Chin Reduction in Seoul: A Shorter, Softer Lower Face
The short answer
Chin reduction in Seoul shortens, narrows or sets back a prominent chin, usually by a sliding genioplasty performed through an incision inside the lower lip. Surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia and typically costs ₩5,000,000 to ₩12,000,000. Most swelling settles in 2 to 4 weeks, with the final contour visible around 6 months.
Key facts
- Anesthesia: general
- Surgery time: about 1–2 hours
- Incision: inside the lower lip, no visible scar
- Typical cost: about ₩5,000,000–₩12,000,000
- Social downtime: about 2–3 weeks
- Final result: around 6 months
- Planning: 3D CT scan
What chin reduction changes
A chin that sticks out, runs long or looks broad can make the lower face look heavy and draw attention away from your eyes and lips. When the cause is the chin bone itself, reducing that bone creates a shorter, softer and better balanced lower face.
The usual technique is a sliding genioplasty. The surgeon cuts the lower part of the chin bone below the tooth roots and below the mental nerves, which give feeling to the lip and chin. The freed segment can then be set back, shortened by removing a horizontal slice of bone, or narrowed by removing a central strip. A small titanium plate holds the new position. For a mild excess, the front of the chin can simply be shaved.
Most often chosen for
- A long chin that makes the face look elongated
- A chin that projects too far forward in profile
- A broad or square chin
- A chin that is off-center
Often combined with
Chin reduction is frequently paired with jaw angle reduction as part of V-line surgery, or with rhinoplasty to rebalance the profile.
The procedure, layer by layer
Incision in the mouth
A horizontal incision is made inside the lower lip, in front of the gum. The chin bone is reached without any external scar.
Where the incision and bone cut are made
The surgeon marks the nerve positions and tooth roots on the CT plan. The bone cut runs below both. For shortening, a wedge of bone is removed; for narrowing, a central section is taken and the sides brought together.
How the incision heals
Dissolvable stitches close the mouth incision. It heals in about 2 weeks; good oral hygiene and rinses lower infection risk.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling, chin compression band, liquid or soft diet |
| Week 1 | Bruising fades; follow-up visits; careful mouth rinses |
| Weeks 2–4 | Most visible swelling settles; return to desk work |
| Months 1–3 | Numbness of lip and chin usually improves |
| Around 6 months | Final contour |
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Have a chin that is long, prominent or wide because of bone.
- Have a stable bite, or have discussed bite correction with a specialist.
- Can stay in Seoul about 10 days.
Another option may suit you better if
- Your whole lower jaw is forward and your bite is off, which may need two-jaw surgery.
- Your chin looks large because of soft tissue or fat; liposuction or a lift may help.
- You only have a minor excess that shaving can fix.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness of the lower lip and chin, soft tissue sagging after the bone is reduced (sometimes called a witch's chin), asymmetry, step-offs at the bone edge, infection and plate issues. Ask how the surgeon supports the soft tissue after reduction.
Chin reduction cost in Seoul
Typical prices range from about ₩5,000,000 to ₩12,000,000. Bone shaving sits at the lower end; sliding genioplasty with shortening and narrowing sits higher. Confirm what is included: CT scan, anesthesia, overnight stay, medications and follow-up.
Chin reduction vs. V-line surgery
Chin reduction treats only the chin. V-line surgery also reduces the jaw angles for a slimmer lower face. If your jaw width looks fine but the chin dominates, chin reduction alone may be enough. Read about related concerns on our chin asymmetry page.
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 there a visible scar after chin reduction?
No external scar. The incision is inside the lower lip.
How long does numbness last?
Most patients notice lip and chin numbness that improves over weeks to months. Lasting numbness is uncommon but possible.
Can the chin sag after reduction?
Soft tissue can droop slightly if bone is removed without support. Surgeons reattach the muscle carefully to limit this.
When can I eat normally?
Soft foods for about 2 to 4 weeks, then a gradual return to a normal diet.
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.