Table of contents

• An Expert's Guide to "Square Jaw Surgery"
• Best Clinics in Korea for Broad Lower Third
• The Medical Tourist's Journey to South Korea
• Financial & Economic Analysis of Medical Tourism
• Patient Experiences: Outcomes, Expectations, and Realities
• Conclusions
• References

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The lower third of the face—from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin—is not only the most expressive area but also plays a key role in talking, eating, and showing emotion. Its shape often defines facial attractiveness, with a sharp jawline and well-contoured chin being highly sought after by both men and women. Interestingly, while men tend to desire a strong, angular jaw and defined chin to enhance masculinity, women generally prefer a softer, V-shaped jaw for a more delicate look. This growing demand has led to increased medical and surgical solutions for what patients often describe as a "broad lower third" or "square jaw," especially among those pursuing the "V-line" appearance favored in Asian aesthetics. Clinically, professionals might refer to this as "square facies" or "square facial shape," which describes a facial structure with both the upper and lower face appearing wide.

Sometimes, underlying conditions like prognathism (where the lower jaw bulges out, resulting in a misaligned bite or malocclusion) can intensify the breadth of the lower third. These cases usually require orthodontic and surgical intervention. Importantly, not all broad lower faces share the same cause; this feature may stem from the bone structure, muscular hypertrophy (often the masseter muscles), or excess soft tissue.

A proper diagnosis is essential. When bone structure is the issue—such as a thick jawbone or protruding angle—surgery is typically necessary. If muscular enlargement (from habits like jaw clenching or gum chewing) is to blame, non-surgical treatments such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections or radiofrequency can often help. For those where soft tissue is responsible, procedures targeting the buccal fat or correcting skin laxity may produce the best results.

Many patients consider their broad jaw a minor cosmetic problem. However, studies show that treatments like "jaw surgery" can address not only appearance but also symptoms such as TMJ pain and popping, headaches, and breathing issues that stem from jaw misalignment. Physical changes such as reduction in a "gummy smile" or difficulty closing the lips can also be resolved. As a result, patients benefit not just aesthetically but functionally as well, reporting better sleep, fewer sinus infections, increased energy, and higher quality of life.

An Expert's Guide to "Square Jaw Surgery"

The main purpose of "Square Jaw Surgery"—technically referred to as mandibular angle reduction or V-line surgery—is to slim the lower face, giving it a more delicate contour. By reshaping the jawbone and sometimes reducing the bulge of the masseter muscles, surgeons craft a more refined jawline. When the facial structure is particularly short or squared from birth, orthognathic surgery can adjust proportions, achieving an attractive and balanced look.

Surgical Techniques

Modern jaw contouring usually combines several techniques to create a harmonious effect:

• Mandible angle reduction: Removes the prominent angle of the jawbone, softening the square look.
• Cortical bone resection: Thins the outer layer of the jawbone to further enhance the slimming effect.
• T-osteotomy (genioplasty): Involves a T-shaped cut in the chin bone, which is reshaped and repositioned for a pointed, V-shaped effect.
• Masseter muscle reduction: Reduces the width from enlarged chewing muscles, either surgically or with less invasive botulinum toxin injections or radiofrequency.
• Buccal fat removal: Excises deep cheek fat to further contour and slim the lower face.

The Procedure and Recovery Process

Preparation begins with a thorough evaluation and facial analysis via 3D CT scans, ensuring precise planning and minimized risk. The actual surgery uses only internal incisions—inside the mouth between gum and cheek—leaving no visible scars. The typical procedure takes one to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Post-surgery, patients stay in the hospital for one to four days. Swelling peaks several days after surgery and may persist for weeks or months, with final results revealing themselves as late as six months later. A liquid or soft diet is necessary at first, and meticulous oral hygiene is vital. Temporary numbness of the chin and lower lip can occur but usually fades over time.

Modern techniques aim at a holistic approach, balancing bone reduction with muscle and soft tissue adjustments and, where possible, utilizing a "Soft Tissue Preservation Protocol." This reduces tissue damage, aids healing, and helps prevent complications like sagging or a hollowed facial appearance—a risk if bone is overly reduced without considering the tissues above it.

Risks and Potential Complications

Jaw reduction surgery is transformative but does carry risks. The inferior alveolar nerve, responsible for sensation in the lower lip and chin, is especially susceptible during surgery; damage can cause permanent numbness. Complications may also include infection, bleeding (hematoma), asymmetry, insufficient or excessive bone reduction, and temporary difficulties in chewing or mouth opening due to swelling and soreness.

