What you need to know about facial balancing procedures
The term "facial balancing" is probably all over your social media feeds, but what is it really? You may have seen this beauty buzzword is lighting up social media, and for good reason. Chances are you've probably scrolled past at least one stunning before and after photo labeled facial balancing. These subtle, sometimes dramatic, tweaks completely transform faces, and the results are unique to each individual.
It's a trendy term, but many people aren't sure what it means or what it involves. We spoke with ASPS Member Surgeons Nima Naghshineh, MD, MSc, FACS, and Richard Reish, MD, FACS, for insights and what you need to know before you try it.
The booming popularity of facial balancing
Facial balancing might be going viral, but it's really a tried-and-true treatment with a new Instagram filter.
"Facial balancing may be having its social media moment, but in my practice, the concept has always been popular," said Dr. Naghshineh. "The real shift is in the language. More patients are walking in asking specifically for facial balancing, whereas in the past, they simply sought my aesthetic input on how to best enhance their overall look."
It may sound like a single procedure, but facial balancing actually involves an array of different treatments tailored for each person's unique features.
"Facial balancing is one of those terms that can be very overused by many providers," said Dr. Reish. "It's become sort of a catch-all phrase that's not actually descriptive of what they're doing. All in all, I'd describe facial balancing as giving better proportions to the face. This can be subjective, of course, and varies from patient to patient."
The end goal is not to change your face, but to subtly enhance your overall appearance.
"Simply put, facial balancing is about achieving harmony," said Dr. Naghshineh. "It's the art and science of subtly enhancing or softening features so the face appears more proportionate and naturally attractive. Many patients come in thinking it means filler everywhere – it doesn't. True facial balancing takes a global approach – assessing how the chin relates to the nose, how the cheeks frame the eyes, how lips complement the lower face. It's about creating symmetry where nature left small discrepancies, not about chasing perfection. I like to tell patients, 'You should still look like you, just the most refined, rested version of you.'"
The basics of facial balancing
Treatment plans for facial balancing are individualized for every person to create a one-of-a-kind look.
"Facial balancing is never formulaic because every face – and every aesthetic – is different," said Dr. Naghshineh. "I approach each patient knowing that their goals, comfort level with surgical versus nonsurgical treatments, and even the natural asymmetries between the left and right sides of their face are unique to them."
Surgeons work closely with their patients to come up with a custom plan for facial balancing.
"My approach has never changed," said Dr. Naghshineh. "I listen carefully to the patient's goals, educate them on what the principles of facial balancing would suggest, and together we craft a personalized plan. It's a collaborative process, not a one-size-fits-all formula, and that's exactly why it resonates."
Plastic surgeons consider the entire face, not individual features, when determining which procedures to use for facial balancing.
"Most patients who seek facial balancing are already thinking globally – they want harmony, not just enhancement of a single feature," said Dr. Naghshineh. "That said, we do see plenty of patients who arrive focused on one area, the nose being a great example. Whether they're asking about nonsurgical nose filler or considering rhinoplasty, they've often done a 'self-assessment' and zeroed in on what they believe is the issue. What's frequently overlooked, though, is how one feature relates to another. A beautifully refined nose may still feel out of sync if the chin or jawline lacks projection. That's where my role comes in: I guide patients through a full-face assessment, show them the relationships between features, and – only if it aligns with their goals – expand the conversation to include other treatments. The outcome is a more balanced, naturally beautiful result that exceeds the sum of its parts."
The treatments and techniques, including surgical and minimally invasive options, can vary depending on the surgeon and the patient's goals.
"In facial balancing, no two faces – or treatment plans – are ever the same," said Dr. Naghshineh. "I use a full spectrum of tools, from the most delicate nonsurgical touches to definitive surgical procedures. Nonsurgically, hyaluronic acid fillers are versatile for restoring volume loss and softening asymmetries. I also increasingly turn to bioidentical options like Renuva, which mimics natural fat for soft, subtle fullness without requiring surgical fat transfer."
Surgical options include implants and facelifts to enhance the face's structure and reduce sagging.
"I always remind patients balance isn't just about adding volume," said Dr. Naghshineh. "Age-related tissue laxity can throw off facial harmony. That's why I often start with nonsurgical skin tightening before moving to fillers—it resets the foundation. And for those who need more dramatic lifting and repositioning, my most impactful tool remains the facelift, customized to each patient's anatomy and goals. The art lies in sequencing and blending these approaches for natural, effortless results."
Both patients and surgeons should prioritize safety with some facial balancing procedures, especially those that target the delicate under-eye area.
"The undereye area is a very risky area to inject," said Dr. Reish. "What a lot of providers suggest is to use filler under the eyes, but this can be very risky, with risk of blindness, central artery occlusion, etc. Fillers can also look lumpy or bumpy with contour irregularities. The same issue applies to fat grafting under the eyes – you run the risk of having hard lumps, nodules and contour irregularities."
Social media floods us with seemingly flawless faces, so it's no wonder this trend is popular. Facial balancing is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every patient needs a personalized approach that can include surgical and minimally invasive options. Facial balancing delivers natural results, whether you're looking for a subtle tweak or a dramatic transformation. The key to getting your best look? Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who knows how to enhance your features.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
