Facial asymmetry, where one side of the face is different from the other, can sometimes cause functional problems or become a source of self-consciousness. In such instances, oral and maxillofacial surgery proves to be an effective tool to restore balance and symmetry.
So in this article, Dr Mark Austin North Carolina will fully discuss how these specialized procedures harness the blend of medical and dental disciplines to correct facial asymmetry, enhancing both aesthetics and functional aspects of the face.
Understanding Facial Asymmetry
No face is perfectly symmetrical – everyone will have some degree of asymmetry, which often adds to their unique appearance and character. However, significant disparities in the face’s symmetry might be due to genetic conditions, developmental problems, or an injury. When these affect the primary functions such as chewing, breathing, and speaking, or become a cause of concern to one’s self-esteem, medical intervention might be necessary.
The Role of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring their extensive training in medicine, dentistry, and surgery to the table. They are tasked with addressing complex problems related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws, which include repetitive facial features.
- Facial Implants – Facial implants are solid materials designed to resemble your natural bone. They are used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to augment the structure of the face and increase symmetry. This can involve chin implants or cheek implants, which can significantly improve facial harmony and balance when accurately placed.
- Orthognathic Surgery – Orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery may be required when asymmetry is due to misaligned jaws or teeth. This procedure corrects a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. Surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. While the patient’s appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed primarily to correct functional problems.
- Rhinoplasty – In some cases, the cause of facial asymmetry lies in the nose. While primarily performed by plastic surgeons, some oral and maxillofacial surgeons undertake rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery. This procedure reshapes the bone, cartilage, or both to change the shape, size and general appearance of the nose, helping enhance facial balance and symmetry.
- Maxillofacial Trauma Surgery – Accidents and injuries can result in broken or misaligned bones in the face, leading to facial asymmetry. In these cases, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform complex surgeries to realign and stabilize fractured facial bones, restoring symmetrical facial proportions.
The Decision to Opt for Surgery
The decision to undergo oral and maxillofacial surgery to address facial asymmetry is multifactorial. While surgical intervention can significantly enhance facial aesthetics, the individual must consider the procedure’s need, potential risks, and recovery time. Always ensure you discuss thoroughly with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr Mark Austin North Carolina to guide your decision-making process.
If you are considering oral and maxillofacial surgery to address facial asymmetry, remember that the goal should be to enhance your natural facial features and optimize function, rather than striving for an unattainable standard of ‘perfect’ symmetry. The expertise of a skilled, experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon is invaluable in achieving these goals.