Facial Asymmetry
Every face shows differences when viewed frontally. This is true even if it appears extremely attractive and regular. The two halves of the face are never perfectly symmetrical, which makes us natural and human.
In some cases, however, this difference is so significant that it is perceived as visually disturbing and causes reduced self-confidence and psychological problems. In these situations, facial asymmetry treatment can be a good solution and provide a new quality of life.
Facial Asymmetry Treatment in Zurich
The world-famous SailerClinic is setting new standards with its expertise in the field of facial asymmetry correction. Our highly qualified team will provide you with comprehensive advice and explain all the procedures to you in detail. We are, of course, happy to arrange a detailed personal consultation and can provide you with before-and-after photos to give you a better idea of the results you can expect.
In our initial consultation, we will assess your current situation and discuss possible strategies. To ensure successful facial asymmetry treatment that meets your needs, we conduct thorough preliminary examinations, taking into account your medical history, which form the basis of our further approach.
Duration of the treatment
Depending on the type of treatment
Fit for everyday life
After 1–2 weeks
Follow-up treatment
Lymphatic drainage and special bandages
Clinic stay
Outpatient or inpatient
The most frequently asked questions
What are the causes of facial asymmetry?
Facial asymmetries can arise from trauma, uneven growth of the facial halves, or malocclusions. Especially during the growth phase, injuries or uneven growth can cause asymmetries in the jaw area.
What treatment options are available?
For mild asymmetries, minimally invasive techniques such as hyaluronic fillers or Botox are used. For more severe asymmetries, particularly with skeletal malpositions, surgical correction such as bone repositioning is necessary.
Does facial asymmetry surgery leave visible scars?
No, for procedures in the jaw or chin area, the access is made through the oral cavity, so no externally visible scars are formed.
How long does recovery take after facial asymmetry surgery?
After surgery, patients typically stay in the clinic for two nights. Swelling may last up to two weeks, after which the recovery phase is usually completed.
How is facial asymmetry analyzed before treatment?
Before the treatment, X-rays, 3D analyses, photos, and bite scans are taken. These serve as the basis for planning the procedure and creating a profile prediction.
Are orthodontic pre-treatments necessary?
In the case of pronounced jaw misalignments, orthodontic correction of the tooth position may be necessary. This optimizes the tooth alignment and facilitates fine correction during the surgery.
Facial Asymmetry and Its Appearance
Asymmetries can affect the entire face, but are more common around the nose, cheekbones and mouth. While even the most attractive smile is often a little crooked, the jaw can also be affected at the top, bottom or both.
The smile serves as a helpful indicator of facial asymmetry. When it is affected, there is often a tilting of the upper jaw, which manifests itself when smiling by the gums becoming visible above the teeth. In this case, we speak of an asymmetrical smile.
Another form of facial asymmetry of the jaw can be seen in the mandibular angle. This is caused, for example, by skeletal changes, uneven development of the facial muscles, illnesses or jaw-related misalignments.
In many sufferers, the chin tip is not centred in the face as a result. In addition, the ears may be positioned at different heights, further accentuating the asymmetrical appearance.
Facial Asymmetry Surgery
Facial asymmetry surgery can visibly improve facial harmony. The team at the SailerClinic specialises in facial asymmetry correction and is pleased to contribute to the well-being of our patients. Depending on the cause, there are various options for facial asymmetry treatment.
For slight asymmetries, minimally invasive techniques are used, for example treatments with hyaluronic acid-based filling materials or Botox. In contrast, skeletal misalignments usually require a bone repositioning as part of facial asymmetry surgery in order to achieve the desired results.
If a correction of the upper and/or lower jaw is carried out, access to the surgical area is opened in the oral cavity. This procedure is also used for a correction of the chin area, thus preventing scarring on the surface of the skin.
The necessary general anaesthetic lasts around two and a half hours. As a rule, our patients stay at the SailerClinic for two nights after facial asymmetry surgery, followed by a pleasantly short recovery phase. Swelling in the operation area can last for up to two weeks.
Before-and-after pictures
What Causes Facial Asymmetry?
Facial asymmetries often result from traumas which damage the jaw joint. In particular, traumas during the growth phase often cause asymmetry in the upper and/or lower jaw.
In some cases, asymmetries develop due to uneven growth of the two halves of the face. In this case, one side develops faster than the other, primarily affecting the jaw area and leading to a displacement of the chin. This phenomenon occurs during growth between the ages of six and 18, but can in principle occur at any age.
A malocclusion, on the other hand, can be congenital or acquired. If orthodontic measures alone are not sufficient, a surgical facial asymmetry operation is required. Whether facial asymmetry correction is necessary is decided together with an orthodontist or by a maxillofacial surgeon – this also applies in cases of crossbite facial asymmetry.
Facial Asymmetry Correction Only After Prior Assessment
If there is facial asymmetry caused by the jaw, a clinical examination is always necessary before facial asymmetry treatment. In this process, teleradiographs, plaster models, analyses and photos are created, which are used to plan the further procedure. In some cases, a CT scan and/or a hand X-ray are also required.
The type of surgical procedure is only determined after a precise evaluation of all the necessary documents and the creation of a profile prediction. Of course, we will discuss the specifics with you in detail and take the time to answer your questions.
Pre-Treatment for Tooth Alignment
In the case of pronounced jaw misalignments, it may be necessary to have the teeth realigned by an orthodontist before the facial asymmetry surgery. The orthodontist will correct the position of the teeth and then make a fine correction of the teeth, which will give the facial asymmetry treatment its final touch.
Facial Asymmetry Treatment at the Highest Level
For many years, the SailerClinic has not only offered facial asymmetry treatment, but also oral surgery procedures. Since facial asymmetry often originates in the jaw, we always also use oral specialists in facial asymmetry treatment to ensure successful treatment.
The costs of facial asymmetry correction depend on the type of treatment and the extent of the necessary procedures. Our team is happy to assist you by phone for an initial consultation. If you would like to take advantage of facial asymmetry treatment, however, a personal consultation is essential. Arrange a no-obligation consultation today and look forward to a new lease of life!
Your expert team
Hermann F. Sailer Prof. Dr. med., Dr. med. dent., Dr. h. c. mult., Dr. sc. h. c. mult.
Specialist in oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgery, founder of the clinic, senior director
Martin Lanzer PD Dr. Dr. med. Dr. med. dent., eMBA
Specialist in oral, maxillofacial, and facial surgery, clinic director and CEO
Do you have questions? Contact us.
Get in touch with us – Our expert team will contact you.
"After the surgery, I finally see the person I’ve always been on the inside. My confidence has increased tremendously, and I no longer hide from the world. Thank you to the team."
Angela B., Aesthetic Surgery Patient
