Concerns About Uneven Cheeks and Eyes
As a 14-year-old female freshman, I wonder if my age contributes to my current concerns. Reflecting on my experiences from middle school, I recall that I used to get plenty of sleep, often lying on my left side. Back then, I can’t quite remember how my cheeks looked during 6th and 7th grade, but I believe that by 8th grade, my left cheek appeared larger. My family members, including my sister, dad, and brother, confirmed this observation. During a summer camp in 2024, while taking a group picture, it became evident that my left cheek was slightly more pronounced. Although it wasn’t overly noticeable to others, I couldn't help but see the difference when glancing at myself in the photo. Recently, I experimented by flipping a selfie using an iPhone app, which accentuated the size difference again. Comparisons with older pictures from 2024 showed my cheeks appearing larger, yet when I look in the mirror, they seem symmetrical. It’s perplexing because my best friend, who also sleeps on her side, has perfectly even cheeks, and it feels like I’m the odd one out at school. In addition to my cheek concerns, I’m facing an issue with my eyes. I used to have noticeably larger eyes, even as a child. Although I manage to sleep for about nine hours daily and spend less time in front of screens than many of my peers, I still wake up with smaller, tired-looking eyes accompanied by some dark circles. I wonder if this is connected to my hydration level, as I’ve been feeling somewhat dehydrated. Interestingly, at a recent sleepover, I noticed my eyes seemed larger upon waking, which leads me to suspect it might relate to environmental factors or possible allergies. My sister appears to be experiencing similar changes in her eye size. Despite months passing, I have yet to see my eyes return to their normal, larger state. I once consulted a modeling imaging expert, who suggested that my situation might involve some form of cranial tilt degeneration, but I’m still unsure about its implications.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 5:01:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're feeling frustrated and confused about the unevenness of your cheeks and the appearance of your eyes, especially considering your age and recent experiences. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and some steps you can take.
Main Points
- Uneven Cheeks: Changes in facial symmetry, particularly during adolescence, can occur due to growth patterns and sleeping positions.
- Eye Appearance: Puffy or smaller-looking eyes, along with dark circles, can stem from factors like hydration, allergies, and sleep quality.
Explanation
-
Uneven Cheeks: It's common for teenagers to notice changes in their facial features as they grow. Sleeping positions can influence how the face develops over time, along with natural growth. Even if your cheeks appear uneven in pictures or selfies, it's important to remember that photographs can distort perceptions, and our own views in the mirror can differ from how others see us.
-
Eye Appearance: Dark circles and the appearance of smaller eyes can be associated with hydration levels, sleep quality, and even allergies. Dehydration can make your eyes look tired and sunken. Allergens in your environment, like dust or pollen, could also be contributing to this issue.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Sleep and Hydration: Aim for consistent sleep, ideally 8-10 hours, and ensure you're well-hydrated throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 cups (about 2 liters) of water daily, adjusting based on activity level.
-
Facial Care: Consider adjusting your sleeping position occasionally to prevent pressure on one side of your face. Gentle facial exercises or massages may help improve circulation and address symmetry concerns.
-
Manage Allergies: If you suspect allergens are affecting your eye appearance, try to identify potential triggers within your environment. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help with allergies, but consult with a parent or guardian before starting any new medications.
-
Self-Image and Perspective: It's natural to have concerns during your teenage years, especially about your appearance. Consider talking to someone you trust, like a family member or counselor, if you're feeling self-conscious.
-
Take Breaks from Screens: Given your awareness of screen time, ensure you take regular breaks and practice the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes). This can help reduce eye strain.
Keep monitoring your symptoms and how you feel. If things don’t improve or you have ongoing concerns about your appearance, it could be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional who can give you personalized advice and support. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way, and changes often level out as you grow.
Related Questions
Is a Burning Sensation from Mouthwash Common?
