Facial
Asymmetry
Austin, TX

 

 
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Facial Asymmetry in Austin, TX

Doctors Edward Buckingham and Erin Smith offer Facial Asymmetry solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Symmetry is one of the most important factors in facial beauty. When we look at someone’s face, we subconsciously notice how symmetrical their facial features are and how they match up on each side of the face. When a person’s facial symmetry is “off” and features are higher or lower, bigger or smaller, we notice this asymmetry and how it affects overall facial aesthetics. Both Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Edward Buckingham, renowned plastic surgeons, offer custom facial asymmetry correction in Austin, Texas, for patients who are unhappy with their appearance.

WHAT CAUSES FACIAL ASYMMETRY?

It’s important to note that everyone has some degree of facial asymmetry. If people had perfectly symmetrical faces, we would lose some of our uniqueness. But most asymmetry is barely noticeable, and when it is, it can become a cosmetic problem.

Asymmetry can occur for several reasons. Some people are born with genetic facial asymmetry, while others develop asymmetry in their skeletal structure as they grow. Other people only develop facial asymmetry when they are injured or develop a medical condition such as Bell’s palsy.

Because there are so many different causes of facial asymmetry, it is important to determine the source of the asymmetry before attempting to fix it. There may be an underlying medical condition, or the issue might require a different approach depending on its origin. It’s important to speak with your doctor and follow their medical advice regarding your facial asymmetry before moving forward with cosmetic correction.

PROCEDURES TO FIX FACIAL ASYMMETRY

Since there are many different causes of facial asymmetry, the best cosmetic treatment in each case will vary quite a bit. Minor asymmetry can sometimes be disguised using non-surgical treatments, while structural asymmetry may require extensive surgery.

All plastic surgery is highly customized, but facial asymmetry is especially dependent on the situation. Both Dr. Buckingham and Dr. Smith work with each patient to determine the best treatment plan, which may involve one or more of the following procedures:

  • Facial fillers (injectable soft tissue fillers)
  • Botox injections
  • Fat transfer (fat grafting)
  • Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery)
  • Brow lift
  • Facelift
  • Facial implants
  • Rhinoplasty

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

Candidates for facial asymmetry correction include healthy adults with an asymmetrical face or asymmetrical features. Any health conditions that could be causing the issues must be ruled out before seeking cosmetic surgery. A CT scan or other diagnostic tools may be used to discover the source of the asymmetry.

Patients must have realistic expectations. The goal of plastic surgery is improvement, not perfection. It is important to understand that the face will not be completely symmetrical after the procedure, but that it should look significantly better.

YOUR FACIAL ASYMMETRY CONSULTATION

Once you’ve ruled out any underlying health conditions, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith or Dr. Buckingham in Austin, Texas. During your consultation, the doctors will ask you questions, examine your face, and go over your medical history to determine the best approach for treatment. They will ask about your goals and expectations and walk you through some treatment options that may be able to help you.

The consultation is a great opportunity for you to ask questions. Come prepared with a list of questions and concerns so that you can get all the information you need to decide on your options. The doctor will design a treatment plan based on your individual needs and help you to fully understand the process.

YOUR FACIAL ASYMMETRY PROCEDURES

Each facial asymmetry procedure will be different, depending on the treatment plan Dr. Smith or Dr. Buckingham creates. Be sure to follow any pre-treatment instructions and have someone drive you to and from the office if you will be receiving anesthesia.

You may only need to come in for a few minutes if you are correcting facial asymmetry with fillers. If you have an asymmetrical jaw, however, you may need major orthognathic surgery with referral to an oral maxillofacial specialist. If you are trying to correct brow asymmetry, you might require local anesthesia. It all depends on the source and severity of your concerns.

The most important thing to remember is that both doctors have your safety and best interests in mind. Follow all instructions from the Buckingham Center medical team before and after your procedure to help ensure good results.

RISKS OF FACIAL ASYMMETRY SURGERY

All procedures involve some risks. Dr. Smith and Dr. Buckingham will explain all of the risks of your treatment plan during your consultation. Depending on whether your procedure will be surgical or non-surgical and major or minor, some of the following risks may apply:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Persistent asymmetry
  • Facial nerve damage

FACIAL ASYMMETRY SURGERY COST

The cost of facial asymmetry surgery varies greatly. Some procedures, like facial fillers, may only cost a few hundred dollars but must be repeated to maintain results. Other treatments, like facelift surgery, can cost thousands but should provide long-lasting results.

