How to Fix Face Asymmetry (Without or With Surgery)

Maybe you’ve searched “how to fix face asymmetry” after seeing a selfie where one side of your face looked different. The truth is, everyone has some degree of facial asymmetry.

Perfectly mirrored faces are more of a filter effect than a real-life standard. A bit of imbalance is normal, and often, other people don’t notice it nearly as much as you do.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what actually causes face asymmetry, how to fix face asymmetry with realistic at-home changes, which non-surgical and surgical options exist, and finally a clear step-by-step plan—from doing a simple face symmetry test to deciding whether you need professional help.

What Is Facial Asymmetry? Is It Normal?

What does an asymmetrical face look like?

Front-view comparison of a "more symmetrical" face and a naturally asymmetrical face, with subtle labels on eyebrow height, nose tilt, and chin shift.

Facial asymmetry simply means that the left and right sides of your face are not exact mirror images of each other. In real life, that’s almost everyone. If you look closely in the mirror or take a straight-on selfie and flip it, you’ll usually see small differences from side to side.

The prevalence of facial asymmetry ranges from 11 to 37%, and up to 50% when a more accurate and strict diagnostic method is used for the evaluation. The etiology of facial asymmetry is considered to be multifactorial, including congenital, developmental, and environmental factors. - Nature

Some of the most common signs of an asymmetrical face are very subtle:

• One eye sitting slightly higher or appearing a bit larger than the other
• Eyebrows that don’t rest at the same height, or one eyebrow arching more than the other
• A nose that tilts or curves gently toward one side instead of pointing straight down
• A jawline or chin that shifts a little to the left or right, especially when you smile

You might also notice that one cheek looks fuller, or that your smile lifts higher on one side. None of these features automatically mean something is “wrong” with your face. They’re simply the small differences that make your face unique, and they only become a concern if they bother you in photos, affect your confidence, or are linked to functional problems like jaw pain or bite issues.

→ For detailed, step-by-step methods to understand what is face symmetry, read our comprehensive guide: What Is Face Symmetry? Complete Guide to Facial Symmetry [2025]

Is a perfectly symmetrical face more attractive?

In theory, a perfectly symmetrical face sounds ideal. In reality, it’s almost impossible to find. Even models and celebrities who are considered very attractive have small asymmetries once you start looking closely.

Research suggests that we do tend to like faces that feel balanced and proportionate, but that doesn’t mean they have to be mathematically symmetrical. What people usually respond to is overall harmony—how your eyes, nose, lips, jawline, and face shape work together as a whole.

In sum, although all these manipulations could adjust the original faces into perfectly symmetric ones, they also affected the facial normality to varying degrees. Therefore, normality, rather than symmetry, might be the key to facial attractiveness. - Sciencedirect

In other words, you don’t need a perfectly symmetrical face to be attractive. A bit of asymmetry is completely normal, often invisible to others, and sometimes even adds character or charm. When people talk about “fixing” facial asymmetry, the real goal is usually to improve balance and confidence, not to chase a perfectly mirrored face.

Signs You Have Face Asymmetry (Self-Check Guide)

Common signs of an asymmetrical face

Common signs of an asymmetrical face

If you’re wondering how to fix face asymmetry, the first step is simply to understand what yours actually looks like in everyday life

Most people only start thinking about facial asymmetry when they see a photo and feel that “something looks off” but can’t quite say what it is. In many cases, it’s just a mix of small differences between the left and right sides of your face

Common signs include:

• Eyes at different heights or sizes – One eye may sit slightly higher, or the eyelid crease may be more visible on one side.
• Eyebrows that don’t match perfectly – One brow might be higher, thicker, or have a stronger arch.
• A nose that appears crooked – Instead of pointing straight down, the nose might tilt gently toward one side.
• Jawline or chin leaning to one side – When you look straight ahead, your chin might shift slightly left or right, especially when you smile or talk.
• One cheek looking fuller or sharper – One side can look more lifted or defined, while the other seems flatter or softer.

Individually, these differences are very normal. They only start to feel like “asymmetry” when several of them show up together or when they noticeably affect how you look in photos or videos.

Face symmetry test you can do at home

You don’t need special equipment to get a basic idea of your face symmetry. A few simple checks can already tell you a lot:

• Mirror check from the front Stand in front of a well-lit mirror, keep your head straight, and relax your face. Look at your eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and chin one by one. Notice if any feature sits higher, lower, or more to one side.
• Straight-on selfies Take a photo facing the camera directly, with your phone at eye level. Avoid tilting your head or lifting your chin. Then zoom in and look at the midline of your face: does your nose, lips, and chin sit roughly along the same line?
• Folding a printed photo in half Print a straight-on photo and fold it exactly down the middle of your nose. Compare the left and right halves—each half will look like a slightly different person. This makes small asymmetries very obvious.
• Drawing a midline on photos Use a simple photo editing app to draw a straight vertical line from the center of your forehead down to your chin. See which features cross that line and which ones lean away from it.

These at-home checks aren’t “medical tests,” but they do help you see your face more objectively instead of relying only on how you feel.

Try an online face symmetry test (free)

Face Symmetry Test Tool Cover

If you want something a bit more structured than just looking in the mirror, an online face symmetry test can be helpful. With a front-facing photo, these tools can:

• Highlight which areas (eyes, nose, jaw, cheeks) are more asymmetrical
• Give you a simple visual or score that’s easier to compare over time

You can also combine this with a “what is my face shape” checker. Knowing your face shape first makes it easier to understand where asymmetry shows up (for example, more around the jaw in a square face vs. more around the cheeks in a round face).

Some tools also detect face shape and provide a basic face analysis, so you can see proportions, symmetry, and overall balance in one place. This doesn’t replace a professional evaluation, but it gives you clearer, more objective feedback than just staring at your selfies and guessing.

Main Causes of Face Asymmetry

Genetics & Ageing / Lifestyle Habits / Dental & Jaw Issues / Muscle & Nerve / Trauma & Surgery

Genetics and ageing

A big part of your facial structure is simply written in your DNA. The way your bones grow, how your muscles attach, and how fat is distributed under your skin all have a genetic component. That’s why some people are born with slightly uneven jaws, eye positions, or cheek volume.

Over time, ageing adds another layer: bone density decreases, soft tissue thins out, and fat pads shift or shrink at different speeds on each side of the face. This natural process can make mild asymmetry more noticeable as you get older, even if you didn’t see it clearly when you were younger.

Lifestyle habits: sleeping, chewing, posture

Daily habits don’t change your bones overnight, but they can slowly influence how your muscles and soft tissues behave. For example, sleeping mostly on one side can put more pressure on that cheek and jaw for years, which may contribute to subtle differences in fullness or skin laxity.

Chewing predominantly on one side makes those muscles work harder and grow stronger, sometimes making one side of the jawline look bulkier. Even poor posture and forward head position can play a role—if you always tilt your head slightly the same way when using your phone or laptop, it can shift how your face appears and how certain muscles are used.

Over time, these small, repeated patterns can make one side of your face look slightly different from the other.

Dental and jaw problems (malocclusion, jaw asymmetry)

Your bite and jaw alignment have a strong impact on how symmetrical your lower face looks. Conditions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite change the way your teeth meet and how your jaw sits in relation to your skull.

If one side of the jaw has to work harder to compensate, or if the jaw itself is positioned unevenly, it can lead to visible jaw asymmetry. This might show up as a chin that drifts to one side, a slanted smile, or one side of the lower face looking longer or shorter.

In these cases, facial asymmetry is not just about appearance—it can also be linked to chewing difficulty, tooth wear, or tension in the jaw muscles.

Muscle and nerve conditions (TMJ, facial palsy)

Sometimes, asymmetry is driven more by muscle and nerve issues than by bone structure. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems can cause pain, clicking, stiffness, or uneven jaw movement, which may subtly alter how one side of the face looks over time.

Nerve-related conditions, such as facial palsy, can affect how muscles contract on one side of the face, leading to drooping, a crooked smile, or difficulty closing one eye fully.

Even when these conditions improve, a degree of muscle imbalance can remain and contribute to visible asymmetry.

Trauma and previous surgery

Past injuries, fractures, or surgeries can change the shape of your facial bones and soft tissues. A broken nose that heals slightly off-center, a jaw fracture, or scars from facial surgery can all leave small differences between the left and right sides.

Sometimes these changes are obvious; other times they only become noticeable when you compare old and new photos. In these cases, asymmetry is essentially part of your personal history—something that can sometimes be improved, but not always completely “erased.”

How to Fix Face Asymmetry Naturally (Step-by-Step)

Lifestyle changes to prevent asymmetry from getting worse

back sleeping vs always sleeping on one side, neutral head vs head tilted

Natural changes are usually small and slow, but the habits you keep every day can absolutely influence how your face looks over time. The goal isn’t to “reshape” your bones at home, but to stop mild asymmetry from becoming more noticeable.

A good starting point is sleep position. If you always sleep on the same side, that cheek and jaw spend hours each night under pressure. Try to alternate sides, or sleep more on your back so the weight is more evenly distributed.

Next, pay attention to how you chew. Many people unconsciously chew almost everything on one side. Make a conscious effort to use both sides of your mouth, especially when eating tougher foods.

Your posture also matters more than you think. If you spend long hours looking down at a laptop or phone with your head tilted the same way, your neck and facial muscles adapt to that position. Raise your screen closer to eye level and keep your head stacked over your shoulders.

Finally, avoid resting your face in your hand for long periods—like leaning on one cheek at your desk. It seems harmless, but that constant pressure and tilt can subtly affect how your face looks over the years.

Facial exercises for an asymmetrical face

The video is a good example of how simple movements can be structured into a short daily practice.

Facial exercises won’t magically “clone” one side of your face to match the other, but they can help with muscle balance, tone, and awareness. Think of them as gentle training sessions for underused muscles.

For example, one Reddit user in r/SkincareAddiction

shared their experience after sticking to a simple routine:

“The wrinkles in my forehead and crow’s feet have lessened since I religiously did face workouts and massages twice daily for a few weeks… Working the different muscles in my face and neck has made such a difference… Game changer. Wish I knew it sooner!” — Reddit user, r/SkincareAddiction

This doesn’t mean everyone will get dramatic results, but it shows how consistent facial massages and exercises can help some people feel more lifted and symmetrical, especially when combined with better posture and sleep habits.

Here are a few simple examples:

• Jaw stretches Sit upright and gently move your lower jaw to the left and right, as if you’re sliding it out of alignment, then back to center. Focus on controlled movement, not force. Repeat 8–10 times each side.
• Cheek-lifting exercises Smile as if you’re trying to lift just one cheek toward your eye. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat on both sides, paying extra attention to the side that feels “weaker” or less expressive.
• Smile and corner-of-mouth training In front of a mirror, practice lifting both corners of your mouth evenly into a soft smile. If one side doesn’t move as much, gently “teach” it by repeating the motion slowly and consciously.

As a rough guideline, aim for about 5–10 minutes of exercises a day, 4–5 days a week, and give it at least 6–8 weeks before you decide whether it’s helping. The changes, if any, will be subtle, but many people notice better control, more balanced expressions, and a slightly more even look over time.

Can facial yoga really fix asymmetry?

Facial yoga is often marketed as a cure-all, but it has realistic limits. It can help with mild muscle imbalance, puffiness, and lack of tone—for example, when one side of your smile feels “lazy” or one cheek looks softer. In those cases, exercises and better habits may make a visible difference.

However, if your asymmetry is mainly due to bone structure, jaw position, or old injuries, no amount of stretching or posing will fully change that. Exercises can support the soft tissue on top, but they can’t remodel bone.

The key is to treat facial yoga as a supportive tool, not a miracle fix. Be consistent, give it a few months, and use it alongside better sleep, posture, and chewing habits. If you’re still very concerned, that’s usually a sign it’s time to talk to a professional and explore medical or dental options.

Non-Surgical Treatments to Improve Face Symmetry

Botox for facial asymmetry (jaw, eyebrows, smile)

If you’d prefer to explore how to fix face asymmetry without jumping straight into surgery, non-surgical treatments can be a strong middle ground. They don’t change your bone structure, but they can rebalance muscles, restore lost volume, and improve skin quality so your face looks more symmetrical overall.

Botox is often used to gently “rebalance” parts of the face where one muscle is more active than the other. For example, if one side of your jaw muscle (masseter) is bulkier from chewing or clenching, small doses of Botox can relax that side and make the jawline look slimmer and more even over time. It can also be used to adjust uneven eyebrows or a crooked smile by slightly weakening the stronger side so both sides move more symmetrically.

Botox is usually best for people whose asymmetry is muscle-driven rather than bone-related. The procedure itself is quick, and results typically appear within 1–2 weeks and last about 3–4 months, sometimes longer with repeated treatments.

As with any injectable, it should be done by an experienced medical professional who understands facial anatomy and aims for subtle, natural changes—not a frozen or overcorrected look.

Dermal fillers for cheek, chin and temple asymmetry

While Botox relaxes muscles, dermal fillers add or restore volume where it’s missing. If one cheek is flatter, one side of the chin is less defined, or a temple is more hollow, fillers can be used to “top up” those areas and create a more balanced contour.

The idea isn’t to inflate your face, but to carefully match the fuller side or refine the overall shape so your features line up better from left to right. This can be especially helpful if ageing or weight changes have made one side of your face look more sunken or tired.

Fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body, and the results can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the product and area treated. They’re best suited for people whose asymmetry is mostly about soft tissue volume, not major bone differences.

Again, technique matters a lot—subtle, strategic placement by a skilled injector will look far more natural than trying to “fill everything up.”

Skin & scar treatments (laser, microneedling)

Close-up comparison of acne scars or uneven texture (left vs right side) before and after microneedling/laser treatment.

Sometimes what makes one side of the face look “off” isn’t the shape, but the skin quality. Old acne scars, sun damage, or texture differences can draw the eye to one side more than the other. In these cases, treatments like laser resurfacing, microneedling, or microneedling with PRP can help smooth out uneven texture, soften scars, and improve overall tone.

By making the skin on both sides look more similar in smoothness and brightness, your face can appear more symmetrical even if the underlying structure hasn’t changed much.

Orthodontics and aligners to fix jaw and bite-related asymmetry

If your facial asymmetry is linked to how your teeth meet or how your jaw sits, orthodontic treatment can be a powerful, non-surgical option. Traditional braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign) can gradually move your teeth into a healthier bite, which in turn helps your jaw settle into a more balanced position.

Over time, this can soften the appearance of a shifted chin, uneven smile, or one-sided jaw prominence. Orthodontic treatment does take patience—often 12–24 months—but it doesn’t just change how your face looks; it can also improve chewing, reduce strain on your jaw joint, and protect your teeth in the long run.

Surgical Options for Severe Facial Asymmetry

Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery)

Orthognathic surgery is a type of corrective jaw surgery where the surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve alignment. Instead of just moving teeth, this procedure literally changes how the jaw bones sit in relation to each other and to the rest of your face.

It’s usually considered when asymmetry is moderate to severe and linked to clear functional problems, such as a very uneven bite, difficulty chewing, jaw shifting to one side when you close your mouth, or chronic TMJ pain. In these cases, braces or aligners alone are not enough, because the underlying bone position needs to be corrected.

Recovery is a bigger commitment compared to non-surgical options. You can expect swelling, a period of soft or liquid foods, and several weeks of healing before you feel “normal” again. The upside is that the results are structural and long term: once the bones heal in their new position, they can dramatically improve both facial symmetry and bite function.

Rhinoplasty for a crooked nose

If most of your asymmetry seems to come from a crooked or deviated nose, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) may be an option. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon can straighten the nasal bridge, adjust the tip, and correct deviations that make the nose lean toward one side.

Even small changes to the nose can have a big impact on overall facial balance, because the nose sits right in the middle of your face. A more centered nose can make your eyes, lips, and jawline look more harmonious without changing them directly.

Chin and cheekbone surgery (genioplasty, implants)

Sometimes the main issue is that the chin is too far back, too long, or shifted to one side, or that one cheekbone looks flatter than the other. In these cases, surgeons may use genioplasty (chin surgery) or implants to adjust projection and shape.

Chin surgery can involve moving the existing bone forward, backward, or slightly to one side to improve alignment with the midline of the face. Cheek implants or bone reshaping can help match the fullness and height of both sides. These procedures are more targeted than jaw surgery and are often used to fine-tune proportions.

Fat transfer and facial contouring

Fat transfer involves taking a small amount of fat from another area of your body (like the abdomen or thighs), processing it, and injecting it into areas of the face that need more volume. When one side of the face looks noticeably thinner or more hollow, fat grafting and contouring can help even things out. It’s often combined with other procedures to smooth transitions and create a softer, more natural symmetry between both sides.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Asymmetrical Face

Mild vs severe asymmetry: what can be improved at home

Before jumping into treatments, it’s helpful to honestly assess how severe your asymmetry really is. If you mainly notice it in certain angles, under harsh lighting, or when you zoom in on selfies, it’s probably on the mild side. In that case, lifestyle changes, better posture, small facial exercises, and even styling (makeup, hair, camera angles) can already make a big difference in how you feel about your face.

On the other hand, if your chin clearly shifts off-center, your bite feels uneven, or one side of your jaw looks visibly longer or shorter, you may be closer to the moderate to severe range. Natural methods can still support your overall appearance and muscle balance, but they’re unlikely to fully correct the underlying structure. Recognizing where you are on this spectrum helps you set realistic expectations and choose a plan that makes sense.

When to see a doctor (red flags & functional issues)

Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, rapid changes with each symptom illustrated.

You should definitely consider seeing a professional if asymmetry comes with pain or functional problems. Warning signs include:

• Jaw pain, clicking, or locking
• Frequent headaches linked to chewing or clenching
• Difficulty biting or chewing on one side
• Speech changes or difficulty closing your lips or eyes evenly
• Rapid or recent changes in how one side of your face looks

Depending on what you’re experiencing, you might start with a dentist or orthodontist (for bite and jaw issues), a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor (for soft tissue and skin concerns), or a maxillofacial or plastic surgeon for more complex structural problems. It’s completely okay to ask questions, get second opinions, and take your time before deciding on any major treatment.

Using a face analysis report to talk with your doctor

If you feel awkward trying to explain “my left side looks weird,” a face symmetry test or face analysis report can make the conversation much easier. By marking key points and showing where the left and right sides differ, a report turns vague concerns into something your doctor can see and measure.

You can bring screenshots or a printed report to your consultation and say, “These are the areas that bother me most.” This helps the professional understand your priorities, check whether your worries match any real functional issues, and suggest options that fit your face rather than giving a generic treatment. It also gives you a useful “before” reference if you decide to try lifestyle changes, non-surgical treatments, or surgery later on.

Step-by-Step Plan: From Online Test to Real Change

To make all of this more practical, here’s a simple four-step roadmap for how to fix face asymmetry in a structured, low-stress way.

Step 1 – Do a face symmetry test online

Start simple. Before you panic or plan surgery in your head, do an online face symmetry test to see where you actually stand. A clear front-facing photo is usually enough. The goal isn’t to chase a “perfect” score, but to understand your baseline—which areas are slightly uneven, and which ones you’ve maybe been overthinking.

Step 2 – Get a detailed face analysis report

If you want to go a bit deeper, upgrade to a more detailed face analysis report. A good report doesn’t only talk about symmetry; it also covers face shape, proportions, and key asymmetry points (like jawline, cheeks, or eyes). Seeing everything mapped out in one place helps you understand why your face looks the way it does, and which options (natural, non-surgical, or surgical) make the most sense for your specific situation.

H3-8.3 Step 3 – Adjust your habits for 4–8 weeks

Next, pick a small set of lifestyle changes and facial exercises and commit to them for at least 4–8 weeks. Sleep more on your back or alternate sides, chew on both sides, fix your posture, and do a few minutes of exercises most days. Take clear photos every 2–3 weeks from the same angle and lighting. Even if the visual change is subtle, you’ll often notice better muscle control and more balanced expressions.

Step 4 – Talk to a professional if needed

Step-by-step roadmap graphic with 4 steps: (1) Online test → (2) Face analysis report → (3) 4–8 weeks of habits & exercises → (4) Professional consult if needed.

If, after a couple of months, you’re still very unhappy with how your face looks—or you have pain, bite problems, or other functional issues—it’s time to talk to a professional. Bring your photos and face analysis report to your appointment. That way, you and your doctor can look at the same information, focus on the areas that bother you most, and decide together whether non-surgical treatments or surgery are worth considering.

FAQs About Facial Asymmetry

Can I fix facial asymmetry without surgery?

Sometimes, yes—but only to a degree. If it’s mainly from habits, posture, puffiness, or muscle use, lifestyle changes, exercises, and non-surgical treatments can help. Bone or major jaw issues usually need medical or dental treatment.

Does sleeping on one side cause face asymmetry?

Not by itself, and not overnight. But years of sleeping on the same side can make mild asymmetry more obvious. If you’re concerned, alternate sides or sleep more on your back to reduce one-sided pressure.

How long does it take to see results from facial exercises?

If they work for you, they work slowly. Give it at least 6–8 weeks of consistent practice. Expect small changes—better muscle tone and balance—rather than a dramatic transformation.

Is face asymmetry permanent?

Some asymmetry is built into your bones and genetics, so it won’t disappear completely. But muscles, soft tissue, posture, and skin can be improved. The goal is to soften and manage asymmetry, not erase it perfectly.

Does losing weight make my face more symmetrical?

Not necessarily. Weight loss can sharpen your features, but it might either reveal bone asymmetry more or reduce puffiness and look more balanced. It depends on where you store fat. Targeted analysis beats only “getting thinner.”

Conclusion

Facial asymmetry is much more common than it feels when you’re zoomed in on your own selfies. A slightly higher eyebrow, a chin that leans a bit, or one cheek that’s fuller—these details are part of how real faces look, not automatic flaws. The real question isn’t “How do I become perfect?” but how to fix face asymmetry in a way that actually makes sense for your situation.

Before you decide on anything big, start with something small and objective: a face symmetry test or a face analysis report. Once you can literally see your face mapped out—where it’s balanced and where it’s not—it becomes much easier to decide how to fix face asymmetry for you: maybe it’s tweaking daily habits, trying non-invasive treatments, or, if needed, talking to a specialist about more advanced options.

The goal isn’t to erase every difference, but to find a level of balance that helps you feel confident in your own face.