Facial Asymmetry
& Deviation Surgery
in Dallas–Fort Worth
Noticeable facial asymmetry affects both your appearance and your confidence — and in many cases your bite, chewing, and speech as well. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer advanced surgical solutions to restore facial balance and function at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
When imbalance affects more than appearance
No face is perfectly symmetrical — some degree of natural variation between the left and right sides is universal. However, when the asymmetry is significant enough to be noticeable, it can affect not just how you look, but how your face functions. Difficulty chewing, bite problems, speech issues, and chronic jaw pain can all result from underlying skeletal or structural imbalances.
Facial asymmetry can arise from genetics, developmental differences during growth, trauma, previous surgeries, or conditions affecting the jaw and facial skeleton. At DFWOMS, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons evaluate each patient’s facial anatomy in detail and develop a personalized surgical plan to restore harmony, balance, and function — with results that look natural and last.
Common origins of facial imbalance
Procedures to restore facial balance at DFWOMS
The right surgical approach depends on the underlying cause of the asymmetry, its severity, and whether there are functional problems alongside the aesthetic concerns. DFWOMS offers a comprehensive range of surgical options, often combined for optimal results.
The most comprehensive solution for significant skeletal facial asymmetry. Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct the underlying bony discrepancy. By addressing the skeletal root cause, it restores facial symmetry, corrects bite misalignment (malocclusion), and resolves functional problems including difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speech issues. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia using virtual surgical planning for precise, predictable outcomes. It is coordinated with your orthodontist as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
The chin plays a defining role in facial balance and profile. When the chin is asymmetrical, receding, overly prominent, or deviated to one side, genioplasty can reposition the chin bone to create a more harmonious facial proportion. The procedure can augment, reduce, advance, set back, or laterally reposition the chin — or any combination of these movements — providing precise control over the chin’s contribution to overall facial symmetry. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.
Custom-designed biocompatible implants offer a targeted solution for specific volume deficiencies or structural asymmetries in the cheeks, jawline, or chin. Facial implants are carefully tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy using 3D imaging — allowing our surgeons to add definition, volume, and contour exactly where needed. Results are natural-looking and long-lasting, designed to complement rather than dramatically alter your facial character. This option is particularly well-suited for patients with localized rather than global skeletal asymmetry.
What to expect, step by step
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your facial anatomy, your bite, and your functional concerns. Your goals and aesthetic priorities are discussed in detail. Clinical photographs, dental records, and existing imaging are reviewed. This consultation gives us a complete picture of what is driving your asymmetry and what surgical options would best address it.
A 3D Cone Beam CT scan provides a complete volumetric model of your facial skeleton. Using advanced virtual surgical planning software, our surgeons simulate the planned movements of your jaw, chin, or implant placement in three dimensions — allowing us to predict the outcome precisely, refine the plan before the operating room, and communicate the expected results to you clearly.
Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery typically require a period of pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth within each jaw before the jaw bones are repositioned. This phase, coordinated with your orthodontist, typically takes 6–18 months and is essential for achieving a stable bite after surgery. Genioplasty and facial implants do not require orthodontic preparation.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia at Baylor University Medical Center or our office, depending on the procedure. Incisions are made inside the mouth whenever possible to avoid visible external scars. The planned jaw movements, chin repositioning, or implant placement are executed with precision guided by our virtual plan. Titanium plates and screws stabilize repositioned bone; implants are secured to the underlying skeleton.
Swelling peaks in the first week and gradually resolves over 4–8 weeks. A soft diet is maintained during early healing. Most patients return to work and normal light activity within 2–3 weeks. Final results — including the full resolution of swelling and the settling of the bite — are typically visible at 3–6 months post-operatively. Post-surgical orthodontic treatment follows jaw surgery to fine-tune the final bite.
Precision, experience, and personalized care
Common questions about facial asymmetry surgery
Often both. Significant facial asymmetry caused by skeletal jaw imbalance frequently produces functional problems alongside aesthetic concerns — including bite misalignment, difficulty chewing certain foods, TMJ pain, and in some cases speech difficulties. Orthognathic surgery in particular addresses the underlying structural problem, providing functional improvements that are just as meaningful as the aesthetic ones. During your consultation, we evaluate both dimensions of your case and design a treatment plan accordingly.
Virtual surgical planning uses your 3D CT scan data to build a precise digital model of your facial skeleton. Our surgeons simulate the planned jaw movements, chin repositioning, or implant placement on this model — allowing them to evaluate the outcome in three dimensions, refine measurements, and produce custom surgical guides and splints before surgery begins. This process significantly improves precision, reduces operating time, and allows you to see a simulation of the expected result before committing to the procedure.
For orthognathic surgery and genioplasty, virtually all incisions are made inside the mouth — leaving no visible external scars. Facial implants are also typically placed through intraoral incisions when possible. In cases where a small external incision is needed, it is placed in a natural skin fold or inconspicuous location and closed with meticulous technique. Scarring is minimal and fades over time.
Recovery varies by procedure. For orthognathic surgery, most patients return to light activity and desk work within 2–3 weeks, with swelling continuing to resolve over 4–8 weeks. A soft diet is maintained for 4–6 weeks. Final results are visible at 3–6 months when all swelling has resolved. For genioplasty and facial implants, recovery is generally faster — most patients feel comfortable in public within 1–2 weeks as swelling subsides. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery guidance tailored to your procedure.
For orthognathic surgery, pre-surgical orthodontic treatment is typically required. Braces align the teeth within each jaw before the jaw bones are repositioned, ensuring the teeth fit together correctly after surgery. This orthodontic phase usually takes 6–18 months. Genioplasty and facial implants do not require pre-surgical orthodontic treatment. We work closely with your orthodontist throughout the process and can refer you to an orthodontist if needed.
Coverage depends on the procedure and its indication. Orthognathic surgery is frequently covered by medical insurance when it is performed to correct documented functional problems such as bite misalignment, chewing difficulty, or sleep apnea. Purely cosmetic procedures such as facial implants for aesthetic enhancement are generally not covered. We accept most major medical and dental insurance providers and Medicaid at all three locations. Our team will help you navigate coverage options — contact us before your consultation.
Balance, function, and confidence restored.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis combine surgical precision with personalized care to restore facial symmetry and function. Contact DFWOMS today to schedule your consultation.