7 Ways Face Surgery Gives You a Symmetrical Face

Face symmetry refers to an absolute bilateral correlation of facial components concerning size, location, shape, and alignment along the sagittal plane. A complete bilateral symmetry is rarely possible in the human body and slight asymmetry is rarely a cause for concern. But gross and severe asymmetry can cause significant aesthetics qualms and extreme psychosocial distress.

In simple terms, facial asymmetry means that the two halves of your face differ from one another in features.

A proportionate and symmetrical face structure is also stated by the ‘rule of thirds’. It divides the face vertically into three equal thirds. The upper third involves the forehead from hairline to eyebrows, the middle third comprises the region between the eyebrows till the bottom of the nose, the lower third includes the region between the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin. The three measurements should be roughly equal to have aesthetic and symmetrical facial proportion. Any disproportions may give rise to aesthetic concerns.

Slight facial asymmetry is normal and natural since most people have some extent of asymmetry. For some people, however, the asymmetry is much more prominent. This asymmetry may be due to many factors. People are apprehensive about the asymmetry that is evident and impacts their facial appearance.

Types of Facial Asymmetry

Different types of facial asymmetry exist according to the magnitude and type of facial tissues involved.

Structural asymmetry is that which is evident when the face maintains a neutral position. It results when the eye, nose or mouth are dispositioned or asymmetrical.

Functional asymmetry results from neurological disorders. The facial asymmetry is evident in facial movements or the muscular movement of facial muscles.

Incomplete facial asymmetry is limited to one or two facial features alone. For instance, a crooked nose imparts an asymmetry to the face.

Complete facial asymmetries are a result of multiple malpositions of facial features which creates significant facial asymmetry, involving all of the facial soft and hard tissues on one side of the face.

Asymmetrical facial ageing is an abnormal condition characterised by variation in the pace of ageing on either side of the face. The affected aspect of the face tends to age fast comparatively, which manifests as facial asymmetry.

An expert maxillofacial surgeon in Delhi addresses these facial asymmetries effectively.

Causes of Facial Asymmetry

Different factors may trigger abnormal development or deformity of the tissues of the face on either side. They may be congenital or acquired. Here are a few common deformities that can develop facial asymmetry.

Hemifacial Microsomia is a congenital condition with underdeveloped hard and soft tissues on one side of the face. It manifests facial asymmetry. The face and smile shift laterally with impairment of jaw functions. It aggravates along with the child’s growth.

Facial Fractures can also be manifested as facial asymmetry. The affected side may become distorted and dysfunctional. It can also interrupt breathing, mastication, smell, vision and furthermore.

TMJ Ankylosis is another cause of severe facial asymmetry. It is due to untreated or poorly treated injury or infection of the temporomandibular joint.

Condylar Hyperplasia or Hypoplasia is associated with significant facial asymmetry. It is an abnormal clinical condition when growth on either side of the face is retarded or accelerated. Accelerated growth is termed condylar hyperplasia whereas retarded growth is condylar Hypoplasia. These are addressed and rectified by maxillofacial surgeons in Delhi.

What is face symmetry surgery?

Face symmetry surgery is a collective term for a series of surgical procedures to enhance your facial symmetry. The approach is unique according to the specific requirement of individuals to correct asymmetries. The extent of the condition and the affected facial parts determine the treatment.

An elaborate consultation is essential before undertaking any procedure. Your maxillofacial surgeon will conduct a detailed assessment of your facial structure. It includes a series of investigations including certain x-rays and scans. A tailored treatment plan is then executed. Face surgery in Delhi aims to rectify the specific areas of asymmetry.

Ideal Candidate for Facial Symmetry Surgery

Anyone discontented with their facial symmetry and encounters dysfunctions due to the same can opt for the procedure. If you are constantly dissatisfied with your balance in facial appearance, you are a suitable candidate for facial symmetry surgery.

Treatment Procedure for a Facial Symmetry

If you are considering a surgical procedure to enhance your facial symmetry, you should realise the procedures implemented will depend specifically on your features and facial anatomy. In facial symmetry treatment, each case is unique. It varies in causative factors, tissue involvement, the extent of asymmetry, and furthermore. So, a “one-size-fits-all” procedure is not practical for facial asymmetry treatments.

Significant facial asymmetry requires surgical intervention for a permanent cure. According to the extent, and site of deformity, the treatment option is selected by your maxillofacial surgeon in Delhi. Dr Sanchaita Kohli efficiently resorts to virtual surgical planning and 3D printed guide technology to plan and refine face symmetry. State-of-the-art piezosurgery, the advanced ultrasonic bone surgery technology to cut and reshape the bones, is implemented by her.

Here we shall evaluate the various treatments in face surgery in Delhi that can give you a symmetrical face.

1- Jawline Contouring Surgery

It can be implemented to correct mild facial asymmetry where the excessive bone on the affected side is shaved or trimmed off. The difference in length and width of the bony facial frame is assessed.  The excess amount is then removed with fine drills and osteotomes.

Once you are anaesthetised, intraoral incisions are given. This prevents any external scars on the face and neck. It provides access to the bone. Dr Sanchaita Kohli offers piezosurgery for bone trimming and cutting procedures.  It secures the adjacent vital structures, including blood vessels and nerves, while providing much more precise bone cuts.

2- Augmentation with Implants, Fat, or Bone Grafts

Augmentation procedures are also applied to rectify mild asymmetry. The sunken or depressed part of the face is enlarged with the augmentation material. It may be done using customised artificial implants; patient’s own fat tissue or bone grafts.  The material opted is reliant on the deformity and size and certain other factors. Asymmetry due to enlargement is corrected through the elimination of extra tissue. Precision in symmetry is attained with 3D printed customised implants. They are tailored to suit the patient’s requirements.

3- Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery corrects the jawbone abnormalities. It repositions the teeth and jaws to enhance symmetry, appearance and function.

Mild to moderate asymmetry in jaw position and orientation can be treated with corrective jaw surgery. It is an intraoral surgical approach. It separates your jawbones from the facial skeleton. It is rotated and realigned for symmetry and balance. The repositioned bones are stabilised in this position with biocompatible titanium plates and screws. The results are evident immediately after the surgery.

Maxillary osteotomy, mandibular osteotomy, or double jaw surgery are various aspects of corrective jaw surgery, chosen based on the type of deformities.

4- Distraction Osteogenesis

It is a bone lengthening surgery.  It is an acclaimed procedure for both bone and soft tissue regeneration. It is widely applied in craniofacial abnormalities apart from other bone deficiency disorders. The procedure involves cutting the bone to extend the separated ends gradually. It permits extended bone healing across the gap. This is a kind of corrective jaw surgery that synthesises new bone by lengthening the cut bone. This technique is based on the basic bone healing properties by inciting bone-forming cells or callus regeneration.

Severe deformities with involvement of bone and soft tissue on either side are corrected with this procedure. Distraction osteogenesis is a sophisticated surgery. It enhances both bone and soft tissue lengthening on the constricted aspect, which imparts symmetry. A metallic distractor device is inserted across the bone cuts to create slight traction along with the cut and elongates the bone and tissues.

5- Genioplasty

It is a multifaceted surgical procedure that can correct an asymmetrical chin by repositioning a lopsided chin bone.

You are administered general anaesthesia. The intraoral incision is given. The maxillofacial surgeon in Delhi accesses and separates the chin bone segment from your lower jaw. Then your chin bone is reshaped and repositioned accordingly. The repositioned bone is fixed in the new, symmetrical position using biocompatible titanium plates and screws. Additionally, jawline contouring and buccal pad fat excision may be done for enhanced results.

6- Masseter Hypertrophy Reduction Surgery

Masseter hypertrophy is a clinical condition that results in enlargement of the masseter muscle, which is the jaw muscle that enables mouth movements. Unilateral enlargement of this muscle results in facial asymmetry. Masseter hypertrophy reduction surgery in face surgery in Delhi is implemented for the permanent correction of this problem.

The procedure begins with administering general anaesthesia. An intraoral incision is given inside the mouth. It averts any scar on the face or neck externally. Then the masseter muscle and the deep fibres are separated from the jawbone. The fibres are then debulked by removing the excess muscle tissue. The incision is sutured with absorbable sutures.  It is a half an hour procedure with rapid recovery. Moreover, jawbone trimming and angle resection may be done along with the same incision, if required.

7- Facial Trauma Management

Facial trauma is a common cause of facial asymmetry. The most common causes of facial trauma are road traffic accidents, sports injuries, physical violence, etc.

They are mostly treated with facial trauma management through surgical interventions in face surgery in Delhi. The bone is repositioned and stabilised with biocompatible titanium plates. Surgical fixation of the fracture enhances bone healing with rapid recovery compared to non-surgical techniques. Moreover, intraoral incision ensures zero scarring on the face.

Facial fractures are, at times, treated manually with conservative techniques by realigning the displaced bones in position and immobilising for a certain period during the bone healing.

Postoperative Care After Surgical procedures for Face Symmetry

The postoperative period is a prime and crucial period that determines the pace of recovery. An expert surgeon and your non-negotiable and strict adherence to the post-operative guidelines is essential for a safe and swift recovery. You may encounter mild swelling, temporary numbness, pain and discomfort after the procedure. These regress completely during the course of healing.

Your maxillofacial surgeon in Delhi prescribes appropriate antibiotics and analgesics to alleviate the pain and expedite healing. You are required to follow strict oral hygiene with saline rinses. A liquid or soft diet is usually preferred for a few days after surgery. It restricts chewing movements of jaw muscles and aids in healing.

Recovery After Face Symmetry Surgery

Many procedures performed for correction of facial asymmetry are simple daycare procedures. That means you can return home the same day after surgery. You may return to your routine life within a week of surgery. Implementation of the advanced techniques of ultrasonic surgery targets the bone, sparing the adjacent tissues. This enhances the rapid recovery in face surgery in Delhi.

Another added advantage of these procedures mentioned is the intraoral incision. It averts any visible scarring on your face and neck. Since the incision is made intraorally or inside the mouth, the resulting scar is inside. It ensures various surgical procedures for face symmetry with natural aesthetics.

Minimal Risks Involved in Various Procedures of Face Symmetry Surgery

Permanent numbness over the wound, wound infection, scarring, pain, discolouration over the skin, inflammation are a few complications that may be encountered. However, these complications are expected more if an unqualified and inexperienced surgeon conducts the surgery. Therefore, choosing an expert in maxillofacial surgery is essential. They ensure your safety across every aspect of treatment and patient care.

If you are considering a surgical procedure to enhance your facial symmetry and are apprehensive about the treatment, you can approach Dr Sanchaita Kohli, an acclaimed oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Delhi. She holds significant expertise in conducting the procedure. Before the procedure, Dr Kohli walks you through the intricacies of various procedures and any other queries you may have through a meaningful consultation.

Every case must be well planned and executed by a skilled surgeon like Dr Sanchaita Kohli, equipped with ample experience in the management of different cases of facial asymmetry. Her exposure and training clubbed with advanced technologies at her disposal ensure precision in treatment and utmost care for her patients.