Say goodbye to facial asymmetry with facial contouring.

A facial symmetry, a square face, or an asymmetrical face are things that cause many people to lose their confidence. Having a beautiful, proportionate face is something that many people desire because a beautiful face makes the face look charming and approachable. Facial contouring surgery is therefore a solution for many people who want to have a permanently beautiful face.

Facial contouring surgery not only makes the face beautiful but also helps to improve the quality of chewing food. In some cases, it may not only correct the crooked facial structure but also require additional surgery on the nose or forehead to enhance the proportions of the face to be more balanced.

What is facial asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry refers to a condition where the two sides of the face are not symmetrical. This may result from abnormalities in the facial bone structure, such as a misaligned lower jaw, upper jaw, cheekbones, or chin. Facial asymmetry can be congenital (present from birth) or caused by external factors, such as accidents or injuries.

• The face is not symmetrical on both sides. This can be observed from the dividing line that runs from the forehead down to the center of the nose, chin, and lips. If the dividing line is not in the center of the face, it means that the face is not symmetrical.
• Bell’s Palsy, noticeable from the uneven corners of the mouth, or when smiling or speaking, the corners of the mouth may be crooked.
• Misaligned chin: Noticeable when the chin is not centered on the face or tilts to one side.
• Uneven cheekbones: Evident when the cheekbones on both sides are not symmetrical.
• Irregular facial structure: The face appears imbalanced or lacks a harmonious shape.
• Difficulty chewing: Severe facial asymmetry can lead to problems with chewing or issues with the alignment of the bite.

What causes facial asymmetry?

• Genetics: Facial asymmetry can be hereditary. If parents or relatives have facial asymmetry, the chances of their children inheriting the condition are higher.
• Bone development: The human facial structure fully develops around the ages of 18–20. During this period, if there is uneven bone growth, it can result in facial asymmetry, such as an abnormally tilted lower jaw.
• Accidents: Severe trauma to the face, such as fractures or broken bones, can cause facial asymmetry.
• Certain medical conditions: Some conditions, such as muscle weakness (e.g., myasthenia gravis) or multiple sclerosis, can also lead to facial asymmetry.

Can orthodontics fix facial asymmetry?

The approach to addressing facial asymmetry depends on its cause. If the asymmetry results from misaligned teeth, orthodontics can help realign them and create a more symmetrical appearance. However, if the asymmetry is due to abnormalities in the jawbone, braces alone may not suffice. In these situations, jaw surgery may be necessary alongside orthodontic treatment.

In conclusion, orthodontics can help correct facial asymmetry if it is caused by misaligned teeth. However, if the asymmetry is due to jawbone issues, jaw surgery is necessary.

Who is facial contour suitable for?

Facial contouring surgery is a surgical procedure to improve the shape of the face by cutting out excess bone and tissue or adding new bone and tissue. It is suitable for people with the following problems:

• Facial asymmetry: One side of the face is larger or smaller than the other.
• Proportional imbalance: The facial structure is not symmetrical.
• Round face: The face lacks definition, with a flat forehead, large cheekbones, and a short chin.
• Square face: The face has angular features, with high cheekbones and a long chin.
• Short chin: The chin is shorter than usual, making the face appear shorter.
• Protruding chin: The chin extends more than normal, giving the face a more stern appearance.
• Misaligned teeth: The upper and lower teeth do not align properly, making the face appear asymmetrical.

How to fix facial asymmetry?

• Filler injections

Filler injections to correct uneven facial features are a very popular treatment method today because they can help adjust the shape of the face to be more symmetrical. Popular fillers include hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the human body that has the ability to absorb moisture well, so it effectively fills deep wrinkles on the face.

The results of filler injections will last for about 6-12 months, after which the filler will start to naturally break down. Therefore, it may be necessary to have repeat injections every 6-12 months to maintain the results.

• Orthodontics

Orthodontics can help address facial asymmetry, but the effectiveness depends on the underlying cause. If the asymmetry is caused by misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth and improve facial symmetry. However, if the asymmetry is due to jawbone irregularities, orthodontics alone may not fully resolve the issue, and jaw surgery may also be necessary.

• Face lifting for facial contouring

Face lifting can help correct facial asymmetry. The procedure involves inserting special threads under the skin in the uneven areas of the face. These threads are designed with tiny barbs that anchor to the subcutaneous tissues, allowing the doctor to lift and tighten the tissues to create a more symmetrical appearance. The results of thread lifting typically last around 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of thread used and post-procedure care.

