V-Line Surgery in Seoul: A Slimmer Jaw and Refined Chin
The short answer
V-line surgery in Seoul slims the lower face by reducing the flared jaw angles and narrowing or reshaping the chin, all through incisions inside the mouth. It takes about 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia and typically costs ₩15,000,000 to ₩35,000,000. Most visible swelling settles in 3 to 4 weeks, and the final contour appears around 6 months.
Key facts
- Anesthesia: general
- Surgery time: about 2–3 hours
- Incisions: inside the mouth, no external scar
- Typical cost: about ₩15,000,000–₩35,000,000
- Hospital stay: often 1 night
- Social downtime: about 3–4 weeks
- Recommended stay in Seoul: about 2 weeks
What V-line surgery changes
The shape of your lower face is set mostly by the mandible, the lower jaw bone. When the jaw angles below your ears flare outward, or the chin is broad and short, the face looks square from the front. V-line surgery reduces that bone so the jawline runs in a smooth curve from the ear to a narrower chin.
It usually combines two steps. Mandibular angle reduction removes the flared corners of the jaw, and the outer layer of the jaw can be thinned for a smoother line. A chin osteotomy, called genioplasty, then narrows or reshapes the chin. Your surgeon plans the cuts on a 3D CT scan so the result stays balanced with your cheekbones.
Most often chosen for
- A wide or square lower face caused by bone
- A broad, flat or short chin
- Wanting a softer, slimmer face shape from the front
- Jaw asymmetry between sides
Often combined with
Many patients pair it with zygoma reduction for full three-point facial contouring, or with chin and neck liposuction. Masseter Botox after surgery can further slim a muscular jaw.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incision in the mouth
Incisions are made inside the mouth along the lower gum line on each side and in front of the lower teeth for the chin. No scar shows on the face.
Where the incisions and bone cuts are made
Using a long curved cut, the surgeon removes the flared jaw angle in one piece, then may shave the outer cortex. At the chin, a T-shaped or similar osteotomy removes a central strip so the sides can be brought together, narrowing the chin. Plates and screws fix the chin. The nerves of the lower teeth and lip are mapped on the CT scan and protected.
How the incisions heal
Dissolvable stitches close the incisions. They heal within about 2 weeks with good mouth hygiene. A drain may be used for a day.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Peak swelling, compression garment, liquid diet, 1-night stay |
| Week 1 | Bruising fades; soft foods; mouth rinses |
| Weeks 2–4 | Most visible swelling settles; return to desk work |
| Months 1–3 | Jaw stiffness eases; numbness usually improves |
| Around 6 months | Final contour |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have a square or wide jaw confirmed as bone on a CT scan.
- Have a stable bite and good general health.
- Can stay in Seoul for about 2 weeks.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your jaw looks wide mainly because of muscle; masseter Botox may be enough.
- Only the jaw angles flare and the chin is fine; see square jaw reduction.
- Your bite is misaligned; two-jaw surgery addresses bite and shape.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about numbness of the lower lip and chin, sagging soft tissue after bone reduction, asymmetry, an unnatural step at the jaw line, bleeding, infection and, rarely, jaw fracture or facial nerve injury. Ask whether an anesthesiologist is present throughout, how many contouring cases the surgeon performs, and what the revision policy is.
V-line surgery cost in Seoul
Typical prices range from about ₩15,000,000 to ₩35,000,000. The price depends on the extent of jaw and chin work, whether cortex shaving is included and the surgeon's experience. Confirm that CT scans, anesthesia, hospital stay, garments and follow-up visits are included. The V-line surgery cost guide on our blog looks at budgets in more detail.
V-line surgery vs. square jaw reduction
Square jaw reduction removes only the jaw angles. V-line surgery also narrows the chin for a tapered look. If your chin is already slim, jaw reduction alone may be enough.
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 long is the swelling after V-line surgery?
Most visible swelling settles in 3 to 4 weeks. Subtle swelling continues to fall for about 3 to 6 months.
Will I have scars?
No external scars. All incisions are inside the mouth.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
You start with liquids, move to soft foods in about a week, and return to a normal diet over 4 to 6 weeks.
How long should I stay in Korea?
About 2 weeks lets the surgeon monitor early healing before you fly home.
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.