Two-Jaw Surgery in Seoul: Correct Bite and Profile Together
The short answer
Two-jaw surgery in Seoul, or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, repositions both the upper and lower jaws to correct the bite and the facial profile at the same time. It takes about 3 to 5 hours under general anesthesia, usually with orthodontic braces before and after. Typical 2026 prices range from about ₩20,000,000 to ₩50,000,000, with 4 to 6 weeks of initial recovery.
Key facts
- Anesthesia: general
- Surgery time: about 3–5 hours
- Hospital stay: usually 2–5 nights
- Typical cost: about ₩20,000,000–₩50,000,000
- Orthodontics: often before and for months after surgery
- Initial recovery: about 4–6 weeks
- Recommended stay in Seoul: about 3–4 weeks
What two-jaw surgery changes
Two-jaw surgery, also called bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, corrects a mismatch between the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). When the jaws do not line up, the teeth cannot meet properly and the face can look long, short, uneven or pushed forward. Moving both jaws fixes the bite and the profile at the same time.
Treatment is a team effort with an orthodontist. Braces usually come first to line up the teeth for the new jaw position, and orthodontic finishing continues for some months after surgery. Your surgeon plans the moves on a 3D CT scan and makes a surgical splint, a thin bite guide, so the jaws are placed exactly as planned.
Surgery-first approach
Some Korean clinics offer a surgery-first approach, where surgery comes before most of the braces work. It can shorten the overall timeline and suit international patients, but it is not right for every bite. Ask whether you are a candidate.
Most often chosen for
- An underbite or protruding lower jaw
- An overbite with a retruded lower jaw
- A long face or gummy smile caused by a long upper jaw
- A tilted or asymmetrical jaw
- Open bite, where front teeth do not meet
Often combined with
Two-jaw surgery is often combined with genioplasty for chin fine-tuning, or with jaw angle reduction for a slimmer lower face.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incisions in the mouth
All incisions are inside the mouth, above the upper teeth and along the back of the lower jaw. No facial scar is created.
Where the incisions and bone cuts are made
The upper jaw is cut horizontally above the tooth roots (a Le Fort I osteotomy) and moved up, down, forward or back. The lower jaw is split on each side behind the molars (a sagittal split) and moved to meet it. Plates and screws hold both jaws in place.
How the incisions heal
Dissolvable stitches close the incisions. They heal within about 2 to 3 weeks. Elastic bands between the teeth may guide the bite for a few weeks.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–5 | Hospital stay, peak swelling, liquid diet |
| Weeks 1–2 | Swelling eases; blended diet; frequent checks |
| Weeks 3–6 | Soft diet; many patients fly home; light activity |
| Months 2–3 | Normal diet resumes gradually |
| Months 6–12 | Final profile; orthodontic finishing |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have a bite problem with a visible facial imbalance.
- Have finished growing, usually after the late teens.
- Can commit to orthodontic care, including at home after you leave Korea.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your bite is fine and you only want a slimmer face: see V-line surgery.
- Only the chin is the issue: genioplasty may be enough.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about lip and chin numbness, bleeding, infection, bite relapse, jaw joint (TMJ) problems, nasal shape changes after upper jaw movement, and the rare need for further surgery. Ask how orthodontic follow-up will be handled once you return home, and whether the team includes an orthodontist in the same clinic.
Two-jaw surgery cost in Seoul
Typical prices range from about ₩20,000,000 to ₩50,000,000. Price depends on complexity, hospital stay length and whether orthodontics and splints are included. Ask for a written breakdown.
Two-jaw surgery vs. V-line surgery
Two-jaw surgery moves the jaws to correct the bite. V-line surgery reshapes the jaw bone without moving the teeth. If your bite is normal, V-line is usually the right choice; if it is not, jaw surgery treats the root cause. See also our maxillofacial surgery overview.
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
Do I need braces before two-jaw surgery?
Usually yes, for several months to over a year, unless a surgery-first approach suits your case.
Will my face change a lot?
It can, especially in profile. Your surgeon should show you a 3D simulation of the planned change.
How long should I stay in Korea?
About 3 to 4 weeks for the hospital stay, early recovery and checks.
Is my jaw wired shut?
Most modern techniques use plates, so jaws are rarely wired shut. Elastics may guide the bite for a few weeks.
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.