Table of contents

• Medical Procedures for Facial Asymmetry Correction
• Best Clinics in Korea for Crooked Jaw
• Navigating Facial Asymmetry Correction in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Cost Analysis: Facial Asymmetry Correction in South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes of Facial Asymmetry Correction
• Conclusion
• References

Patients dealing with a "crooked jaw," where the jaw appears misaligned or laterally shifted, often look for comprehensive information about their condition and solutions. This article breaks down what a crooked jaw is, its causes, the terminology medical professionals use, available procedures, tips for receiving treatment in South Korea, cost comparisons, and real-life patient experiences.

A "crooked jaw" describes an uneven relationship between the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible), often visible as a chin that points off to one side and results in facial asymmetry. The impact varies from minor cosmetic concerns to major issues affecting speaking, eating, breathing, and self-esteem. Such misalignment can also lead to dental problems, sleep disturbances, and psychological effects—sometimes becoming the primary motivation for seeking treatment.

Common Medical Terms and Pseudonyms

While “crooked jaw” is common in conversation, healthcare providers use more specific terms to guide diagnosis and treatment. Familiarity with these terms empowers patients to communicate more effectively and research options thoroughly.

Lay Term	Medical Terms	Descriptive Terms
Crooked Jaw	Facial Asymmetry, Laterally Deviated Mandible, Malocclusion (Overbite/Class II, Underbite/Class III, Crossbite, Open Bite), Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders (TMDs), Chin Deviation, Hemifacial Microsomia	Canted teeth, Gummy smile, Long face, Toothless smile

Underlying Causes of Jaw Deviation

Several factors contribute to a crooked jaw, including:

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ problems related to the joint, muscles, or ligaments can cause jaw misalignment and pain. Issues such as arthritis, teeth grinding (bruxism), injury, and joint dislocation are common triggers.
• Trauma: Facial injuries may shift jaw alignment.
• Congenital/Developmental Issues: Some people are born with conditions that affect jaw development and symmetry, like midface deficiencies, cleft palate, craniosynostosis, mandibular condyle abnormalities (hyperplasia, hypoplasia), juvenile arthritis, or hemifacial microsomia.
• Teeth Misalignment (Malocclusion): Crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth can worsen jaw asymmetry.
• Habitual Factors: Chronic habits—like tongue thrusting, predominantly sleeping on one side, or resting the chin in the hand—can gradually encourage jaw deviation.
• Idiopathic Causes: Occasionally, the exact cause of jaw deviation remains unknown, especially with a laterally deviated mandible.

Associated Symptoms and Potential Functional Issues

A crooked jaw can have wide-ranging effects, extending beyond looks:

• Pain: Discomfort in the jaw, teeth, head, and sometimes ears, neck, and shoulders, frequently related to TMJ disorders.
• Limitation: Difficulty opening the mouth, jaw locking, and clicking sounds, all making eating or speaking difficult and sometimes implicating nutritional or speech issues.
• Breathing/Sleep: Airway obstruction, snoring, and sleep apnea are common.
• Oral Health: Uneven wear can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath depending on the jaw’s usage.
• Psychological Strain: This condition often contributes to low self-esteem and social anxiety.

The severity of jaw asymmetry can increase over time, affecting dental health and function. Early consultation is important, even for mild cases, to minimize progression and the need for more complex interventions later.

Medical Procedures for Facial Asymmetry Correction

Correcting facial asymmetry involves a range of options tailored to the severity and root cause of the asymmetry—these include both non-surgical and surgical methods.

Overview of Surgical and Non-Surgical Approaches

For mild, mainly soft tissue asymmetry, providers may suggest:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable treatments that add volume and balance, typically lasting six months to two years.
• Botox Injections: Muscle relaxants for localized asymmetry (3–6 months effect).
• Fat Grafting: Transferring fat from one part of the body to the face for a more permanent volume correction.
• Facial Exercises and Physical Therapy: Useful for very minor cases.
• Chiropractic Manipulation: Sometimes included in TMJ disorder management, though research is limited.

Moderate to severe skeletal imbalances usually call for surgical procedures:

• Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery):
  • Maxillary Osteotomy: Realigns the upper jaw to correct overgrowth, underdevelopment, open bite, crossbite, or midface deficiencies.
  • Mandibular Osteotomy: Adjusts the lower jaw using techniques like Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO), to move the jaw forward or backward.
  • Bimaxillary Osteotomy (Double Jaw Surgery): Simultaneously realigns both jaws for significant misalignments.
• Genioplasty (Chin Surgery):
  • Sliding Genioplasty: Surgically repositions the chin.
  • Chin Implants: Enhance projection and shape with synthetic materials.
• Other Procedures:
  • Facial Implants: Add definition to specific areas for moderate asymmetry.
  • Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to restore facial balance.
  • Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE): Widens a narrow upper jaw.
  • TMJ Surgery: Treats persistent TMJ pain and dysfunction.

When Each Procedure is Typically Recommended

The best approach depends on type and degree of asymmetry. Mild soft tissue imbalances often respond well to non-surgical options. Moderate deformities may benefit from facial implants and fat grafting. Severe skeletal cases are best managed by jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery or genioplasty), often paired with orthodontic treatment.

Advanced diagnostics, like CT and 3D scans, are key for planning. Not all soft tissue asymmetry will resolve with skeletal surgery alone; sometimes, second-stage procedures ensure the optimal outcome.

Overview of Key Facial Asymmetry Correction Procedures

Procedure Name	Primary Target Area	General Approach	Common Indications
Orthognathic Surgery	Upper and/or Lower Jaw	Bone repositioning	Malocclusion, severe misalignment, functional/aesthetic issues
Maxillary Osteotomy	Upper Jaw	Bone repositioning	Overgrown/undergrown maxilla, open bite, crossbite, midface deficiencies, cleft palate
Mandibular Osteotomy	Lower Jaw	Bone repositioning	Retruded/prominent jaw, chin deviation
Bimaxillary Osteotomy	Upper and Lower Jaws	Simultaneous bone repositioning	Complex facial/jaw/tooth misalignment
Genioplasty	Chin	Bone repositioning/implant	Receding/prominent/asymmetrical chin, facial balance improvement
Facial Implants	Cheeks, Jawline, Chin	Custom implant insertion	Volume, definition, and symmetry for moderate asymmetry
Fat Grafting	Various facial areas	Autologous fat transfer	Soft tissue volume correction
Rhinoplasty	Nose	Structure reshaping	Nasal asymmetry, deviated septum, uneven nostrils
SARPE	Upper Jaw	Surgical-assisted expansion	Maxillary constriction, dental crowding, breathing/crossbite issues
TMJ Surgery	Temporomandibular Joint	Arthroscopy/joint repair	Severe pain, dysfunction, limited movement

Best Clinics in Korea for Crooked Jaw

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for crooked jaw:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery	Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul; comprehensive four-floor care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare; renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring; safety, clear communication, and individualized planning; surgeons are clinicians and active medical researchers; over a decade of experience and active involvement in leading medical societies; led by Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, and Dr. Lee	Evaluation and correction of crooked jaw/jawline asymmetry; square jaw surgery, V-line refinement, cheekbone surgery, facial implants; expertise in rhinoplasty, facial bone surgery, and facial contouring; award-winning research in 3D implants
Made Young Plastic Surgery	Seoul’s Gangnam district; stands out as Korea’s best destination for crooked jaw correction; meticulous surgical technique, individualized planning, and uncompromising safety; direct consultation by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience; comprehensive safety system (full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 monitoring, cross-check emergency protocol, full CCTV transparency); separate, systematic aftercare center; recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; honored by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society	3D-CT precision diagnostic system; accurate osteotomy and stable fixation; Ultra-Close Contact Cheekbone Reduction (minimizes gaps between bone sections); tailored fixation strategies (screw-fixation and metal-free options); Periosteum Repositioning to preserve soft tissue support and prevent postoperative drooping; measures to help prevent nonunion, sagging, and bone resorption
View Plastic Surgery	Safety-first philosophy; stands out as the best clinic in Korea for crooked jaw concerns; addresses skeletal asymmetry via Double Jaw Surgery to realign the bite and harmonize the face; integrated, harmonized solutions for balanced, natural-looking outcomes; options tailored to masculine aesthetics via Male Facial Contouring	Double Jaw Surgery (Facial Asymmetry Correction, Lantern Jaw Correction); Facial Contouring: V-line Surgery, Square Jaw Surgery, Front Chin Surgery; complementary Face Liposuction

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery, located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul, offers comprehensive, four-floor care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare, led by surgeons who are both clinicians and active medical researchers. Renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, the clinic is a strong choice for those seeking evaluation and correction of a crooked jaw or jawline asymmetry, with options that include square jaw surgery, V-line refinement, cheekbone surgery, and facial implants to restore balance and proportion. Safety, clear communication, and individualized planning underpin every case, supported by a team with over a decade of experience and active involvement in leading medical societies—such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—and regular contributions to journals, books, and global symposiums.

At the helm are director doctors Dr. Kim Taek Kyun and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong. Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants, and an authority in rhinoplasty, facial bone surgery, and facial contouring; he leads annual educational sessions and emphasizes harmonizing facial features to enhance natural beauty—an essential principle in addressing jaw asymmetry. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a globally recognized rhinoplasty specialist who frequently presents and sits on expert panels, approaching each case with a combined focus on function and aesthetics. Rounding out the leadership, Dr. Lee is a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, reflecting the clinic’s rigorous standards and commitment to natural, long-lasting 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 stands out as Korea’s best destination for crooked jaw correction by uniting meticulous surgical technique, individualized planning, and uncompromising safety. Led by Dr. Suh Bum-sin, our specialized approach delivers smooth, natural reduction from ear to chin tip, simultaneously refining jaw angle and width to restore facial balance. Using a 3D-CT precision diagnostic system, we analyze cheekbone prominence, facial proportions, and soft tissue dynamics to craft a fully customized plan, while accurate osteotomy and stable fixation—supported by our Ultra-Close Contact Cheekbone Reduction technique that minimizes gaps between bone sections—help prevent complications such as nonunion, sagging, and bone resorption. We tailor fixation strategies, offering both screw-fixation and metal-free options where appropriate, and perform Periosteum Repositioning to elevate the bone membrane post-surgery, preserving soft tissue support and preventing postoperative drooping for a sharper, slimmer jawline. As a premium clinic focused on facial and anti-aging excellence, Made Young provides direct consultation by a verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience, a comprehensive safety system with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency response protocol, and full CCTV transparency, along with a separate, systematic aftercare center. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society, Made Young combines proven expertise, safety, and results patients can trust.

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

View Plastic Surgery

View Plastic Surgery stands out as the best clinic in Korea for crooked jaw concerns because it combines a safety-first philosophy with a uniquely comprehensive suite of jaw-focused procedures that restore true facial balance. Crooked jaw often stems from skeletal asymmetry, and the clinic directly addresses the root cause through Double Jaw Surgery options such as Facial Asymmetry Correction and Lantern Jaw Correction to realign the bite and harmonize the mid-to-lower face. For precise contour refinement, their Facial Contouring program offers V-line Surgery, Square Jaw Surgery, and Front Chin Surgery, enabling nuanced adjustments that create a naturally symmetrical, elegant profile. Complementary treatments like Face Liposuction can further define the jawline when needed, while Male Facial Contouring ensures results tailored to masculine aesthetics. Grounded in a dedication to beauty with a strong emphasis on safety, View Plastic Surgery provides integrated, harmonized solutions that consistently achieve balanced, natural-looking outcomes for crooked jaw patients.

Find more about this clinic here: View Plastic Surgery Website

Navigating Facial Asymmetry Correction in South Korea: A Step-by-Step Guide

South Korea is a top destination for medical tourism, especially for facial asymmetry correction, due to experienced surgeons, advanced diagnostics, and comprehensive support for international patients.

Typical steps include:

• Initial Consultation and Diagnostics: Includes physical examination, medical imaging (CT/3D scans), and computer simulations for surgical planning.
• Preoperative Preparation: Medical clearance, detailed instructions, arranging orthodontic prep when necessary, and insurance authorization if needed.
• Surgical Procedure: Techniques are chosen based on the diagnostic workup and always involve careful planning for both bones and soft tissue.
• Postoperative Care: Hospital stay for 2–3 days, management of swelling/pain, and guidance on home care.
• Recovery and Follow-up: Gradual return to daily life in 2 weeks for most, with full results taking up to a year. Regular follow-ups help monitor healing, manage complications if any, and support optimal recovery.

Cost Analysis: Facial Asymmetry Correction in South Korea vs. Global Medical Tourism Destinations

Cost is a significant factor in choosing where to receive treatment. South Korea offers advanced care at competitive rates.

Detailed Breakdown of Costs in South Korea

In South Korea, facial asymmetry correction costs about $3,000–$15,000 USD for various procedures. Orthognathic surgery typically costs $7,000–$25,330 USD (average $12,833), while mandibular osteotomy starts from $3,940. Packages generally include consultations, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, post-operative care, and sometimes accommodation.

Cost Comparison with Other Countries

Procedure	South Korea (From)	Turkey (From)	USA (From)	Thailand (From)	India (Avg. Cost)	Canada (Avg. Cost)	Australia (Avg. Cost)	UAE (Avg. Cost)	UK (Avg. Cost)
Orthognathic Surgery	$7,000	$2,200	$18,000	$4,200	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Facial Asymmetry Correction (Gen)	$3,000–$15,000	N/A	$12,000–$30,000	N/A	$1,800–$4,500	$7,300–$18,200	$6,500–$14,500	$6,800–$16,300	$11,000–$25,000

South Korea is more cost-effective than the U.S., with similar technology and expertise, but Turkey and India offer even lower prices. While low upfront prices are appealing, patients must consider unforeseen costs due to complications, longer stays, or revision surgeries—potentially significant, especially if care is interrupted or not all-inclusive.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes of Facial Asymmetry Correction

Facial asymmetry correction—especially orthognathic surgery—has proven transformative for many, changing everything from eating to sleeping and self-confidence.

Transformative Impact on Function and Aesthetics

Corrective jaw procedures often immediately improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. Patients with severe underbites or airway constriction find dramatic relief from sleep apnea and related issues. Aesthetic improvements bring greater facial harmony and symmetry.

Psychological and Confidence Boost

Many individuals report a surge in self-confidence post-surgery, describing the process as “life-changing." Smiles become more natural and social engagement increases as patients feel more at ease with their appearance.

Common Patient Reflections and Advice

Key themes in patient reflections include:

• Recovery Duration: Most need 2–4 weeks off work or school, with full function returning over months.
• Swelling and Bruising: Expected and temporary, often resolving over several weeks.
• Numbness: Common after surgery, especially around the chin/lip, and may linger for weeks or months.
• Dietary Adjustments: Soft/liquid diets are necessary for initial healing.
• Support Systems: Family, friends, and online communities are invaluable for moral support and practical advice.
• Patience Pays Off: Focusing on long-term benefits helps overcome short-term recovery challenges.

Long-Term Satisfaction and Considerations

Patients universally highlight the comprehensive shift in both function and appearance. While minor residual asymmetry is possible, the vast majority find the outcome worth the effort and would choose treatment again. Realistic expectations, thorough pre-surgical consultations, and readiness for a multi-phase recovery are essential for a positive experience.

Conclusion

A "crooked jaw" or facial asymmetry has causes ranging from congenital factors and trauma to TMJ disorders or malocclusion, affecting not just appearance but function and self-esteem. Treatment options span non-surgical fillers to complex jaw surgery, with careful diagnostics guiding individualized plans. South Korea stands out for advanced technology and patient support at competitive costs, but it's wise to compare options globally and prepare for the total investment—including potential complications. Most patients report functional, aesthetic, and psychological improvements, emphasizing that a holistic, informed approach and realistic expectations are key to a successful outcome.

References

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