Maxillofacial Surgery in Seoul: Jaw, Bone and Bite Care
The short answer
Maxillofacial surgery in Seoul treats the jaws, facial bones and mouth, covering bite-correcting jaw surgery, facial bone contouring, jaw joint (TMJ) surgery, reconstruction and bone grafting. Most procedures use incisions inside the mouth and general anesthesia. Typical 2026 prices range from about ₩5,000,000 for single-area surgery to ₩50,000,000 for complex jaw correction, with 2 to 6 weeks of initial recovery.
Key facts
- Scope: orthognathic surgery, facial bone contouring, TMJ, reconstruction, bone grafts
- Planning: 3D CT scan, bite and joint assessment, orthodontic review
- Anesthesia: usually general
- Typical cost: about ₩5,000,000–₩50,000,000
- Initial recovery: about 2–6 weeks
- Incisions: mostly inside the mouth
What maxillofacial surgery covers
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a broad specialty that works on the maxilla (upper jaw), the mandible (lower jaw), the facial bones and the mouth. It covers:
- Orthognathic surgery to correct the bite and jaw position
- Facial bone contouring, such as jaw angle or cheekbone reduction
- TMJ surgery for the jaw joint in front of the ear
- Reconstruction after injury or for congenital conditions
- Bone grafting to support dental implants
Because the field is so wide, your plan depends on your condition. The surgeon starts with a 3D CT scan, a bite and joint assessment and often an orthodontic review. The sections below use jaw correction, the most common example, to show how treatment usually works.
Most often chosen for
- An underbite, overbite or open bite
- A long, short or asymmetrical face from jaw position
- Jaw joint pain, clicking or limited opening that has not responded to conservative care
- Facial bone width that patients want reduced
- Bone loss before dental implants
Often combined with
Jaw correction is frequently combined with genioplasty or contouring for a balanced result.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incisions in the mouth
Most maxillofacial operations are done through incisions inside the mouth, so the face has no visible scar. TMJ surgery may use a small incision in front of the ear.
Where the incisions and bone cuts are made
For jaw correction, the upper jaw is cut above the tooth roots and the lower jaw is split behind the molars. Each segment is moved to the planned position using a surgical splint and fixed with plates and screws. For contouring, excess bone is removed or reshaped instead of moved.
How the incisions heal
Dissolvable stitches close the incisions, which heal within about 2 to 3 weeks with careful oral hygiene.
Recovery timeline
| Procedure type | Hospital stay | Initial recovery | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial bone contouring | 0–1 night | 2–4 weeks | About 6 months |
| Single-jaw surgery | 1–3 nights | 3–4 weeks | 6‒9 months |
| Two-jaw surgery | 2–5 nights | 4–6 weeks | 6–12 months |
| TMJ arthroscopy | Often same day | 1–2 weeks | Varies |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have a functional problem such as a bite or joint issue, with or without cosmetic concerns.
- Want a surgeon who manages both function and appearance.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your concern is purely cosmetic and your bite is normal: contouring surgery such as V-line surgery may be all you need.
- Your jaw pain is new or mild: conservative treatment with splints and physiotherapy usually comes first.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about numbness of the lips and chin, bleeding, infection, bite relapse, jaw joint changes, nasal changes after upper jaw surgery, and the possibility of hardware removal. Ask who leads your care, whether it is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a plastic surgeon or both, and how follow-up will work after you return home.
Maxillofacial surgery cost in Seoul
Typical prices range from about ₩5,000,000 for single-area contouring or grafting to ₩50,000,000 for complex two-jaw correction. Some functional procedures may be partly covered by insurance for residents, but most international patients pay the self-pay rate. Ask for a full written estimate.
Maxillofacial surgery vs. V-line surgery
Maxillofacial surgery is the specialty; V-line surgery is one contouring procedure within it. If you need your bite fixed, see two-jaw surgery. If you only want a slimmer jaw, V-line surgery is the usual choice.
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
Is maxillofacial surgery the same as plastic surgery?
They overlap. Maxillofacial surgeons focus on jaws, bite and facial bones; plastic surgeons also perform facial contouring. In Korea both may work in the same clinic.
Do I need orthodontics?
For bite correction, usually yes. For pure bone contouring, no.
How long will I stay in Seoul?
About 2 weeks for contouring and 3 to 4 weeks for jaw surgery.
Can TMJ problems be fixed with surgery?
Some can, but surgery is usually considered only after conservative treatments have been tried.
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.