I've recently been using a mint-flavored mouthwash, specifically Crest's teeth whitening formula. However, it caused significant discomfort, stinging my lips and tongue to the point where I felt compelled to switch to Therabreath. Additionally, I had come across information suggesting that teeth whitening mouthwashes might harm your enamel. Therabreath also contains fluoride and mint, and while it still causes some burning, it's noticeably more tolerable than the previous brand. For a long time, I assumed this burning sensation was simply a normal part of using mouthwash, as I have experienced similar discomfort during dental visits throughout my life. To manage the sting from Therabreath, I've found that spitting it out before the pain becomes too intense has been a helpful strategy since it's not quite as severe. At this point, I am uncertain if my reaction is specific to mint or another ingredient present in the mouthwash. I have always disliked using mouthwash due to the discomfort it brings, but Therabreath is just tolerable enough that I keep using it. I'm turning to Reddit for advice first, as I would prefer not to visit my doctor only to be told that this sensation is typical and thus wasting her time. Being autistic, I sometimes find certain sensory experiences overwhelming, and it’s possible that I could just be particularly sensitive in this case.
Addressing My Sleep Concerns: Seeking Guidance
I am a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 179 pounds, residing in the United States. Throughout my life, I have encountered more challenges with sleep than many of my peers. In my younger years, I was known to sleepwalk and talk in my sleep quite often. Additionally, I experience particularly intense nightmares. Lately, I've noticed alarming symptoms such as waking up with a racing heart. On occasions when I don't awaken, I've had instances of bedwetting. In an attempt to alleviate this, I've begun to refrain from drinking anything for four hours prior to sleep. Despite these efforts, I find this situation concerning, especially considering my history of sleepwalking and talking during the night. Could this be a reaction to stress, or do you think I should seek professional medical advice?
Experiencing Unexpected Breathlessness One Month After Gallbladder Surgery – Should I Worry?
A 26-year-old woman, weighing 44 kilograms and standing at 5 feet 4 inches, does not smoke or drink. A month has passed since I underwent laparoscopic gallbladder removal, and while my recovery has generally been smooth, I've faced some bouts of fatigue. However, today I encountered something alarming: I felt a sudden shortness of breath after ascending a flight of stairs, which struck me as unusual. Later, while trying on outfits for an upcoming event, the same thing happened again—I became breathless. After some online research, I stumbled upon information regarding pulmonary embolism, which left me feeling quite frightened. Could this be a serious issue? Should I consider consulting my surgeon for further advice?
Experiencing Intense Night Sweats?
I’m a 22-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing at 5’4”. I've had a history of post-viral illness, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Throughout my life, I've dealt with intermittent night sweats, but it has escalated recently—in the last month or two, I've been experiencing them nightly. I've tried switching out my bedding, adjusting the temperature in my bedroom, and a few other strategies, yet I still wake up drenched, as if I’ve been sprayed with water. My clothes are soaked, my hair feels greasy and wet, and it leaves me feeling quite uncomfortable. To avoid ruining yet another pair of pajamas, I often opt to sleep without any clothes for the remainder of the night. Because of my other health issues, I undergo blood tests fairly frequently—about three to four times a year—and my physician hasn’t indicated any alarming results besides addressing those tests specifically. What could be causing this? It’s incredibly frustrating to wake up at 3 a.m. every night feeling like this.
Struggles with Sleep Due to Flu/COVID
Caution: This message may not be well-articulated as I am running on little to no sleep. I’m an 18-year-old male, currently weighing around 175 pounds, down from 185 before falling ill. For the past four days, I have been dealing with what I suspect is either the flu or COVID-19. I’ve been taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and both daytime and nighttime cold and flu medications. Generally, these have worked for me, save for one incident where I vomited the flu medicine shortly after taking it. Fortunately, I managed to have my lunch, a small bowl of honey yogurt, without issues. My main symptoms include heavy congestion, a sore throat, persistent headaches, and overwhelming fatigue. However, I face a significant challenge: I cannot fall asleep at night. Yesterday, I tried staying awake throughout the day, believing it might help me rest at night, but I ended up unable to sleep then as well. I feel utterly drained, and even simple activities like walking are a struggle. Yet, when I try to rest, sleep eludes me completely.