Why does everyone have some degree of facial asymmetry? As people age, many notice that their facial structures gradually become less symmetrical than they were in their youth. What causes this phenomenon? Today, we will delve into a detailed analysis of it.
Many patients seeking treatment often hope to correct facial asymmetry through minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. For example, some may mention in consultation, “My cheekbone is higher on one side, and the other cheek is slightly sunken.” The reasons behind this are quite profound. As we age, our facial structures, which include skin, fat, and bone, gradually change due to the effects of time, resulting in an imbalance of facial shapes.
First, many may not be aware that the bones around the eye socket undergo osteoporosis as one ages, leading to a gradual sinking that can cause issues like bags under the eyes and tear troughs. Based on our observations, many patients, even if they are of the same age, can present different signs of aging on their faces due to varying lifestyle habits. For instance, some patients may have more prominent tear troughs on the left side compared to the right, while the opposite may be true for under-eye bags; these differences largely stem from changes in facial muscles and bones.
Moreover, everyone’s daily habits can affect changes in facial shape. For example, frequently chewing on one side, using a computer, and sleeping positions can all lead to facial asymmetry. Over time, these cumulative habits can result in gradual changes in facial structure, making alterations in facial shape increasingly noticeable.
These asymmetrical changes that manifest with age can be likened to a form of “counter-clockwise aging.” In medical terms, this phenomenon is vividly referred to as the “counter-clockwise transformation” of the face. As time progresses, the weakening of bones and changes in dental occlusion can accelerate this process. For example, with a decrease in the supportive strength of the teeth, the lower jaw may gradually retract, further affecting the symmetry of the face.
At this point, many might wonder if there are solutions to address this asymmetry. Although modern medicine cannot achieve complete facial symmetry, minimally invasive cosmetic techniques can moderately enhance facial appearance, bringing asymmetrical features closer to a natural beauty. We inject popular cosmetic products, such as hyaluronic acid or polylactic acid, to help enhance skin permeability, thereby providing a more three-dimensional aesthetic to the overall facial appearance.
Nonetheless, doctors emphasize the importance of accepting one’s own appearance and recognizing that perfection is not necessary. Changes in the face are a natural process, and everyone will experience different changes as they age.