies such as masseter hypertrophy (enlargement of masseter – a muscle that facilitates chewing) and muscle deficit on one side of the face (as seen in some syndromes like Parry-Romberg syndrome) also result in facial asymmetry.

In rare instances, the masseter is enlarged either on one or both sides. Most commonly, patients complain of facial asymmetry. Comprehensive treatment includes surgical reduction of the masseter muscle to make the face more symmetrical and enhance the esthetics of the face.

In patients suffering from rare conditions like Parry-Romberg syndrome, there is degeneration and shrinkage of the soft tissues generally on one side of the face. This leads to facial asymmetry. To treat this, the patient’s fat tissue is grafted and placed beneath the skin on the deficient side of the face. Following surgery, the patient’s face appears more symmetrical and balanced.