Introduction
Facial symmetry is an aspect of appearance that many people value. While a certain degree of asymmetry is normal, noticeable unevenness can cause self - consciousness and affect one's confidence. In New York City, there are several hospitals renowned for their ability to address and improve facial asymmetry. This article will introduce the top 5 hospitals in the city for this purpose, including the services they offer, the expertise of their medical teams, and real - life success stories. By the end of this read, you'll have a better understanding of where to seek help for enhancing your facial symmetry.
Understanding Facial Asymmetry
It's important to note that everyone has at least a little facial asymmetry. The head forms as two halves that combine, and one side is typically slightly larger than the other. A perfectly symmetrical face would actually look unnatural to us. However, excessive asymmetry can be a source of aesthetic concern.
Causes of Facial Asymmetry
- Trauma: A facial injury, such as one from a car accident, can result in a crooked appearance. Broken noses, injured cheekbones, or jaw fractures may lead to long - term facial asymmetry after healing.
- Aging: Although bones stop growing during puberty, cartilage continues to grow. The growth of the nose and ears over time can cause the face to look uneven.
- Lifestyle: Smoking can break down collagen and elastin, proteins that support the skin. Excessive sun exposure can also lead to imbalanced aging. Sleeping on one side of the face for extended periods can contribute to asymmetry.
- Health Conditions: Bell's palsy, for example, causes temporary paralysis in facial muscles, resulting in one side of the face drooping. It affects about 40,000 people annually.
- Dental Work and Issues: Wearing dentures, tooth extraction, and bite problems can all contribute to facial asymmetry.
Impact of Facial Asymmetry
Facial asymmetry can have both psychological and social impacts. It may lead to a lack of self - confidence, social withdrawal, and a negative body image. In some cases, it can even affect professional opportunities, especially in fields where appearance is highly valued.
Top 5 Hospitals for Improving Facial Asymmetry in New York City
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Overview
Mount Sinai Hospital is a leading medical institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. Their expertise in corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is particularly relevant for addressing facial asymmetry.
Services for Facial Asymmetry
- Orthognathic Surgery: This procedure involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to an anatomically correct position. It helps correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can contribute to facial asymmetry. The surgery allows for a good occlusion (bite), opening of the airway, and improvement of facial symmetry. For patients with a skeletal deformity of the jaw that results in a malocclusion, a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery is often required.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: The hospital's team of orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a detailed evaluation of patients. This includes x - rays, models of the dentition, photographs, facial measurements, and a complete analysis of the data to come up with a personalized treatment plan. They use advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning.
Medical Team
The medical team at Mount Sinai consists of highly skilled orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These professionals have extensive experience in performing orthognathic surgeries and have access to the latest medical technologies. Their multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care throughout the treatment process.
Success Stories
There have been numerous success stories of patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery at Mount Sinai. One patient, who had a severe underbite and significant facial asymmetry, reported a remarkable improvement in both their bite and appearance after the surgery. They regained confidence in their smile and were able to speak and eat more comfortably.
2. NYU Langone Hospitals
Overview
NYU Langone Hospitals is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 1 specialty and 21 procedures/conditions. Their Facial Paralysis & Reanimation Center is a key resource for patients with facial asymmetry caused by facial paralysis.
Services for Facial Asymmetry
- Treatment of Facial Paralysis: The center offers a comprehensive approach to treating facial paralysis, which can cause significant facial asymmetry. The treatment options include medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy. Medications such as botulinum toxin injection can be used to treat uncoordinated facial muscle movements. Surgical treatments include brow lift, upper eyelid weight placement, facial nerve decompression, nerve grafting and rerouting, and local muscle transposition.
- Multidisciplinary Care: The center is led by a team of experts from multiple areas of medicine, including otolaryngology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, radiology, neurology, and rehabilitation experts from NYU Langone's Rusk Rehabilitation. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive personalized treatment based on their specific needs.
Medical Team
The medical team at NYU Langone's Facial Paralysis & Reanimation Center includes highly specialized physicians. For example, Danielle Eytan, MD, is a facial plastic & reconstructive surgeon, and David R. Friedmann, MD, is an otologist & neurotologist. These experts work together to develop the best treatment plans for patients with facial asymmetry due to paralysis.
Success Stories
Patients who have suffered from facial paralysis and received treatment at NYU Langone have reported significant improvements in facial symmetry and function. One patient, who had lost the ability to smile and blink due to Bell's palsy, was able to regain much of their facial movement and appearance after undergoing a combination of surgical and rehabilitative treatments.
3. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
Overview
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is a top - tier medical facility. It is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties, and high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. The hospital offers a wide range of plastic surgery services that can address facial asymmetry.
Services for Facial Asymmetry
- Facial Plastic Surgery: Procedures such as rhinoplasty can be used to correct an asymmetrical nose. Rhinoplasty can adjust the cartilage and bone contour to bring balance back to the nose, targeting asymmetry on the bridge, around the nostrils, or both. Eyelid surgery can also be performed on patients with asymmetrical eyelids to ensure that they match each other.
