Table of contents

• Understanding Underbite Malocclusion: A Foundational Overview
• Double Jaw Surgery: A Detailed Medical and Procedural Guide
• Best Clinics in Korea for Underbite Malocclusion
• The Patient's Journey: Navigating the Medical Tourism Process in South Korea
• Financial Landscape: Cost of Double Jaw Surgery for a Medical Tourist
• Voices from the Journey: Patient Experiences and Testimonials
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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Underbite malocclusion is more than just a cosmetic issue—it's a challenging dentofacial deformity that can significantly impact day-to-day function, causing problems with chewing, jaw pain, sleep apnea, and premature tooth wear. For cases stemming from jawbone discrepancies, the most effective and lasting treatment is orthognathic surgery, also known as bimaxillary osteotomy or double jaw surgery. This surgical approach realigns both the upper and lower jaws to restore balance and function.

Patients considering this procedure embark on a multi-phase journey, starting with orthodontic preparation, undergoing the surgery itself, and completing an extended recovery. South Korea has become a popular choice for double jaw surgery, renowned for its cutting-edge technology, skilled surgeons, and integrated focus on function and aesthetics—all at a lower cost than in Western countries, but with a price that reflects skilled, aesthetically conscious care. A successful experience relies on careful planning, patient commitment, and choosing a clinic that specializes in medically necessary orthognathic surgery rather than cosmetic-only procedures. For those well-prepared, the transformation can bring life-changing health and self-confidence benefits.

Understanding Underbite Malocclusion: A Foundational Overview

What is an Underbite?

An underbite, or Class III malocclusion, is a condition where the lower front teeth jut out past the upper front teeth when the jaw is closed. Often called a protruding or oversized lower jaw, it's the opposite of the more common overbite. In medical terminology, this may be described as mandibular prognathism, highlighting a protrusion specifically of the lower jaw.

Here's a breakdown of common terminology you might encounter:

Table 1.1: Terminology & Pseudonyms for Underbite Malocclusion

Terminology Used	Clinical Context & Notes
Underbite	Common and most widely understood term.
Prognathism	General medical term for a protruding jaw.
Mandibular Prognathism	Specific for a protruding lower jaw.
Class III Malocclusion	Orthodontic classification for this issue.
Pseudo-Class III Malocclusion	Functional bite caused by mandibular shift, not bones.

Distinguishing between true skeletal Class III malocclusion and pseudo-Class III malocclusion is essential for determining the right treatment. True underbites stem from jawbone size or position issues, typically requiring surgery, whereas pseudo-Class III is usually a functional shift that orthodontics alone may address. An accurate diagnosis by a specialist is key to mapping an effective treatment plan.

Signs, Symptoms, and Underlying Causes

Underbites present with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In strong cases, you might notice a visibly protruding jaw, discomfort when eating or speaking, difficulty closing the mouth, frequent mouth injuries, and even impaired breathing. Long-term, they can cause TMJ disorders—with headaches, earaches, and facial pain—increase risks for tooth decay and gum disease, accelerate dental wear, and worsen sleep apnea due to airway constriction.

Genetics play the biggest role in underbite development, passing down jaw discrepancies across generations. Less often, persistent childhood behaviors like thumb-sucking, extended bottle-feeding, injuries, or tumors can contribute. It’s a common misconception that underbite malocclusion is only cosmetic; its functional health impacts are profound, affecting eating, breathing, and oral health. Addressing it is an investment in overall wellness, not just appearance.

Double Jaw Surgery: A Detailed Medical and Procedural Guide

Defining Double Jaw Surgery

For severe, skeletal underbites, double jaw surgery is the gold standard. Referred to as orthognathic surgery, bimaxillary osteotomy, or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), the procedure repositions both upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws for optimal alignment. Sometimes, a genioplasty (chin surgery) is added for further aesthetic refinement, resulting in what’s called "triple jaw surgery."

The Surgical Procedure Explained

Embarking on double jaw surgery demands time, patience, and teamwork with your care providers. The preparatory stage alone can last 12–18 months, involving orthodontics like braces or aligners to ensure teeth line up perfectly after surgery. Advanced CT scans and virtual surgical planning (VSP) guide surgeons in mapping jaw movements before the operation and fabricating custom guides and titanium plates.

During the procedure—performed under general anesthesia—incisions are made inside the mouth to avoid facial scars. Surgeons reposition the upper jaw as needed, and the lower jaw is cut behind the molars and realigned. Plates and screws hold the bones in place permanently. The surgery takes about five hours and demands a hands-on partnership with your specialist throughout the preparation, operation, and healing.

Surgical Benefits and Expected Outcomes

The primary benefit of double jaw surgery is restoring proper function—making it easier to chew, bite, and speak. It can correct speech impediments and breathing issues (notably improving sleep apnea). Functional alignment also relieves headaches and TMJ pain, and preserves dental health.

Aesthetically, surgery produces balanced, harmonious facial proportions, significantly boosting self-esteem. The positive psychological impact is profound, often providing relief from years of discomfort or embarrassment related to appearance and function.

Associated Risks and Long-Term Considerations

While double jaw surgery is safe when done by an experienced surgeon, it’s not without risks. Face pain, swelling, jaw stiffness, and numbness (especially around the lips and chin) are common after surgery; some numbness may linger for months or, rarely, become permanent. Excessive drooling, nasal stuffiness, and constipation from painkillers or a liquid diet are also typical.

Possible complications include nerve trauma, jawbone relapse, fractures, serious bleeding, or worsening of TMJ problems. A minority of patients may need a second corrective surgery. The emotional and logistical challenges—like needing help with daily tasks and the mental strain of lengthy recovery—are real, but most patients find the improvements far outweigh the hardships along the way.

