Treatment Overview
Jaw contouring surgery (also called mandibular contouring or V-line surgery) is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape the jawline and chin for a more refined, harmonious facial profile. Depending on a patient’s needs, jaw contouring can involve jaw reduction, jaw angle reshaping, or V-line contouring, which combines both jaw and chin refinement.
Korea has become a global leader in jaw contouring surgery, attracting thousands of international patients every year. Korean plastic surgeons are known for their precision bone-shaping techniques, advanced 3D surgical planning, and emphasis on natural balance. This allows patients to achieve a slimmer, softer, and more youthful face without compromising function.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of jaw contouring is to create a facial shape that appears more balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Key benefits include:
- Slimmer and more refined V-shaped jawline.
- Softer and more feminine appearance (for women seeking facial feminization).
- Stronger and more defined jawline (for men seeking masculinization).
- Correction of asymmetry or irregularities in the lower face.
- Improved balance between the jaw, chin, and overall facial proportions.
- Long-lasting, permanent results compared to non-surgical contouring options.
Ideal Candidates
Jaw contouring is suitable for individuals who:
- Have a wide, square, or bulky jawline and desire a slimmer look.
- Experience facial imbalance due to a prominent jaw angle or asymmetry.
- Want a more feminine V-line shape or a stronger, more defined masculine jawline.
- Are seeking refinement as part of facial feminization surgery (FFS) or facial masculinization surgery (FMS).
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations.
Possible Risks & Complications
Jaw contouring in Korea is performed with advanced safety measures, but as with all surgery, risks exist. These may include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness.
- Bleeding or infection.
- Nerve sensitivity changes in the chin or lower face.
- Jaw asymmetry if not performed with precision.
- Prolonged healing in complex cases.
To minimize risks, Korean surgeons use 3D CT scans, digital surgical simulations, and precise bone-cutting tools to achieve predictable, safe, and symmetrical outcomes.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean clinics specialize in a variety of jaw contouring techniques tailored to each patient’s goals:
- Mandibular Angle Reduction: Shaves or reduces the jaw angles for a softer profile.
- V-Line Surgery: Combines jaw angle reduction with chin contouring to create a smooth, feminine V-shape.
- Jaw Slimming (Cortical Shaving): Reduces bone thickness for a slimmer lower face.
- Asymmetry Correction: Adjusts uneven jawlines for balanced proportions.
- Combination with Chin Surgery (Genioplasty): Enhances balance by lengthening, shortening, or refining the chin.
Many Korean surgeons also integrate jaw contouring with facial fat grafting, cheekbone reduction, or rhinoplasty for full facial harmony.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after jaw contouring typically follows this timeline:
- First 1–2 weeks: Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Patients are usually advised to follow a soft or liquid diet.
- 2–4 weeks: Gradual return to normal activities, with most visible swelling reduced.
- 3–6 months: Full healing, bone stabilization, and final results visible.
Korean clinics provide extensive aftercare, including:
- Swelling management treatments (lymphatic drainage, high-frequency therapy).
- Dietary guidance for smooth recovery.
- Regular follow-ups with 3D imaging to track healing progress.
Results & Longevity
Results of jaw contouring are permanent, as bone is reshaped rather than temporarily altered. Patients experience:
- A slimmer, smoother jawline.
- Enhanced harmony between the jaw, chin, and upper face.
- Softer, more feminine features or stronger masculine definition depending on the desired outcome.
- Long-term improvement in overall facial aesthetics and confidence.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is recognized as the top destination for jaw contouring surgery due to its advanced surgical methods and medical tourism infrastructure. The process usually includes:
- 3D CT scans and computer simulations for precise planning.
- Customized surgical approaches tailored to gender, ethnicity, and patient goals.
- Access to world-class recovery centers with English-speaking staff.
- Combination procedures to achieve comprehensive facial balance in a single surgical plan.
Korean clinics are particularly skilled at creating natural, non-overdone results, making them highly popular among international patients.
Cost Range
The cost of jaw contouring in Korea varies depending on the technique and complexity:
- Jaw angle reduction only: USD $6,000 – $10,000
- V-line surgery (jaw + chin contouring): USD $9,000 – $15,000
- Complex asymmetry correction or combination procedures: USD $12,000 – $20,000+
Compared to Western countries, Korea offers competitive pricing with world-class surgical standards.
Popular Clinics in Korea
Some of the most reputable clinics for jaw contouring in Seoul include:
- ID Hospital – renowned for jaw and facial bone contouring, especially among international patients.
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – specialists in natural-looking V-line contouring.
- JW Plastic Surgery – known for precise bone surgery with advanced 3D planning.
- View Plastic Surgery – offers comprehensive facial contouring and aftercare packages.
