Facial Asymmetry

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in facial asymmetry surgery. The right side of my face looks completely different than my left side. I like the left side so I think it is the right side that is the problem, it just didn’t develop like my left side. Can you tell me what is wrong with the right side of my face and how it could be improved.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures and talking to you earlier today. In looking at your face you have a classic right-sided facial asymmetry that extends down from the brow bones to the jawline. Every single external structure is affected. I have taken your picture at numbered the 8 involves areas from the jawline as follows:

1) Low vertical jawline (still)

2) Downturning right corner of the mouth

3) Flat/hypoplastic infraorbital rim and cheek

4) Lower right lower eyelid position

5) Lower setting eyeball

6) Excess skin right upper eyelid skin

7) Lower/protrusive brow bone

8) Right Upper eyelid ptosis (which would be present if the eyeball was raised)

All of these issues are improbable and can be done in one facial asymmetry surgery. The right periorbital (eye area) would be treated through upper and lower eyelid incisions for #3 through #8. No scalp incisions are needed even for the brow bone reshaping.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana