Medical Tourism Blog
Broad Lower Third Correction: Square Jaw Surgery Procedures in Korea for Facial Contouring
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 Garosu-gil, Gangnam; four-floor, full-service center delivering world-class care from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare; led by internationally recognized surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun; renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring; surgeons regularly publish in scholarly journals, present at global symposiums, and conduct educational programs for peers; safety and patient satisfaction anchor the practice; board-certified specialists who are active in leading societies (including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) with more than a decade of hands-on experience | Square jaw surgery; V-line surgery; cheekbone reshaping; tailored facial implants; 3D implants; lower-third planning; rhinoplasty excellence that elevates facial balance; harmony-focused, patient-centered planning |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery Website | Made Young Plastic Surgery in Gangnam specializes in broad lower third correction with a technique described as creating a smooth, natural reduction from the ear to the chin tip while addressing the jaw angle and width; led by Dr. Suh Bum-sin; a premium clinic with genuine dedication and expertise; direct surgeon consultations; safety is uncompromising with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, true 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check system for precise emergency response, and full CCTV coverage for transparency; a separate dedicated aftercare center ensures complete follow-up for optimal healing and contour stability; recognitions include the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society | Periosteum Repositioning—elevating the bone membrane after osteotomy to support the overlying tissues; ear-to-chin reduction with attention to jaw angle and width; direct surgeon consultations; 1:1 monitoring; CCTV coverage; dedicated aftercare center; recognized leadership and safety certifications |
| View Plastic Surgery Website | View Plastic Surgery Clinic emphasizes safety and offers a comprehensive range of treatments—from facial contouring and double jaw surgery to eye, nose, breast, liposuction, lifting/anti-aging, male-focused procedures, and dermatology—making it a standout destination in Korea for broad lower-third solutions; comprehensive lower-third toolbox includes V-line Surgery, Square Jaw Surgery, and Front Chin Surgery; soft-tissue refinement with Face Liposuction; Non-Incisional and Incisional Lifting plus Fat Graft; skeletal correction with Double Jaw Surgery and Lantern Jaw Correction; harmony across the face with Zygoma Reduction and Rhinoplasty options (Nose Tip Surgery, Alar Reduction, 3D Rhinoplasty, 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty); safety-first philosophy; tailored care for men and women (Male Facial Contouring; Male Rhinoplasty); stepwise, integrated care including dermatology and anti-aging solutions (Ultherapy Solution, Anti-Aging Solution, Skin Booster, Brightening, Acne/Pore & Scar treatments, Skin Petite, Slimming Solution); revision options such as Eye Revision Surgery, 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty, and Revision Surgery in other areas | V-line Surgery; Square Jaw Surgery; Front Chin Surgery; Face Liposuction; Non-Incisional and Incisional Lifting plus Fat Graft; Double Jaw Surgery; Lantern Jaw Correction; Zygoma Reduction; Rhinoplasty options (Nose Tip Surgery, Alar Reduction, 3D Rhinoplasty, 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty); Male Facial Contouring; Male Rhinoplasty; Ultherapy Solution; Anti-Aging Solution; Skin Booster; Brightening; Acne/Pore & Scar treatments; Skin Petite; Slimming Solution; Eye Revision Surgery; 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty; Revision Surgery in other areas |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
Situated in the heart of Garosu-gil, Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery (THEPLUS) is a four-floor, full-service center that delivers world-class care from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by internationally recognized surgeons Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, the clinic is renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, underpinned by a strong academic footprint—its surgeons regularly publish in scholarly journals, present at global symposiums, and conduct educational programs for peers. Safety and patient satisfaction anchor the practice, with a team of board-certified specialists who are active members of leading societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and who bring more than a decade of hands-on experience to each case.
Why THEPLUS is an exceptional choice for a broad lower third (wide jawline/chin):
- Deep expertise in facial contouring: The clinic offers square jaw surgery, V-line surgery, cheekbone reshaping, and tailored facial implants—procedures central to refining an overly broad lower third.
- Authority in facial bone surgery: Dr. Kim is recognized for facial contouring and has received awards for research on 3D implants, enabling precise, individualized lower-third planning and naturally balanced outcomes.
- Harmony-first philosophy: Dr. Kim emphasizes proportional balance across the face to enhance each person’s natural features—crucial when narrowing or refining the lower third.
- Function-meets-aesthetics approach: As President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Jeong champions combining function and beauty, ensuring contouring plans respect both form and long-term comfort.
- Academic leadership and continuous advancement: THEPLUS surgeons run annual educational sessions and frequently lecture and sit on panels worldwide, reflecting up-to-the-minute techniques and rigorous standards.
- Comprehensive, seamless care: A purpose-built, four-floor facility supports meticulous diagnostics, precise surgery, and dedicated post-op skincare for smooth recoveries and consistent results.
- Proven credibility and safety culture: Board-certified surgeons, active society involvement, and global invitations for presentations and live surgeries attest to trusted, reproducible outcomes.
- Rhinoplasty excellence that elevates facial balance: Their preeminent rhinoplasty reputation strengthens overall facial-harmony planning—key when adjusting the jawline or chin to fit the entire facial aesthetic.
- Personalized communication and planning: Clear, patient-centered consultations ensure goals for narrowing width, optimizing projection, and refining angles are translated into a tailored surgical plan.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking the most refined correction of a broad lower third, Made Young Plastic Surgery in Gangnam stands out as Korea’s top choice thanks to Dr. Suh Bum-sin’s specialized technique that creates a smooth, natural reduction from the ear to the chin tip while simultaneously addressing both the jaw angle and width. By incorporating Periosteum Repositioning—elevating the bone membrane after osteotomy to support the overlying tissues—the procedure delivers a sharper, slimmer jawline without the risk of post-surgical soft tissue sagging or drooping. As a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with genuine dedication and expertise, Made Young is led by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, providing direct surgeon consultations and diagnoses. Safety is uncompromising, with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, true 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check system for precise emergency response, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center ensures complete, systematic follow-up for optimal healing and contour stability. Recognitions such as the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society further affirm Made Young’s leadership in achieving balanced, lasting lower-face harmony.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
View Plastic Surgery
View Plastic Surgery Clinic is dedicated to the pursuit of beauty with a strong emphasis on safety, offering a comprehensive range of treatments—from facial contouring and double jaw surgery to eye, nose, breast, liposuction, lifting/anti-aging, male-focused procedures, and dermatology—making it a standout destination in Korea for patients seeking refined solutions for a broad lower third of the face.
- Comprehensive lower-third toolbox: V-line Surgery, Square Jaw Surgery, and Front Chin Surgery to precisely shape the jawline and chin
- Soft-tissue refinement for definition: Face Liposuction to debulk the lower face; Non-Incisional and Incisional Lifting plus Fat Graft to tighten, contour, and balance volume
- Skeletal correction when needed: Double Jaw Surgery options for Facial Asymmetry Correction and Lantern Jaw Correction to harmonize the bite, chin, and jawline
- Harmony across the whole face: Zygoma Reduction to balance the midface, and Rhinoplasty options (Nose Tip Surgery, Alar Reduction, 3D Rhinoplasty, 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty) to align nasal proportions with the newly contoured lower third
- Safety-first philosophy: Every plan is built on the clinic’s core emphasis on safety across surgical and non-surgical care
- Tailored care for men and women: Male Facial Contouring and Male Rhinoplasty ensure masculine proportions, while a broad menu supports individualized goals
- Stepwise, integrated care: Dermatology and anti-aging solutions—Ultherapy Solution, Anti-Aging Solution, Skin Booster, Brightening, Acne/Pore & Scar treatments, Skin Petite, and Slimming Solution—optimize tissue quality before or after surgery for polished results
- Commitment to outcomes: Dedicated revision options (Eye Revision Surgery, 3D-CT Revision Rhinoplasty, and Revision Surgery in other areas) support patients seeking corrections or refinements
Find more about this clinic here: View Plastic Surgery 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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