How Can I Improve My Facial Asymmetry?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in receiving a custom chin implant as well as a custom cheek implant for my right cheek (the side with the mole on it). I think the right side of my face is underdeveloped and the main cause of my facial asymmetry. I honestly think i have a mild form of hemifacial microsomia. I like the left side of my face and my goal would be to get the right side to look as similar to the left as possible. I also have asymmetrical lips and the right side lifts up higher than the left exposing more teeth when I talk and smile. Is there a solution to fix this? If you have any other ideas for procedures to correct my facial asymmetry I would be interested. Thank you

A:Like many facial asymmetries they are usually complete (involving the entire of the face) if you look close enough. (see attached grid analysis) These are aesthetic facial asymmetries as opposed to syndromic ones due to their more modest presentations. While all facial features on the side of the face are affected it is best to focus on the ones the patient has identified as most problematic as well as the ones that can be most effectively improved. Not all asymmetric facial features can be effectively improved.

You have identified the bony chin and cheek as your top two targets. The right lip asymmetry is not so effectively improved and as has the tradeoff of some potential scarring so that would be an asymmetric facial feature that I would leave alone.

Likie all facial asymmetries that have a bony component, and almost all do, the next step is the need for a 3D facial CT scan which will allow for more in depth assessment as well as is the platform on which the custom chin and cheek implants are made

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon