Facial Asymmetry: Is It a Psychological Concern?

Do I have a problem?

The right cheekbone is wider than the left, and the right mandible also protrudes more than the left.
This is not just an aesthetic issue; the right side of the bone feels more developed than the left, which feels unusual enough to affect my daily life.
I have to sleep on my left side, but there is no pain.
I consulted an authoritative doctor in this field who advised me not to worry too much about this minor issue.
He said that there were no abnormalities, and even after I requested an X-ray, nothing significant was found.
He suggested that I see a psychiatrist because I often feel that something is off.
What kind of psychological issue could this be? Thank you.

bill, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/04/03

Dr. Chen Guangpeng reply Psychiatry

Hello Bill,
I appreciate your description of the distress you are experiencing and the treatment approaches you have encountered, which closely resemble a diagnosis in psychiatry known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
The characteristics of this condition include an obsession with an imagined physical defect (even if there is a minor flaw, the patient's reaction is often excessive); this obsession can cause significant distress and impact important functions.
In my past medical practice, I have encountered several similar cases, two of which left a strong impression on me: one was a handsome individual who believed his nose was too large and even underwent cosmetic surgery but remained dissatisfied; the other was someone who had nearly invisible scars near the hairline from a childhood fall and constantly pressured their impoverished family for money to undergo plastic surgery.
These cases typically involved individuals around the age of twenty.
In psychiatric diagnostic classifications, this condition falls under "somatic symptom disorder"—psychogenic bodily complaints; I personally believe there are some obsessive traits involved, and treatment should involve both medication and psychotherapy.
In summary, I recommend that you consult a psychosomatic or psychiatric specialist, as this would be the best option if you are feeling distressed.

Reply Date: 2004/04/03

More Info

Understanding facial asymmetry can be a complex issue that intertwines both physical and psychological aspects. From your description, it seems that you are experiencing noticeable differences in the development of your facial bones, particularly with the right cheekbone and jaw appearing more prominent than the left. While this can certainly raise concerns about aesthetics and self-image, it is essential to consider the broader implications, including potential psychological impacts.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that facial asymmetry is quite common and can occur for various reasons, including genetics, developmental factors, or even habitual behaviors such as sleeping positions. Many individuals have some degree of asymmetry in their faces, and it is often not a cause for medical concern. The fact that you have consulted with a specialist and undergone X-rays that showed no significant abnormalities is reassuring. The medical professional's advice to not overly focus on this issue is also a positive indication that it may not warrant further medical intervention.

However, your feelings of discomfort and the perception that this asymmetry affects your daily life and sleep patterns suggest that there may be a psychological component to your experience. It is not uncommon for individuals with noticeable physical traits to develop feelings of self-consciousness or anxiety, particularly if they perceive these traits as deviating from societal beauty standards. This can lead to a preoccupation with one's appearance, which may manifest as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in more severe cases. BDD is characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in physical appearance, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

In your case, the feelings of "weirdness" and the suggestion from the doctor to consult a mental health professional indicate that exploring the psychological aspects of your concerns could be beneficial. A mental health professional can help you understand the roots of your feelings and provide strategies to cope with any anxiety or self-esteem issues that may arise from your facial asymmetry. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is an effective treatment for addressing negative thought patterns related to body image and can help you develop a healthier self-perception.

Additionally, it is worth considering the role of societal pressures and cultural standards of beauty in shaping our self-image. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction with their appearance due to unrealistic portrayals in media and social platforms. Engaging in discussions about beauty standards and self-acceptance can be empowering and may help you reframe your perspective on your facial features.

In conclusion, while your facial asymmetry may not pose a medical issue, the psychological implications of how you perceive and feel about this asymmetry are valid and worth exploring. Seeking support from a mental health professional can provide you with tools to address any underlying concerns and improve your overall well-being. Remember, it is essential to prioritize your mental health and self-acceptance, as these are crucial components of living a fulfilling life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Facial Asymmetry While Speaking: Causes and Concerns

Hello, doctor. I have never paid attention to the asymmetry of my mouth when I speak, but I recently noticed that my cheeks are symmetrical when I smile. However, when I try to lift both sides of my face, the left side feels tighter than the right. I used to think it was just a c...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
If there has been asymmetry in photos from a long time ago, it is possible that it has been this way since childhood. Many people are born with slight asymmetry in their facial features, which is not necessarily indicative of a medical condition. However, if the asymmetry was not...

Addressing Facial Asymmetry: Causes and Solutions for Balanced Features

Hello Doctor, I have a noticeable difference between my left and right face. The right zygomatic bone is flatter, and the height of the lower eyelid seems different from the left side, making the right side of my face appear flat with a noticeable midface depression. Additionally...

Dr. Lü Mingchuan reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: A CT scan may be needed to determine whether the asymmetry is caused by a skeletal or muscular abnormality. Based on the different underlying causes, adjustments can be made, such as using artificial bone or fat grafting. It is best to come to the outpatient clinic for a m...

Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Doctor, I have a square-shaped face, and while my facial structure used to be relatively symmetrical, I've noticed that the differences in my facial bones have become more pronounced. My right cheekbone is wider and slightly higher than my left cheekbone, and my right mandib...

Dr. Jiang Baicong reply Plastic Surgery
It is recommended to first visit the orthopedic outpatient clinic or the oral surgery outpatient clinic for an examination. Thank you.

Can Facial Asymmetry from Habits Be Corrected? A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Hello, I am a university student. I have had the habit of resting my chin on my left hand for a long time, and I often chew food only on the left side. Recently, I noticed that my left cheek is higher than my right cheek, primarily because my left zygomatic bone is higher than th...

Dr. He Yujun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, Fugu. Your questions can be categorized into two main topics. The first is whether habitual left-sided force application can cause skeletal asymmetry, and the second is whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can intervene to improve facial asymmetry if it has already o...