Facial Asymmetry

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in facial asymmetry surgery. Here is the list I came up with of the asymmetric facial features that bother me the most.. It is in order of which corrections I believe will minimize the asymmetry:

• Cheek

• Jawline/chin

• Lip

• Nostril

• Eyelid

I would like to know your opinion.

A: From a surgical perspective I look at facial asymmetry issues as what structures can be either changed the most successfully (which ones would have the biggest impact on improving facial symmetry) and/or the most straightforward. (which has the least risk to do and is most time and cost efficient but their impact by themselves is limited) Successful and straightforward surgeries are usually not the same.

As that relates to your list:

biggest impact = cheek and chin/jawline

straightforward = eyelid, nostril, lip

The point being is that one usually wouldn’t just do the most straightforward procedures by themselves, that would be reserved for the most impactful. But the overall best effect is going to come from a combination of them in a more comprehensive approach.

The priority list is important as cost considerations may only one to do the top two or three and I want them to be the most effective.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana