What is Facial Asymmetry?
While no face is perfectly symmetrical, significant facial asymmetry occurs when the bone structure of one side of the face develops differently than the other. This often manifests as a “shifted” chin, a tilted (canted) smile, or one side of the jaw appearing longer or more prominent than the other.
At Love Your Jaws, we specialize in correcting these skeletal imbalances. Using advanced 3D Virtual Surgical Planning, we don’t just “guess” at the right position—we calculate the exact movements needed to bring your features into perfect alignment with your facial midline.
Common Causes of an Uneven Jaw
Facial asymmetry can be present from birth or develop over time. Understanding the root cause is the first step in creating your customized surgical plan:
- Hemimandibular Hyperplasia: A condition where one side of the lower jaw grows excessively compared to the other.
- Developmental Growth Spurts: During puberty, the jaw may grow at different rates on each side.
- Trauma: Previous injuries to the jaw or face that healed incorrectly.
- TMJ Issues: Chronic joint issues can sometimes cause the jaw to shift or “cant” over time.
Skeletal vs. Soft Tissue Asymmetry
It is important to distinguish between the foundation (bone) and the “upholstery” (skin and fat). Our expertise focuses on the skeletal foundation.
| Feature | Skeletal Asymmetry (The Foundation) | Soft Tissue Asymmetry |
| Source | The jawbone or chin is shifted or uneven. | Uneven fat distribution or muscle mass. |
| Symptoms | Off-center bite, tilted teeth, tilted chin. | One cheek appears fuller than the other. |
| Correction | Orthognathic Surgery / Genioplasty. | Fat grafting or fillers. |
| Result | Permanent, structural realignment. | Temporary or superficial improvement. |
Our Surgical Approach to Symmetry
To achieve a balanced look, Dr. Dimitrov often combines several specialized techniques:
1. Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Osteotomy)
When the entire “mid-face” is tilted, we perform surgery on both the upper and lower jaws. We “level” the upper jaw to fix a canted smile and then center the lower jaw to match your facial midline.
2. Corrective Genioplasty (Chin Centering)
Often, the jaw is functional, but the chin point is off-center. By performing a sliding genioplasty, we can physically shift the chin bone to the left or right to align it perfectly with your nose and lips.
3. 3D Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)
We utilize the highest level of digital mapping. We take a high-resolution 3D CT scan of your skull and use software to “mirror” the more symmetrical side of your face onto the other. This allows us to create custom surgical guides that ensure the result we planned on the computer is exactly what we achieve in the operating room.
The Love Your Jaws Difference
Correcting asymmetry is one of the most complex tasks in oral surgery. It requires an eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of surgical mechanics. Dr. Kroum Dimitrov brings a unique heritage of maxillofacial expertise and the latest South Miami technology to every case.
With over 730 five-star reviews, our practice is dedicated to helping you feel confident in your own skin. We don’t just fix jaws – we help you love your jaw.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov
Elite Training: Earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut and completed residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Proven Leadership: Awarded the prestigious Professor’s Cup for excellence in surgery, patient care, and academic achievement.
Meet Dr.Kroum Dimitrov