"Korean jaw surgery" is searched more often in English than almost any other facial operation, but the phrase covers very different surgeries. Before you compare clinics or prices, find out which one you are actually being offered.
What does "jaw surgery" mean in Korea?
There are three main types. Clinics may use different names, so ask them to explain in plain words what they will cut or move.
| Type | What it changes | Bite changes? | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-line surgery | Jaw angle and chin, for a slimmer, tapered lower face | No | 14–21 days |
| Square jaw reduction | The angle of the lower jaw, for less width from the front | No | 14–21 days |
| Two-jaw (orthognathic) surgery | Moves upper and lower jaw to correct the bite and profile | Yes | Longer, often with orthodontics before and after |
Cheekbone reduction is often done together with the jaw. Clinics call the combination "facial contouring" or, for all three areas, "3-point contouring".
Who is a candidate?
The surgeon decides, but these are the questions that shape the decision:
- Does your bite meet normally? If not, two-jaw surgery may be discussed instead of V-line.
- Is the width from bone or muscle?
- How much asymmetry is there between sides?
- What is your general health? Jaw contouring is done under general anesthesia.
Expect a CT scan at consultation. A plan for bone surgery made without imaging is a reason to ask more questions.
Recovery: what happens day by day
Everyone recovers differently. This is a typical outline for V-line or square jaw reduction among our guests:
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Surgery under general anesthesia, usually one night at the clinic |
| Day 1–3 | Drain removal, compression band on most of the day, liquid diet |
| Day 3–7 | Check-ups, swelling at its peak then starting to ease |
| Day 7–14 | Stitches inside the mouth dissolve or are removed, soft food |
| Day 14–21 | Final check-up, then you can usually fly |
| Months 1–6 | Remaining swelling settles slowly; the final shape takes time |
Numbness around the lips and chin is common at first. Ask your surgeon what to expect and what is a reason to call.
Risks you should understand before deciding
Jaw contouring is bone surgery under general anesthesia. A good consultation talks openly about risks, not only results. Ask the surgeon to explain:
- Nerve numbness. The nerve that gives feeling to the lower lip and chin runs through the jaw. Temporary numbness is common; ask how often it lasts longer and how they plan around the nerve on your CT.
- Asymmetry. Faces are not symmetrical to begin with. Ask how they handle differences between the two sides.
- Sagging skin. Removing bone can leave soft tissue with less support, especially in older patients. Ask whether a lifting procedure might be suggested later.
- Bleeding and infection. Ask what monitoring is in place on the night after surgery.
If a clinic only talks about results and does not explain risks, consult another clinic before deciding.
Can I combine jaw surgery with other procedures?
Many patients combine the jaw with cheekbone reduction or a chin procedure in one operation. This can avoid a second round of anesthesia and recovery, but it makes the surgery longer and the swelling heavier. Some clinics also suggest fat grafting or a lifting procedure. Ask what each addition is for and whether the plan works without it.
What to ask at consultation
- Which surgery exactly? V-line, square jaw, cheekbones, chin, or a combination?
- What does the CT show? Ask them to explain where the nerve runs and how much bone they plan to remove.
- Who operates, and is an anesthesiologist present?
- What is included: CT, tests, anesthesia, hospital night, compression bands, medicine, follow-ups.
- How many days before I can fly?
- What follow-up is possible after I go home?
Prices vary by clinic and are confirmed at consultation. Put each quote into the same table: type of surgery, areas, inclusions, and VAT. We do this for our guests before they decide.
Clinics our guests often consult
These Gangnam clinics perform facial contouring and are used to foreign patients. KBW partner clinics can be booked through us for a free consultation.
KBW DirectWonjin Plastic SurgeryGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 4.6Get a free consultation ›
KBW DirectVIEW Plastic SurgeryGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 4.9Get a free consultation ›
KBW DirectDA Plastic SurgeryGangnam · Plastic surgery · ★ 4.8Get a free consultation ›Before booking, check each clinic's registration. Our guide on how to check a clinic's license in Korea shows how.
Where to stay for three weeks
Jaw surgery means a long stay, mostly indoors and on a liquid diet. A serviced apartment with a kitchen (for a blender) and laundry is far more comfortable than a hotel room.
Things our guests were glad to have: a blender and straws, a neck pillow for sleeping upright, a scarf or mask for going out, and plenty of lip balm.
Related treatments
For other procedures and how to plan the whole trip, see our Korean plastic surgery guide for foreigners.
Next step
Message us on WhatsApp with front and side photos, your travel window, and what you want to change. We arrange consultations at two or three clinics and send you their plans side by side.
