Quick answer: Facial contouring in Korea reshapes the bones of the lower face and midface. V-line surgery trims the jaw angle and chin, cheekbone reduction narrows a wide midface, and genioplasty moves or reshapes the chin. These are major operations under general anesthesia, usually with a one-night hospital stay, swelling for several weeks, and a recommended stay in Seoul of about two to three weeks.
What is facial contouring surgery?
Contouring surgery changes facial width and shape by cutting and reshaping bone, mostly through incisions inside the mouth so there are no visible facial scars. It is distinct from fillers, botulinum toxin for the masseter muscle, or fat reduction, which change soft tissue. Because it alters the skeleton, the result is permanent and difficult to reverse, and the risk profile is closer to jaw surgery than to most cosmetic procedures.
V-line surgery: jaw angle and chin
V-line surgery combines several steps to taper the lower face:
- Mandibular angle reduction: removes bone at the jaw angle to reduce a square appearance from the front and side.
- Outer cortex shaving: thins the outer layer of the jawbone to reduce width seen from the front.
- Chin narrowing or T-osteotomy: the chin bone is cut, a central segment removed and the pieces fixed together with plates for a narrower, sometimes shorter chin.
A wide lower face caused mainly by a large masseter muscle may respond to botulinum toxin instead, so ask the surgeon to separate bone width from muscle bulk before recommending surgery. See our
botox guide for the non-surgical route.
Cheekbone reduction (zygoma reduction)
The zygomatic body and arch are cut, repositioned inward and fixed with plates or screws, usually through an incision in the mouth and a small one near the sideburn. The aim is to narrow a prominent midface while keeping the cheeks supported. Poor fixation or excessive reduction can lead to cheek sagging or non-union of the bone, which is why surgeons emphasize secure fixation.
Chin surgery (genioplasty)
Sliding genioplasty moves the chin forward, back, up or down. A chin implant is an alternative for a small, receding chin, with a shorter recovery but different risks. Chin position also affects lip closure and the jawline profile, so it is often planned together with rhinoplasty or V-line surgery.
Who is a good candidate, and who is not?
- Adults whose facial growth is complete, with a width or shape driven by bone structure
- Good general health and no uncontrolled bleeding disorders, heart or lung conditions
- Realistic expectations: a softer outline, not a different face
Thin skin, older age with existing laxity, or heavy soft tissue can make sagging after bone removal more likely. Problems with the bite (malocclusion) are usually better addressed with orthognathic (two-jaw) surgery, which involves orthodontics and is a different pathway.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1-2: hospital stay, drains, a compression face band and a liquid diet.
- Week 1: marked swelling, numbness and limited mouth opening. Soft foods and careful mouth rinsing to protect intraoral incisions.
- Weeks 2-3: major swelling down, follow-up checks and stitch removal or dissolving. Many people return to desk work.
- Months 1-3: residual swelling and a stiff-feeling jaw. Most surgeons advise avoiding hard or chewy foods for weeks.
- Months 6-12: the final outline emerges as swelling and soft tissue settle.
What are the main risks?
- Numbness of the lower lip and chin from stretching or injury of the mental or inferior alveolar nerve, usually temporary but occasionally lasting
- Bleeding, hematoma and airway swelling in the first days, which is why an overnight stay matters
- Asymmetry, irregular contours or a second step at the jaw angle
- Soft tissue sagging after bone reduction
- Infection, plate problems or non-union needing further surgery
How to choose a clinic for facial bone surgery
Look for a plastic surgery specialist with substantial contouring experience, an anesthesiologist present throughout general anesthesia, and inpatient facilities. Ask how CT scans are used for planning, and whether the operating room has CCTV; Korean law since September 2023 requires recording on patient request when patients are unconscious. Browse
plastic surgery clinics in the Sinsa and Apgujeong area.
How long should you stay in Korea?
Two to three weeks is typical, allowing for the inpatient night, early checks and stitch care. You will still be visibly swollen when you leave. Ask for a written summary of the bone work and plates used to share with a doctor at home. Confirm whether the quote includes 10% VAT and anesthesia, CT and hospital stay; our
price guide explains common pricing factors.
Frequently asked questions
Are there visible scars?
Most incisions are inside the mouth. Cheekbone reduction may add a small incision near the sideburn that is usually hidden by hair.
Can contouring be combined with other procedures?
Yes, V-line, cheekbone and chin work are often combined in one operation, which increases operating time and swelling but avoids repeat anesthesia.
Will numbness be permanent?
Most nerve-related numbness improves over weeks to months. A minority of patients have lasting changes in sensation, which should be discussed before consenting.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Last reviewed: October 2026.
