There could be several reasons for one side of a baby’s cheek to appear bigger than the other, including normal facial asymmetry, teething, or a minor injury or infection. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and advice.
One possible reason for one side of a baby’s cheek to appear larger than the other is normal facial asymmetry. It is important to note that facial asymmetry is very common and often resolves on its own as the baby grows and their facial features develop. According to a renowned expert in craniofacial anomalies, Dr. Raymond Tse, “Facial asymmetry in infants is quite common and is usually due to natural variations in growth and development.”
Teething is another possible cause for one side of a baby’s cheek to appear bigger. As the baby’s teeth start to emerge, there may be mild swelling or inflammation on the side where the tooth is coming in. However, it is important to note that this swelling is usually temporary and localized around the affected gum area.
In some cases, a minor injury or infection could lead to one side of a baby’s cheek appearing larger. A baby’s cheek can get accidentally bumped or injured during play or when they are learning to crawl or walk. Additionally, a minor infection such as a skin abscess or cellulitis can cause swelling in the cheek area. It is advisable to seek medical attention if there are any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus.
Here are some interesting facts about facial asymmetry in babies:
-
Facial asymmetry is a common occurrence during the early stages of development, and it often resolves spontaneously as the baby grows.
-
A study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that about 38% of infants exhibited some degree of facial asymmetry.
-
Facial asymmetry can result from variations in skull shape, muscle development, or differences in tissue growth on each side of the face.
-
Most cases of facial asymmetry in infants are mild and do not require any intervention. However, severe or persistent cases may warrant further evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional.
And now, a table that summarizes the possible causes of one-sided cheek swelling in babies:
| Possible Causes | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Normal facial asymmetry | Common, resolves on its own as the baby grows |
| Teething | Temporary swelling localized around the affected gum area |
| Minor injury or infection | Can result from accidental bumping or a minor infection |
In conclusion, if one side of a baby’s cheek appears bigger than the other, it is important to consider factors such as normal facial asymmetry, teething, or a minor injury/infection. Nonetheless, seeking professional medical advice is recommended for a proper diagnosis and appropriate guidance. Remember, facial asymmetry and mild swelling are often normal parts of a baby’s growth and development.
Video answer
According to Dr. Santosh Bethur, it is perfectly normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other in most men, but there should not be a significant difference. It is also common for one testicle to hang lower than the other. Unless there are other symptoms like pain or loss of sensation, individuals do not need to be concerned about the variation in size.
See more answer options
Cranial and facial asymmetry is very common in newborns, due to the “softness” of the skull bones at birth. It can be caused by pressures in the uterus during pregnancy and delivery or because of the regular placement of the infant in one position during sleep.
If a baby’s cheek is bigger on one side, it could be due to a congenital disorder called hemifacial microsomia (HFM). HFM is a condition where one side of the face is underdeveloped. Another possible cause is hemihyperplasia, which is when one side of the body grows faster than the other side as a result of bone or soft tissue that doesn’t stop growing. Congenital facial nerve palsy is another rare problem that can cause a deficiency of the facial nerve, usually on one side.
Why does my baby have one big cheek? Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital disorder, not a condition that develops before, during, or after birth. After cleft lip and cleft palate, hemifacial microsomia is the second most frequent facial birth abnormality. About one in 3500–4000 live newborns experience it.
Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital problem. This means that your child is born with it. In this condition, one side of your baby’s face is underdeveloped. (Hemi means half). HFM usually only affects one side of the face. Sometimes both sides may be affected.
Hemihyperplasia, also known as hemihypertrophy or overgrowth syndrome, is when one side of the body grows faster than the other side as a result of bone or soft tissue that doesn’t stop growing. It can look different for everyone affected, and it’s common in children.
On each side of the face, there is one main facial nerve with several branches that travel to the muscles of facial expression. Children can be born with a deficiency of this nerve, usually on one side. Sometimes both nerves are affected. This is a rare problem. The causes of congenital facial nerve palsy are usually birth trauma or developmental.