How Plastic Surgery Can Correct Asymmetry: Face, Breasts, and Body

For plastic surgeons, focusing on symmetry and the patient’s unique body proportions is an utmost priority. Instead of trying to replicate specific beauty trends that may work for some and not others, people find higher satisfaction with their cosmetic procedures when building off of their natural features. We further highlight our natural beauty by accentuating the features we were given, which in the world of plastic surgery, means bringing them together in proportional harmony.

 Cosmetic surgery can correct imbalances in the face, breasts, and body through customizable procedures that individually address every patient’s specific needs. Barrett Beverly Hills emphasizes balance in all procedures, working closely with the patient’s natural beauty for outstanding results. Below is a guide to achieving symmetry through plastic surgery:

What is physical symmetry? Why is it important?

Symmetry refers to the state of perfect proportional balance. In terms of the human body, it concerns whether the left side of the body mirrors the right side of the body. Professor of biology Nathan H. Lents says it reflects the process of embryonic development as “the same developmental genes should be activated in the same cells, at the same time, and with the same dosage. In the ideal situation, all of that unfolds identically in the left and right sides of our faces, leading to perfect symmetry between the two halves.” Fluctuations in gene expression lead to asymmetry — even the tiniest change in cellular activity creates differences in our appearance, hence why no human being is perfectly symmetrical.       

However, some people happen to be more physically symmetrical than others, and scientists use two main theories to explain why we often find those people attractive. “Evolutionary Advantage Theory” posits that a symmetrical face is evidence of superior gene expression, thus a symbol of evolutionary advantage and an indication of a prime mating candidate. “Perceptual Bias,” argues that perhaps symmetry is simply easier to process visually, thus we enjoy looking at symmetrical faces. 

Can cosmetic surgery correct asymmetry?

Regardless of the science behind symmetry as a beauty metric, we can’t deny the desire to achieve perfectly even physical features. Everyone has a favorite “side” or can identify how one body part on the left side is placed slightly higher than its counterpart on the right. In some cases, there is a more dramatic difference between sizes or placement. Plastic surgery offers an opportunity to bring proportions into balance, creating the most natural-looking results for anyone. Keep reading to understand more about how cosmetic surgery can correct imbalances in the face, breasts, and body. 

Face:

What is facial symmetry? Our faces and profiles are the most common place we look for balance — in fact, over 100m TikToks contain the tag #symmetricalface, making it a massive beauty trend. If the chin, nose, and mouth protrude at disproportionate lengths, the side profile becomes off-balance. If one feature is bigger or smaller than the rest, it also throws off facial harmony. A symmetrical face is perfectly even, with each feature working harmoniously with the other. 

What causes an asymmetrical face?

Factors outside of genetics that contribute to facial asymmetry include serious medical conditions like Bell’s palsy, strokes, torticollis, or nerve damage. Lifestyle choices like smoking, poor posture, or favoring one side when sleeping can also make slight differences in each side of the face.  

What surgical procedures balance facial proportions?

Certain procedures can bring individual facial features into proportion depending on the patient’s goals. Here are common surgeries patients seek for a more balanced face:

• Rhinoplasty effectively alters the appearance of the nose by removing or rearranging the nasal bone and/or cartilage
• Facelift surgery to correct an asymmetrical face is ideal for patients who experience sagging facial skin from aging or weight loss that may have changed their appearance
• Ear surgery improves the positioning of the ears, can adjust their size, and reduces protrusion 
• Chin implants use silicone to help reshape the jawline and are especially helpful for recessed chins  

Can Botox help facial asymmetry? 

For those looking for a non-invasive option, Botox and dermal fillers can help achieve minor balance in the face. 

• Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to add or restore volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance face and body features and contours. 
• Botox is a cosmetic neuromodulator, which is an injectable toxins that prevent muscles from moving for a limited amount of time by blocking nerve signals.

Breast:

What causes asymmetrical breasts?

Breasts are a part of the body that is almost expected to be asymmetrical — over half of all women have breasts that differ in size, shape, or placement. Like facial symmetry, a lot of it has to do with genetics. Other factors that can cause an imbalance include breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight change, birth control, or menopause. Usually, breast asymmetry is perfectly healthy, but certain medical conditions like atypical ductal hyperplasia, hypoplastic breasts, juvenile hypertrophy, and some types of cancer can also contribute to differing breasts. 

What surgical procedures increase breast symmetry?

Some people with significantly different breasts choose to go the surgical route to create a more even silhouette. Here are a few popular options: 

• Implants allow patients to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts with either silicone or saline
• Reductions are ideal for those looking for a smaller cup size
• Breast augmentation revision is a procedure for patients who may have experienced “botched” results from a previous surgery  

Can fat transfers help create even breasts?

Fat transfers are a great choice for people seeking the most natural-looking results while still correcting asymmetry. By utilizing liposuction, patients use excess body fat from other localized regions to even out the size of each breast without an implant. 

Body:

What causes body asymmetry?

While some serious medical conditions like hemihypertrophy can cause one side of the body to grow more than the other, in terms of aesthetics and plastic surgery, body symmetry refers to how one body part may be disproportionate to the rest. 

What cosmetic procedures correct body proportions?

Depending on the patient’s unique desires and body goals, there are cosmetic procedures that assist in creating a balanced and proportional silhouette. Here are surgeries that bring specific body parts into proportion:

• Brazilian Butt Lifts are excellent for creating a more rounded and balanced backside  
• Tummy tucks reduce the size of the abdomen by removing excess fat and tightening extra skin
• Liposuction is a great option for targeting body areas that haven’t responded to diet and exercise, allowing patients to create a harmonious body contour 

I’m interested in cosmetic surgery to enhance symmetry, what are the next steps?

If you’re interested in any of the procedures listed above, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential patients. Our practice sets the standard for natural-looking results with a holistic approach to effectively minimize post-surgical downtime and scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 398-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Keep up with us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates. We look forward to guiding you on your journey!

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