It's completely normal to have some asymmetry in your face—no one’s face is perfectly symmetrical. In fact, asymmetry is part of what makes us look unique. But if one side of your face appears noticeably bigger or different, it can lead to discomfort, affect how you feel about your appearance, and even impact functions like eating, breathing, or speaking.
The Role of Muscles and Jaw Position
So why does this happen? The primary cause of facial asymmetry is often the muscles and bones that make up your face. The largest muscle responsible for facial asymmetry is the masseter muscle, which controls chewing. When you chew more on one side of your mouth, that side’s muscles become more developed. Over time, this can cause the jawbone on that side to shift or change position, which in turn affects the symmetry of the entire face.
But it’s not just about muscle imbalance. The bones in your face, particularly your jawbone, play a significant role in your facial structure. If the jaw is misaligned or uneven, it can throw off the balance of your whole face, causing asymmetry in other areas, like your cheeks and even your temples.
Why Facials and Massages Aren’t Enough
A lot of people try to fix facial asymmetry with facial massages or exercises. While these can feel relaxing and even give temporary improvements, they’re often only surface-level fixes. Think of it like fixing a blanket without addressing the bed frame underneath. Massaging and working on the muscles is helpful, but if your jaw and bone structure are uneven, it won’t resolve the deeper issue.
The solution lies in improving the frame of your face, which is your jaw. This is the most important bone when it comes to fixing asymmetry because the rest of your face is connected to it. If your jaw is out of alignment, everything else—including your cheekbones, muscles, and even the muscles around your temples—will be affected.
Fixing the Root Cause: Chewing and Habits
Now, you might be wondering how you can fix this. The most effective solution is to address your chewing habits. Most people tend to chew more on one side, which creates muscle imbalance over time. To help correct this, try consciously chewing on both sides of your mouth, making sure to divide the load evenly. This is the most important step in balancing the muscles in your jaw and face.
While this may seem simple, it can have a significant impact. If you consistently chew evenly, it will help correct the muscle imbalance that’s contributing to your facial asymmetry. This is a habit that, if done regularly, will start to show results over time.
That said, changing habits takes time, and that’s where consistency comes in. Although a facial massage or a quick fix might offer temporary relief, it’s the long-term changes to your habits that will truly fix the problem.
Quick Fixes vs. Long-Term Solutions
There’s always the temptation to seek a quick fix, and some people turn to massaging the bigger side of their face to try and reduce asymmetry. While this can give a temporary improvement, it won’t solve the underlying issue, which is usually a muscle imbalance from your chewing or posture habits. Massaging the bigger side may help reduce tension, but it's important to remember that fixing the problem at its root—your chewing habits—is the long-term solution.
The Importance of Good Habits
Facial asymmetry doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s usually the result of your daily habits. Whether it’s how you chew, sleep, or even the way you hold your head during the day, these small habits add up over time. Becoming aware of these habits and making small changes can have a big impact on your facial symmetry.
A good place to start is to check which side of your jaw is dominant. One side may feel more defined or sharper than the other. This is usually the side you chew on more, and this subtle imbalance can affect the muscles and bones over time. Gently touch both sides of your jaw and compare how they feel. You might notice that one side feels more angled, while the other feels softer. This is the starting point in understanding where the imbalance comes from.
How the Koko Face Yoga App Can Help
If you’re not sure how to fix your facial asymmetry, or if you need more guidance, check out the Koko Face Yoga App. We’ve included a special facial chiropractic course to help address these issues. I initially posted this content on YouTube, but it was removed—probably because it was a bit too unconventional for the platform. That's why we’ve moved everything to the app, where you can access these exercises and learn more about balancing your face.
Final Thoughts
Remember, some degree of asymmetry is completely natural and nothing to worry about. But if you feel like one side of your face is affecting your comfort or appearance, focusing on habits like chewing evenly can help restore balance. By paying attention to your jaw, posture, and chewing habits, you’ll gradually start to see improvements.