Square Jaw Reduction in Seoul: A Smoother, Slimmer Jawline
The short answer
Square jaw reduction in Seoul removes the flared corners of the lower jaw, often with thinning of the outer bone, so the jawline curves smoothly from ear to chin. It is done through incisions inside the mouth in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours under general anesthesia. Typical 2026 prices range from about ₩8,000,000 to ₩35,000,000, and most visible swelling settles in 3 to 4 weeks.
Key facts
- Anesthesia: general
- Surgery time: about 1.5–2.5 hours
- Incisions: inside the mouth
- Typical cost: about ₩8,000,000–₩35,000,000
- Social downtime: about 3–4 weeks
- Final result: around 6 months
- Non-surgical alternative: masseter Botox for muscle-related width
What square jaw reduction changes
The width of your lower face is set mostly by the mandible, the lower jaw bone. When the jaw angles below your ears are large or flare outward, the face looks square or bulky from the front. Square jaw reduction removes that excess bone so the jawline runs in a smooth curve from the ear toward the chin.
The main step is mandibular angle reduction, which removes the flared corners of the jaw. Cortical bone shaving can be added to thin the outer layer of the jaw and slim the face from the front. If the chin is also broad, chin surgery can be combined for a V-line effect. Your surgeon plans the cuts on a 3D CT scan so the nerve inside the jaw is protected and both sides match.
Most often chosen for
- Prominent jaw angles visible from the front
- A lower face that looks wider than the cheekbones
- Uneven jaw angles
- Wanting a softer, more oval face shape
Often combined with
It is often combined with chin narrowing as part of V-line surgery, with zygoma reduction, or followed by masseter Botox if the muscle is also large.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incision in the mouth
An incision is made inside the mouth along the lower back gum on each side. There is no external scar.
Where the incisions and bone cuts are made
Using specialised saws, the surgeon removes the flared angle in a long, curved line so the jaw does not look notched. The outer cortex may be shaved to reduce width from the front. The inferior alveolar nerve, which runs inside the jaw, is mapped on the CT scan and avoided.
How the incisions heal
Dissolvable stitches close the incisions. They heal in about 2 weeks. A small drain may be used for a day.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Peak swelling, compression garment, liquid diet |
| Week 1 | Bruising fades; soft diet; mouth rinses |
| Weeks 2–4 | Most visible swelling settles; return to work |
| Months 1–3 | Mouth opening and chewing return to normal |
| Around 6 months | Final contour |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have wide jaw angles confirmed as bone on CT.
- Have a normal bite.
- Can stay in Seoul for about 10 to 14 days.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your jaw width is mostly muscle: masseter Botox may slim it without surgery.
- Your chin is also wide or long: V-line surgery may suit you better.
- Your skin is loose: removing bone can make sagging more visible.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about lower lip numbness, asymmetry, a visible step or notch at the jaw angle, soft tissue sagging, bleeding, infection and, rarely, fracture or facial nerve weakness. Ask how many jaw reductions the surgeon performs, whether an anesthesiologist is present and how revisions are handled.
Square jaw reduction cost in Seoul
Typical prices range from about ₩8,000,000 to ₩35,000,000. Angle reduction alone sits at the lower end; adding cortex shaving, chin work or senior surgeons raises the price. Masseter Botox by comparison typically costs about ₩50,000 to ₩500,000 per session.
Square jaw reduction vs. V-line surgery
Square jaw reduction focuses on the angles and side width. V-line surgery adds chin narrowing for a tapered shape. If your chin is already narrow, jaw reduction alone may be enough. Our square jaw condition guide compares surgical and non-surgical choices.
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 square jaw reduction permanent?
Yes. Removed bone does not grow back, though soft tissue and muscle can change with age.
Will I need Botox after surgery?
Some patients add masseter Botox if the muscle remains bulky after bone reduction.
How long should I stay in Korea?
About 10 to 14 days for early healing and follow-up visits.
Can my face sag after jaw reduction?
Some soft tissue looseness is possible, especially in older patients. Ask your surgeon whether a lift or tightening is advisable.
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.