The Buckingham Center staff will walk you through the associate costs and work with you to find financing options that work for you. It is important to choose an experienced surgeon to perform your procedure. Even if the treatment costs a little more upfront, it is well worth spending more in the long run.

WHY CHOOSE BUCKINGHAM CENTER?

Dr. Erin Smith is a board-eligible facial plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, who trained at the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, California, where she treated patients from all over the world with facial asymmetry due to various causes. Because she focuses exclusively on facial procedures, Dr. Smith is known as one of the most skilled surgeons for complex surgeries of the head and neck.

Dr. Buckingham is a renowned facial surgeon in Austin, Texas who provides excellent, artistic surgical results. Why choose Dr. Buckingham?

  • B.B.A. in Accounting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
  • Completed his pre-medical coursework achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average at the University of Texas in Austin.
  • Received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
  • He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society as a junior medical student and served as the organization’s vice-president and later president.
  • Graduating medical school in the top 2% of the class with highest honors, Dr. Buckingham received the Donald Duncan Memorial Scholarship in Anatomy, the Edward Randall Medal for Academic Excellence, and the Merck Manual Award.
  • He then performed a general surgery internship and Otolaryngology residency at UTMB and was a nominee for the UTMB overall-outstanding resident.
  • Additionally, he served as president of the UTMB House Officer Association and served two years on the Graduate Medical Education Advisory Committee and Executive Committee.

Both doctors have experience in performing facial surgeries and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, which allows them to design procedures specifically for each patient’s needs. They emphasize a natural appearance and prioritizes safety in all of their treatment plans.

FACIAL ASYMMETRY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is my smile crooked all of a sudden?

Sudden facial asymmetry can be very serious. It can indicate Bell’s palsy (paralysis of the facial nerves) or even be a sign of a stroke. If you experience numbness on one side of your face or you are suddenly unable to use some of your facial muscles, call your primary care doctor and seek medical attention right away.

What’s the easiest way to fix facial asymmetry?

It all depends on the source of the asymmetry. In some cases, injectable treatments like Botox or fillers are all that’s needed for good results. When the issue is more severe or structural in nature, however, fixing the issue can be much more difficult. Most facial asymmetry cases require some kind of surgery. Each patient must speak with Dr. Smith or Dr. Buckingham to determine if it is worth pursuing treatment for their cosmetic concerns. In some cases, the risks and recovery involved with surgery may outweigh the desire for improved facial aesthetics. Both doctors will give you advice and recommendations to help you decide on whether or not to proceed.

Is facial asymmetry a sign of a serious health problem?

It can be. Sometimes, facial asymmetry is caused by an obvious accident or injury, or it may be the result of genetics. But it can also indicate facial paralysis or even a stroke. That’s why it’s so important to understand the cause of your facial asymmetry before focusing on cosmetic treatments.

Is it difficult to make the eyes look symmetrical?

Eye symmetry can be tricky, depending on the source. In some cases, it’s as simple as performing a brow lift or subtly adjusting the face. In other cases, it is a structural issue that is difficult, if not impossible to fix. The doctors will examine you during your consultation and discuss your options with you.

Will facial asymmetry resolve on its own?

Structural facial asymmetry will not resolve itself, once the face is fully developed. However, if you have a condition such as Bell’s palsy, your facial asymmetry may resolve spontaneously. In these cases, it may be best to wait and see if the problem will correct itself before considering surgical intervention.

How long will my recovery take?

Your recovery will depend on the type of surgery, your individual health, and how well you follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions. In general, you will likely need at least a week off from work after plastic surgery. Strenuous activities, such as exercise, must be postponed for up to six weeks or longer. During your recovery, it’s important to get as much rest as you possibly can. Giving yourself the chance to heal will help to ensure that you end up with good results and will minimize your risk of developing complications. Our staff will be standing by to answer any questions you may have during your recovery.

CONTACT BUCKINGHAM CENTER FOR A FACIAL ASYMMETRY CONSULTATION

Buckingham Center in Austin, TX, is a destination for patients seeking complex facial surgery. Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Buckingham are well known for their ability to create natural-looking results that give their patients the confidence they need to take on the world.

Facial asymmetry doesn’t have to make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable in social situations forever! To learn more about facial asymmetry surgery at Buckingham Center in Austin, call our office at 512.401.2500 today to schedule your consultation.

 

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