Does Sleeping on One Side Cause Facial Asymmetry? How Fillers Can Help

Believe it or not, your sleeping habits can potentially contribute to subtle shifts in your facial symmetry over time. This long-term compression on one side may affect skin elasticity, volume distribution, and even how your facial muscles rest. If you’ve noticed one side of your face looking slightly different or flatter than the other, dermal fillers and biostimulators can be a non-surgical solution to help make your face more symmetrical. By restoring volume and balance, fillers can help smooth out uneven areas and enhance facial harmony, so you’ll wake up looking as refreshed as you feel.

What Is Facial Asymmetry?

No face is perfectly symmetrical, and it’s those small differences that are part of what make each of us unique. However, when the imbalance in your facial symmetry is more noticeable, it can sometimes affect how we feel about ourselves, and impact self-confidence. Common forms of asymmetry include differences in the eyes, nose, cheekbones, jawline, or even the size and shape of your lips.

Does Sleeping On One Side Really Cause Facial Changes?

Over time, consistently sleeping on the same side of your face can contribute to subtle facial asymmetry. The pressure from your pillow can break down collagen and elastin, leading to volume loss, sleep lines, and a flatter appearance on that side. As we age and skin naturally loses elasticity, these effects can become more noticeable.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, gel-like substances⎯often made of hyaluronic acid, are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Results are usually quick, but subtle, just enough to make you look refreshed without it being obvious you had anything done.

Can Dermal Fillers Help Correct Facial Asymmetry?

If side-sleeping has led to volume loss or more prominent creases on one cheek, fillers can be used to:

Restore balance to cheekbones, jawlines or temples.
Plump up depressed or flattened areas, including the lips and cheeks.
Smooth out deeper folds or wrinkles.
Improve overall symmetry of the face.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Most dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year depending on the product/amount used, area treated, and your metabolism. Areas with more movement like the lips, might dissolve a little faster, while places like the cheeks can hold onto filler longer. Everyone’s body breaks it down differently too, so results vary from person to person.

The Process & What to Expect

Consultation⎯During your consultation, we’ll talk to you about your goals and assess your facial structure.
Treatment⎯Appointments typically take at least 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the areas being treated.
Recovery⎯Swelling and bruising can occur but will vary depending on the type of treatment and the area treated.
Results⎯Results are usually visible right away, with full effects settling in over the next few days.

Tips For Preventing or Minimizing Sleep-Related Facial Asymmetry

While dermal fillers offer an effective treatment for sleep-related asymmetry, there are other things that can help prevent or minimize this.

Alternate Your Sleeping Position⎯Training yourself to switch sides, or sleep on your back can help.
Use A Silk Or Satin Pillowcase⎯These pillowcases keep skin from tugging and compressing like cotton ones can.

Ready To Feel More Balanced?

Sleeping on one side does contribute to asymmetry for some, which is why dermal fillers are a great, natural-looking solution for facial balance. If you’ve noticed asymmetry and want to learn about treatment options, book your dermal filler consultation online, call us (571) 310-3223 or visit our Arlington, VA, location. Let us help you restore your facial symmetry and look your best!