Square Jaw Treatment in Korea: Botox or Jaw Reduction?
The short answer
A square jaw in Korea is treated with masseter Botox when a large chewing muscle causes the width, and with jaw reduction surgery when the jaw bone flares outward. Botox takes about 10 minutes, typically costs ₩50,000 to ₩500,000 and lasts 4 to 6 months. Jaw reduction takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours under general anesthesia, costs about ₩8,000,000 to ₩35,000,000 and is permanent.
Key facts
- Causes: large masseter muscle, wide jaw angles, or both
- Masseter Botox: ₩50,000–₩500,000, lasts 4–6 months
- Jaw reduction surgery: ₩8,000,000–₩35,000,000, permanent
- Botox onset: 2–4 weeks
- Surgery downtime: about 3–4 weeks
- Diagnosis: clench test and CT scan
What is a square jaw?
A square jaw is a wide or prominent lower jawline, often with sharp angles below the ears. From the front, the lower face can look as wide as, or wider than, the cheekbones. Some people like a strong jaw, but many patients in Korea prefer a softer, oval or V-shaped face.
Two main causes
- Muscle: a large masseter, the chewing muscle at the jaw angle, often from clenching, grinding or chewing hard foods.
- Bone: wide or flared jaw angles in the mandible.
A quick test: clench your teeth and feel the jaw angle. If a firm bulge appears, muscle plays a role. A CT scan shows the bone contribution.
Treatment options in Korea
1. Masseter Botox
Botulinum toxin injected into each masseter relaxes the muscle, which shrinks over the following weeks. The lower face looks slimmer after 2 to 4 weeks, with peak effect at about 6 to 8 weeks. Repeated treatments every 4 to 6 months can keep the muscle smaller. It may also help with clenching. See botulinum toxin.
2. Jaw reduction surgery (mandibular contouring)
Through incisions inside the mouth, the surgeon removes the flared jaw angles in a smooth curve and may thin the outer bone. This is a permanent change. See square jaw reduction and V-line surgery if the chin also needs narrowing.
3. Combination treatments
Many patients with a square jaw have both muscle and bone factors. Surgery reduces the bone, and Botox afterwards keeps the muscle slim. Chin filler can also lengthen the chin so the face looks less square.
4. Non-surgical contouring
Chin filler, jaw border filler and fat reduction under the jaw can change how the jaw reads from the front, even without reducing width. See jawline contouring injections.
Comparing options
| Treatment | Typical cost (2026) | Downtime | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masseter Botox (Korean) | ₩50,000–₩200,000 | None | 4–6 months |
| Masseter Botox (imported) | ₩200,000–₩500,000 | None | 4–6 months |
| Chin / jaw filler | ₩300,000–₩2,000,000 | 1–3 days | 9–15 months |
| Square jaw reduction | ₩8,000,000–₩25,000,000 | 3–4 weeks | Permanent |
| V-line surgery | ₩15,000,000–₩35,000,000 | 3–4 weeks | Permanent |
Why patients choose Korea
Masseter Botox is extremely common in Korea and priced competitively, while Korean contouring surgeons perform jaw reduction regularly with 3D CT planning. That makes it easy to start with Botox and consider surgery later at the same clinic.
Recovery
- Botox: no downtime; avoid massaging the jaw on the day.
- Surgery: peak swelling in the first days, a compression garment, soft diet for several weeks and most visible swelling gone in 3 to 4 weeks. Plan about 10 to 14 days in Seoul.
Risks to discuss
With Botox, the main issues are temporary chewing fatigue, a slightly hollow look below the cheekbone if too much is used, and, rarely, a changed smile when toxin reaches nearby muscles. Using a sensible dose and spacing treatments helps. With surgery, ask about numbness of the lower lip, asymmetry between sides, a notched or unnatural jaw angle, soft tissue sagging in older patients, bleeding and, rarely, fracture or facial nerve weakness. Ask your surgeon to show you on the CT scan how much bone they plan to remove and how they will keep both sides even.
Planning your trip
For Botox alone, a single short visit is enough, and you can see the full slimming effect after returning home. If you are considering surgery, book a consultation and CT scan early in your stay, allow at least 10 days after the operation for checks, and bring loose, front-opening clothing and a supply of soft foods. Ask the clinic whether a coordinator can help with pharmacy visits and follow-up appointments in English.
How to choose
- If your jaw bulges when you clench and you want a low-commitment option, try Botox first.
- If CT shows wide bone and you want a permanent change, consider surgery.
- If both, a combined plan often gives the best result.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my square jaw is muscle or bone?
Clench your teeth: a bulge suggests muscle. A doctor's exam and CT scan confirm the bone contribution.
Does masseter Botox affect chewing?
You may notice slight chewing fatigue with tough foods for a few weeks. Normal eating is not affected.
Is jaw reduction surgery permanent?
Yes. The removed bone does not grow back.
Can I combine Botox and surgery?
Yes. Many patients use Botox after surgery to keep the muscle slim.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.