17
Mar
Frequently asked questions about correcting facial asymmetry and distortion from TMJ.
At the practice of our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Derek Steinbacher, we provide a myriad of cosmetic surgery solutions for those looking to improve their aesthetic appearance. But sometimes, procedures are performed due to trauma or certain medical conditions that have impacted the way one looks. Patients who experience facial asymmetry and face distortion from conditions like TMJ/TMD might want to speak to a provider about correcting these imperfections and improving their appearance. To help you better understand the process, we have compiled frequently asked questions about correcting facial asymmetry and distortion from TMJ/TMD.
What exactly is TMJ/TMD?
A hinge-like and translatory joint called the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connects your jawbone and skull. It allows you to move your jaw up and down, side to side, and forward and backward, which is necessary for speaking, chewing, and yawning. Temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, refers to conditions affecting this joint and the surrounding muscles. These conditions often cause pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, head, neck, or shoulders. It can also cause facial asymmetry.
How does facial asymmetry occur due to TMJ/TMD conditions?
TMJ/TMD disorders can cause facial pain, due to the muscles, surrounding tissues and/or the joint(s) themselves. A specific type of condition we see frequently is call TMJ condylar hyperplasia where one side of the mandible (the condyle, condylar neck of the TMJ and sometimes ramus) grows or elongates more creating facial and jaw asymmetry. This also frequently causes TMJ pain or joint changes on one of both sides from the imbalance on the system. This can lead to changes in the positioning of the jawbone, resulting in an uneven or distorted appearance on one side of the face. In some situations, it might also cause changes in bite alignment, which can contribute further to facial asymmetry.
Can correcting TMJ/TMD improve facial asymmetry?
Addressing and treating TMJ/TMD conditions can often improve or correct facial asymmetry. Depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on your facial appearance, your plastic, maxillofacial, and craniofacial surgeon may recommend a combination of treatments. These treatments can include orthodontic treatment to realign your bite, Botox injections to relax tense muscles, and, in some cases, corrective jaw surgery and TMJ surgery to correct any structural issues.
Should surgery be necessary to correct facial asymmetry caused by TMJ/TMD?
Surgery is not always necessary to correct TMJ/TMD. In some cases, non-invasive treatments such as Botox, other injections, or orthodontic treatment may be enough to improve the appearance of the face. However, if the underlying cause of one’s facial asymmetry is a misaligned jawbone or other structural issue like condylar hyperplasia causing symptoms and asymmetry, your surgeon might recommend corrective jaw surgery together with a TMJ condylar procedure for more significant and long-lasting results.
Who can I call in Guilford, Connecticut, to learn more about facial asymmetry surgery for TMJ face distortion?
Dr. Derek Steinbacher and his team are here to assist patients bothered by face distortion caused by TMJ/TMD. Call (203) 453-6635 to request an upcoming visit at 5 Durham Road, Suite 1-8. We can work with you and discuss your options for restoring facial symmetry following changes in the structure caused by this condition.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to
aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients
from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able
to uniquely address the face (facelift +
rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with
one-of-a-kind results.
He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial
Surgery. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of
Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the
Academy of Facial
Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic
Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor
of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions,
including Harvard
and Johns Hopkins. His
perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this
intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent
comprehensive results.
Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and
science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly
improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are
always in good hands!