Best Clinics in Korea for Broad Lower Third

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for broad lower third:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website	Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a four-floor, full-service center that guides patients from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—recognized in Korea and internationally—the team is deeply engaged in academic research, textbook authorship, and global symposiums, continuing their educational outreach even through webinars. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent speaker and panelist known for uniting function and beauty in practice. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial bone surgery, is a member of leading international societies, runs annual educational sessions, and has received awards for research on 3D implants. Safety, personalized communication, and an experienced staff with over a decade of practice are central to the clinic’s care.	Comprehensive facial contouring solutions—including square jaw surgery, V-line surgery, cheekbone surgery, and customized facial implants—planned to create a harmonious balance with the rest of the face. Drawing on Dr. Kim’s authority in facial bone surgery and 3D implant design and Dr. Jeong’s ethos of integrating function with aesthetics, treatment plans are tailored to enhance natural features. With meticulous planning, precise execution, and integrated post-operative care, the clinic’s approach is dedicated to achieving balanced, natural-looking, and enduring results.
Made Young Plastic Surgery Website	Made Young Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Gangnam district is Korea’s leading destination for Broad Lower Third correction, anchored by Dr. Suh Bum-sin’s specialized technique that sculpts a smooth, natural line from ear to chin tip while simultaneously refining both the jaw angle and width. The procedure includes periosteum repositioning—elevating the bone membrane after contouring—to help prevent soft-tissue sagging and maintain structural support, delivering a sharper, slimmer jawline while minimizing the risk of post-surgical drooping. Patients are cared for by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, with direct surgeon consultations and a comprehensive safety system featuring full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency protocol, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center provides complete, systematic follow-up, reflecting the clinic’s premium focus on facial and anti-aging excellence. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with certification from the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society, Made Young unites proven expertise, safety, and meticulous aftercare to achieve balanced, natural Broad Lower Third results.	Broad Lower Third correction; specialized technique by Dr. Suh Bum-sin that sculpts a smooth, natural line from ear to chin tip while refining jaw angle and width; periosteum repositioning (elevating the bone membrane after contouring) to help prevent soft-tissue sagging and maintain structural support; delivers a sharper, slimmer jawline while minimizing post-surgical drooping; care by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years; direct surgeon consultations; comprehensive safety system with anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, cross-check emergency protocol, CCTV; dedicated aftercare center; premium focus on facial and anti-aging excellence.
Opera Plastic Surgery Clinic Website	For those seeking to refine a broad lower third in Korea, Opera Plastic Surgery Clinic offers a comprehensive face-contouring portfolio with a clear focus on patient safety and satisfaction. Tailored options include V-line Square Jaw surgery to slim a wide jawline, Long Chin Reduction to shorten an elongated chin, Chin Augmentation/Chin Reduction to harmonize proportions, and Facial Liposuction to sculpt the cheeks, jawline, or neck. Complementary procedures such as 3D Zygomatic Reconstruction can further enhance overall balance for a more streamlined, V-shaped facial profile. Opera’s Safe Surgery System supports patients at every step with detailed preoperative precautions, clear post-operation instructions, a structured aftercare program, and thorough postoperative precautions to promote smooth recovery. Beyond lower-face refinement, the clinic provides a full spectrum of procedures—ranging from eye and nose surgery to breast and body contouring, male facial contouring, anti-aging treatments like OV/EV/ Mini Lifting and Fat Grafting, and minimally invasive options including Filler, Botox, and the proprietary Opera Injection—enabling individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient’s goals.	V-line Square Jaw, Long Chin Reduction, Chin Augmentation/Chin Reduction, Facial Liposuction, 3D Zygomatic Reconstruction, Opera Injection; Safe Surgery System with preoperative precautions, post-operation instructions, aftercare program, and postoperative precautions.

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a four-floor, full-service center that guides patients from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by director surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—recognized in Korea and internationally—the team is deeply engaged in academic research, textbook authorship, and global symposiums, continuing their educational outreach even through webinars. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent speaker and panelist known for uniting function and beauty in practice. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial bone surgery, is a member of leading international societies, runs annual educational sessions, and has received awards for research on 3D implants. Safety, personalized communication, and an experienced staff with over a decade of practice are central to the clinic’s care.

For individuals seeking refinement of a broad lower third, THE PLUS offers comprehensive facial contouring solutions—including square jaw surgery, V-line surgery, cheekbone surgery, and customized facial implants—planned to create a harmonious balance with the rest of the face. Drawing on Dr. Kim’s authority in facial bone surgery and 3D implant design and Dr. Jeong’s ethos of integrating function with aesthetics, treatment plans are tailored to enhance natural features. With meticulous planning, precise execution, and integrated post-operative care, the clinic’s approach is dedicated to achieving balanced, natural-looking, and enduring results.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Gangnam district is Korea’s leading destination for Broad Lower Third correction, anchored by Dr. Suh Bum-sin’s specialized technique that sculpts a smooth, natural line from ear to chin tip while simultaneously refining both the jaw angle and width. The procedure includes periosteum repositioning—elevating the bone membrane after contouring—to help prevent soft-tissue sagging and maintain structural support, delivering a sharper, slimmer jawline while minimizing the risk of post-surgical drooping. Patients are cared for by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, with direct surgeon consultations and a comprehensive safety system featuring full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency protocol, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center provides complete, systematic follow-up, reflecting the clinic’s premium focus on facial and anti-aging excellence. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with certification from the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society, Made Young unites proven expertise, safety, and meticulous aftercare to achieve balanced, natural Broad Lower Third results.

