Are Symmetrical Faces More Attractive?

While symmetrical faces, in both men and women, are perceived as more attractive, no one has a perfectly symmetrical face. Science suggests that beauty or attractiveness increases when facial symmetry is improved, and decreases when symmetry is reduced. This is due to the belief that symmetry is an indicator of developmental stability and good health (in potential mates). 

So, is symmetry really more beautiful? Does this mean that you should always correct asymmetries or unevenness in the face? Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explores more about this concept, the procedures for improving symmetry, and why there is nothing wrong with some degree of asymmetry. 

Does facial symmetry always equate to beauty?

For years, many have believed that symmetrical faces are more attractive. There are lot of theories and beliefs about it, such as:

• Symmetrical features are believed to signify high genetic quality and good development.
• Asymmetrical features are more likely in those who grew up with illness or stress.
• Symmetrical faces are said to be easier on the eyes.
• More symmetrical faces are considered to be friendlier, more energetic, more intelligent, less neurotic, and others.

The idea that “symmetry equals beauty”, however, is outdated. The previous belief that is related to good health and good genes was debunked by a 2014 study which has found no correlation between perfect facial symmetry and superior health. A degree of asymmetry is also normal and has some charm and attraction. And in many cases, it doesn’t require any treatment or intervention. 

In addition, perfectly symmetrical faces don’t look normal and are even seen as weird or creepy. Facial symmetry, according to a study by Dahlia W. Zaidel, a psychology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, isn’t critical for the appearance of attractiveness. She said symmetrical faces created in the lab have very low beauty ratings.

This article from Time Magazine shows what faces would look like if they were perfectly symmetrical. 

What is facial asymmetry?

Having features that don’t match perfectly or mirror the other side of the face is referred to as asymmetry. It can occur in any of a person’s facial features, including the eyes, eyebrows, lips, and jawline. It can be attributed to: 

• Having an eyebrow that is higher than the other
• Having one droopy eyelid
• Having a thinner or sunken look on one cheek
• Asymmetric or uneven jaw
• A nose that is crooked to one side
• More signs of aging (sagging, wrinkling, sun damage) on one side of the face
• Thin or uneven lips

There is nothing wrong with some degree of asymmetry. It is perfectly normal and does not change a typically attractive face. It can even give you a unique look. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, of course, understands that noticeable asymmetry can make people self-conscious. Non-surgical procedures can help bring back balance to the face.

What causes facial asymmetry?

Several factors cause the features on either side of the face to not match in size or overall appearance, including:

• Genetics – genetics and development, like birth defects
• Aging – changes in bone structure, muscle tone, and skin elasticity
• Dental issues – jaw and teeth misalignment
• Trauma or injury – having a broken nose, burns, tissue injury, or nerve damage
• Other lifestyle factors – can be due to bad posture, poor diet, sleep position, smoking, and sun exposure
• Certain conditions – such as stroke, Bell’s palsy, twisted neck (torticollis)

What treatments can help improve symmetry?

While everyone has mild or some degree of facial symmetry, some cases are more noticeable or prominent than others. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore offers a few options that can help bring balance to the face.

Anti-wrinkle injectables – cosmetic neurotoxins can be injected in different areas to relax the muscles in certain areas of the face. This is particularly helpful when the unevenness in facial features is due to overactive muscles that pull the face down. These injectables can help slim the jaw and improve droopy eyelids. 

Dermal fillers – these can be injected to plump sunken, flatter, or thinner areas of the face. Fillers can help restore volume loss and even contour the chin and jawline area to improve facial harmony. Dermal fillers can also be used on the lips to improve their shape, symmetry, or definition.

Non-invasive skin tightening – energy-based procedures such as Titan, NIR Cinderella, and Micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) help stimulate collagen to lift and firm the skin. These treatments can tighten the skin and offer a non-invasive face-lifting effect, ideal for those with sagging skin or loss of elasticity. 

Chemical peels – these are ideal for those with uneven skin tone or are looking to improve overall skin quality.  We have VI Peel Precision Plus, which is a chemical peel specifically formulated for sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It evens skin tone and color and encourages rapid cell turnover. 

The treatment can depend on the cause of the symmetry. If it is, for instance, missing teeth or teeth misalignment, dental implants and orthodontics are worth considering. For sagging, jowls, and wrinkles, cosmetic injectables and non-invasive skin tightening can help. 

Schedule a consultation today

As previously mentioned, some degree of asymmetry is normal and even beautiful. It is also important to remember that beauty is not just about your facial features; other elements such as your hairstyle, outfit, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues can also add to your attractiveness. 

If some of your asymmetries, on the other hand, are more noticeable or are making you self-conscious, you can reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out how we can help.