• Surgical Correction

Surgical procedures aimed at correcting facial asymmetry focus on reshaping the face to achieve a more balanced appearance. This often involves jawbone surgery to reposition the jaw into its correct alignment, leading to an improved facial structure. Typically, this surgery is performed alongside orthodontic treatment to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned.

Techniques used to treat facial asymmetry

• External Jaw Reduction Technique

This is a traditional surgical technique in which the surgeon makes incisions about 2–3 centimeters long at both jaw angles to access the jawbone. Specialized tools are then used to trim the jawbone to the desired size.

The advantage of this technique is that it allows the surgeon a clear view of the jawbone, enabling precise bone trimming. However, the downside is that it can leave visible scars at the jaw angles, which may be noticeable.

• Internal Jaw Reduction Technique

This is a modern surgical technique where the surgeon makes an incision inside the mouth, along the gum line behind the molars, to access the jawbone. Specialized tools are then used to trim the jawbone to the desired size.

The advantage of this technique is that it leaves no visible scars on the jaw angles. However, the drawback is that the surgeon may have a limited view of the jawbone compared to the external technique, which can increase the risk of uneven or incorrect bone trimming.

Preparation before surgery

• Inform your chronic disease

Inform the doctor of your medical history, drug allergy history, and current medications to assess the cessation of certain medications that may affect the surgery.

• Discontinue medication

such as blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements, such as vitamin E, fish oil, herbs, ginseng, ginkgo, and fish oil, at least 2 weeks before surgery.

• Stop smoking

And drinking alcohol at least 2 weeks before surgery because substances in cigarettes and alcohol affect the amount of oxygen in the blood.

• Get enough rest

Before surgery help your body recover faster.

• You should abstain from food and water

For 6-8 hours prior to surgery as instructed by your doctor, as this can lead to dangerous complications such as food particles blocking the respiratory passages, and choking on food, which can cause pneumonia.

• Remove dentures (removable type)

to prevent them from getting stuck in the windpipe during surgery.

Surgery

• Anesthesia by an anesthesiologist
• The removed bone is repositioned into the desired position
• Secured with metal plates or screws
• The surgeon closes the surgical wound with sutures

Self after care

• After surgery for 24-48 hours, it is recommended that patients apply cold compresses with a cold cloth or cold gel to reduce swelling and bruising.
• After surgery, for the first 2-3 days, while going to bed, it is recommended that the head be raised higher than the body or sleep on a high pillow. Do not sleep on your stomach or on your side to reduce swelling and help the wound heal faster.
• After surgery, in the first 3 days, patients should clean their mouths by gently brushing their teeth and rinsing with salt water every time after eating to prevent the accumulation of germs in the mouth.
• Avoid heavy exercise or activities that affect the surgical wound for about 2-3 weeks as it can cause facial deformity.
• Avoid sleeping on the surgical wound. It is recommended to sleep on your back for about 1 month to prevent jaw deformity.
• Avoid eating spicy food or fermented food of all kinds. It is recommended to eat soft foods such as rice soup, congee, etc. to prevent the surgical wound from becoming inflamed and slow to heal.
• You should take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor until they are finished or until the wound is completely healed to prevent pain, swelling, and infection.

Where to get facial contouring surgery? What should you consider?

Facial contouring surgery is a high-risk and significant procedure. Therefore, selecting the right medical facility for the surgery is crucial. The key factors to consider when choosing a facility for facial contouring surgery include the following:

• The medical team is the most important factor to consider when making a decision. The team should consist of specialists in facial and jaw reconstructive surgery with extensive experience and expertise in correcting facial asymmetry. They should have a deep understanding of the structure of facial bones and muscles to ensure a safe and effective procedure.
• Medical Technology and Equipment Modern and efficient medical technology and equipment will help make facial contouring surgery more precise and safe.
• Safety standards: A medical facility should have safety standards that meet specified criteria, such as having a clean, sterile operating room, complete modern medical equipment, and a team of experienced and skilled nurses and medical personnel.

At Masterpiece Hospital, we have experienced doctors specializing in facial cosmetic surgery, along with modern technology. With 3D CT Scan technology, we can see the structure under the skin, allowing doctors to pinpoint the nerves accurately and clearly to prevent surgery from hitting the nerves. Patients can therefore be assured that they will receive the highest level of safety during surgery.