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Radiesse are available at the hospital. These fillers can add volume to specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, or chin, to improve symmetry. They are a non - surgical option for patients who want subtle and temporary changes.
Medical Team
The hospital's plastic surgeons are well - trained and experienced in performing facial plastic surgery procedures. They have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics, allowing them to create natural - looking results for patients with facial asymmetry.
Success Stories
Many patients have achieved improved facial symmetry through the plastic surgery services at New York - Presbyterian. A patient with a crooked nose underwent rhinoplasty and was extremely satisfied with the results. Their nose became more symmetrical, and it enhanced their overall facial appearance.
4. North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health
Overview
North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties and high - performing in 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a team of experts who can provide various treatments for facial asymmetry.
Services for Facial Asymmetry
- Orthodontics and Jaw Surgery Combination: Similar to Mount Sinai, North Shore University Hospital offers a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery for patients with facial asymmetry caused by malocclusion. The orthodontic treatment is used to level and align the teeth, while the surgery repositions the jaws to improve symmetry and bite function.
- Injectable Treatments: The hospital provides injectable treatments such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. These treatments can be used to relax facial muscles, soften lines, and add volume to specific areas of the face to correct asymmetry.
Medical Team
The medical team at North Shore University Hospital consists of orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and cosmetic dermatologists. They work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with facial asymmetry.
Success Stories
Patients who have received treatment at North Shore University Hospital have seen positive changes in their facial symmetry. A patient with a misaligned bite and facial asymmetry underwent orthodontic treatment followed by jaw surgery. After the treatment, they had a more balanced face and an improved bite.
5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Overview
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 specialties and high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions. The hospital offers a variety of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures for facial asymmetry.
Services for Facial Asymmetry
- Facelift: A facelift can be an effective treatment for facial asymmetry caused by sagging skin and loss of facial volume. It can gently elevate sagging skin and smooth out deep wrinkles, bringing symmetry and harmony to the facial features. The incisions are placed discreetly, and the procedure is performed to achieve natural - looking results.
- Ear Surgery: For patients with ear asymmetry, ear pinning surgery can be performed to pull one or both ears inward, making them appear flatter and more symmetrical. Otoplasty can also be used to adjust the size of the earlobes.
Medical Team
The medical team at Lenox Hill Hospital includes experienced plastic surgeons who are skilled in performing facelifts and ear surgeries. They have a keen eye for aesthetics and can customize the treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Success Stories
Patients who have had a facelift or ear surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital have reported improved facial symmetry and a more youthful appearance. A patient with sagging jowls and facial asymmetry underwent a facelift and was thrilled with the results. Their face looked more balanced and rejuvenated.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital Name | National Rankings | Main Services for Facial Asymmetry | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | 12 adult specialties, 4 pediatric specialties | Orthognathic surgery, comprehensive evaluation | Advanced 3D x - rays and computer - assisted technology for treatment planning |
| NYU Langone Hospitals | 13 adult specialties, 3 pediatric specialties | Treatment of facial paralysis, multidisciplinary care | Team of experts from multiple medical fields |
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | 14 adult specialties, 10 pediatric specialties | Facial plastic surgery, dermal fillers | Experienced plastic surgeons with a focus on aesthetics |
| North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health | 9 adult specialties | Orthodontics and jaw surgery combination, injectable treatments | Collaborative approach between orthodontists, surgeons, and dermatologists |
| Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health | 10 specialties | Facelift, ear surgery | Skilled plastic surgeons for aesthetic and reconstructive procedures |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Expertise of the Medical Team
It's crucial to choose a hospital with a team of experienced and qualified medical professionals. Look for surgeons and doctors who specialize in the treatment of facial asymmetry and have a proven track record of successful outcomes.
Range of Services
Consider a hospital that offers a wide range of services for facial asymmetry. This allows you to have multiple treatment options and a more comprehensive approach to addressing your specific needs.
Technology and Facilities
State - of - the - art technology and well - equipped facilities can contribute to better treatment results. Hospitals that use advanced imaging techniques, computer - assisted planning, and modern surgical equipment are often better choices.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of the hospital's quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the overall experience of undergoing treatment. Positive reviews can be a good indication of a reliable hospital.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Understand the cost of the treatment and whether your insurance will cover it. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures, so it's important to compare costs and explore your insurance options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, facial asymmetry can have a significant impact on a person's self - confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, there are several top - notch hospitals in New York City that specialize in addressing this issue. Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health all offer high - quality services, experienced medical teams, and advanced treatment options.
If you're struggling with facial asymmetry, we encourage you to take the next step. Research these hospitals further, schedule consultations, and find the one that best suits your needs. Don't let facial asymmetry hold you back from feeling your best. Start your journey towards a more symmetrical and confident you today!