You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website

Opera Plastic Surgery Clinic

For those seeking to refine a broad lower third in Korea, Opera Plastic Surgery Clinic offers a comprehensive face-contouring portfolio with a clear focus on patient safety and satisfaction. Tailored options include V-line Square Jaw surgery to slim a wide jawline, Long Chin Reduction to shorten an elongated chin, Chin Augmentation/Chin Reduction to harmonize proportions, and Facial Liposuction to sculpt the cheeks, jawline, or neck. Complementary procedures such as 3D Zygomatic Reconstruction can further enhance overall balance for a more streamlined, V-shaped facial profile.

Opera’s Safe Surgery System supports patients at every step with detailed preoperative precautions, clear post-operation instructions, a structured aftercare program, and thorough postoperative precautions to promote smooth recovery. Beyond lower-face refinement, the clinic provides a full spectrum of procedures—ranging from eye and nose surgery to breast and body contouring, male facial contouring, anti-aging treatments like OV/EV/ Mini Lifting and Fat Grafting, and minimally invasive options including Filler, Botox, and the proprietary Opera Injection—enabling individualized treatment plans aligned with each patient’s goals.

Find more about this clinic here: Opera Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

The Medical Tourist's Journey to South Korea

South Korea is recognized globally for excellence in cosmetic surgery, attracting patients interested in jaw reduction procedures. Surgeons utilize cutting-edge technology such as 3D modeling and virtual planning, and the country’s holistic approach is much influenced by popular culture.

Navigating the Process

The process for overseas patients typically starts with online consultations—via photos or video—to discuss needs and goals. Patients who also have functional concerns like a misaligned bite may need orthodontic work before surgery, sometimes for over a year.

For simpler jaw reductions, a C3 (M) medical visa is required, demanding a treatment confirmation, financial proof, and a medical certificate. Upon arrival, patients undergo more tests. Most will stay in Korea for at least 14 days after surgery to ensure proper healing and have sutures removed.

Many clinics provide "medical tourism" packages, bundling services like airport transfers, hotel stays, and interpreters into the total cost. While these can ease logistical burdens, they increase the price, and it's important for patients to weigh the value of such packages. Critically, no package can guarantee that complications won't require further care at home.

Financial & Economic Analysis of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism offers both opportunities and complexities. The perceived cost savings can be significant, but the true financial landscape is often more nuanced.

Surgical Costs and Global Comparison

In South Korea, jaw reduction or V-line surgery can vary from $3,784 to $15,000 USD depending on complexity and surgeon reputation, with jaw shaving and V-line surgery averaging $5,000 and $7,500 respectively. Thanks to over 500 clinics in Seoul alone, intense competition keeps prices variable, and international patients may get VAT refunds.

By contrast, the same procedure in the U.S. might cost $20,000 to $40,000. Yet, some analyses caution that Korean clinics may sometimes charge foreign patients more, and countries like Turkey and Thailand are even more affordable, offering jaw contouring starting around $3,000–$4,000 USD.

The Unwritten Price of Cosmetic Tourism

While upfront savings can be enticing, many patients overlook the unwritten costs. Managing complications at home can be particularly expensive. In the UK, for example, treating such complications may cost the NHS thousands per patient—and nearly 40% of medical tourists face some form of infective complication, with over half needing a second surgery.

Here's a summary of direct and hidden costs:

Cost Type	Financial Impact/Risk
Surgical Fee	Widely variable; "bargain" prices can be higher for foreign patients.
Travel & Accommodation	Additional, often substantial, costs during required stay.
Missed Work/Income Loss	Recovery can mean months away from work and related income loss.
Treatment of Complications at Home	Post-op issues often become the financial responsibility of the home country’s healthcare system.
Revision Surgery	Poor cosmetic or functional outcomes may require expensive, sometimes multiple, corrections.

Patient Experiences: Outcomes, Expectations, and Realities

Understanding real patient experiences and setting honest expectations is essential for anyone considering jaw surgery.

The Spectrum of Patient Outcomes

Research shows that roughly 89% of orthognathic surgery patients are satisfied, and most experience a boost in self-confidence. Many appreciate their new look—even subtle changes can have a profound effect. Importantly, unexpected benefits often include easier breathing and relief from pain or alignment issues like malocclusion and TMJ pain and popping.

However, satisfaction is not guaranteed. Surgeons may view a technically perfect result as a success, while some patients remain dissatisfied with lingering pain or subtle appearance concerns. Nearly half of those surveyed reported unresolved joint pain, and some experience "buyer’s remorse" due to persistent asymmetry, sensation of hardware, or a face that seems too narrow or hollow.

The Lived Reality of Recovery

Recovery is both physically and emotionally intense. Patients face weeks or months of swelling and dietary restrictions, with temporary numbness in the lower face. Emotionally, the period can be isolating, with some obsessing over their healing process. A realistic understanding of the recovery and the possibility of negative outcomes is crucial for appropriate psychological preparation.

Conclusions

Addressing a "broad lower third" is a complex pursuit that often intertwines cosmetic and health concerns. Patients benefit from recognizing when an aesthetic issue is rooted in structural or functional problems. Optimal results require a comprehensive approach and high surgical expertise, not just low costs. Honest expectations and a clear understanding of risks, especially for medical tourists, are key for satisfying, long-term outcomes.

References

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