Best Clinics in Korea for Underbite Malocclusion

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for underbite malocclusion:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Made Young Plastic Surgery Website	Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is a premium center devoted to facial and anti-aging procedures, uniting genuine dedication with proven expertise. For individuals concerned about underbite malocclusion and its impact on facial harmony, Made Young stands out with deep experience in facial contouring—such as chin surgery (genioplasty), jaw reduction, and V-line refinement—supported by a rigorous, transparent safety infrastructure and systematic aftercare. Every case is evaluated directly by the medical team, ensuring individualized planning and precise, natural-looking results from consultation through recovery. • Verified medical team and expertise: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience; proven skills backed by extensive clinical experience; direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team before any procedure • Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site; 1:1 dedicated monitoring (one anesthesiologist per patient); cross-check system for coordinated emergency response; full CCTV coverage of procedures for maximum transparency • Thorough aftercare system: separate dedicated aftercare center in operation; complete and systematic post-procedure care • Awards and official recognitions: 2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society • Underbite-focused strengths: comprehensive facial contouring capabilities directly relevant to lower-facial balance, including chin surgery (genioplasty), jaw reduction surgery, V-line surgery, and metal-free V-line approaches • Precision planning for facial harmony: surgeon-led evaluation to align chin–jaw projection, profile balance, and soft-tissue contour with each patient’s goals prior to any procedure • Safety and transparency for complex jaw and chin work: real-time 1:1 anesthetic monitoring and full CCTV coverage enhance intraoperative confidence and patient trust • Recovery you can rely on: structured, clinic-run aftercare that supports swelling control, comfort, and stable outcomes following contouring and adjunctive procedures related to underbite concerns	chin surgery (genioplasty); jaw reduction surgery; V-line refinement; V-line surgery; metal-free V-line approaches
Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website	Banobagi Plastic Surgery was established in February 2000 by four medical professionals who are specialists in plastic surgery from Seoul National University Hospital, rooted in an artisan spirit for beauty and a warm medical philosophy. With a commitment to being a hospital loved by patients, recognized for good surgical skills, and one that people want to introduce, Banobagi renovated its entire building on October 7, 2008 into a modern medical environment, emerging as a leading plastic surgery space in Korea and a representative, reliable, and famous plastic surgery brand. Today, Banobagi operates a mammoth-sized clinic with a 6-story main building (total floor area of 600 pyeong) and a 5-story annex, housing specialized centers for facial contouring, body contouring, breast surgery, wrinkle surgery, eye surgery, nose surgery, filler/special surgery, and an obesity clinic. Providing 1:1 customized treatments supported by professional medical equipment, Banobagi strictly avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgeries, treating each patient with the care of a family—an ethos that has driven its growth for over 20 years. For patients exploring solutions related to underbite malocclusion, the facial contouring center offers individualized consultations aligned with this patient-first philosophy.	facial contouring center; individualized consultations; 1:1 customized treatments; avoids unnecessary or excessive surgeries; over 20 years of growth; patient-first philosophy
D.A Plastic Surgery Clinic Website	DA Plastic Surgery Clinic, located at Gangnam Station, offers specialized care for underbite malocclusion within a comprehensive facial skeletal program. With a skilled team of surgeons and dedicated staff, the clinic emphasizes personalized treatment planning in a safe and comfortable environment. For patients with Class III patterns and jaw asymmetries, the Smile Triple Jaw Surgery addresses irregularities of both upper and lower jaws, often improving function and facial balance while aiming for natural-looking results. To optimize harmony after bite correction, DA Plastic Surgery Clinic also provides complementary contouring options such as genioplasty and shaping V-line surgery, as well as revision facial contouring for previously treated cases. This integrated approach allows the team to tailor care to each patient’s anatomy and goals, supporting both aesthetic refinement and functional improvement from consultation through recovery.	specialized care for underbite malocclusion within a facial skeletal program; personalized treatment planning; safe and comfortable environment; Smile Triple Jaw Surgery for Class III patterns and jaw asymmetries; complementary contouring options (genioplasty, shaping V-line surgery); revision facial contouring

Made Young Plastic Surgery

Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul’s Gangnam district, is a premium center devoted to facial and anti-aging procedures, uniting genuine dedication with proven expertise. For individuals concerned about underbite malocclusion and its impact on facial harmony, Made Young stands out with deep experience in facial contouring—such as chin surgery (genioplasty), jaw reduction, and V-line refinement—supported by a rigorous, transparent safety infrastructure and systematic aftercare. Every case is evaluated directly by the medical team, ensuring individualized planning and precise, natural-looking results from consultation through recovery.

• Verified medical team and expertise: only highly skilled doctors with an average of over 15 years of experience; proven skills backed by extensive clinical experience; direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team before any procedure

• Comprehensive safety system: full-time board-certified anesthesiologists on site; 1:1 dedicated monitoring (one anesthesiologist per patient); cross-check system for coordinated emergency response; full CCTV coverage of procedures for maximum transparency

• Thorough aftercare system: separate dedicated aftercare center in operation; complete and systematic post-procedure care

• Awards and official recognitions: 2022 Korea No.1 Award; 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society

• Underbite-focused strengths: comprehensive facial contouring capabilities directly relevant to lower-facial balance, including chin surgery (genioplasty), jaw reduction surgery, V-line surgery, and metal-free V-line approaches

• Precision planning for facial harmony: surgeon-led evaluation to align chin–jaw projection, profile balance, and soft-tissue contour with each patient’s goals prior to any procedure

• Safety and transparency for complex jaw and chin work: real-time 1:1 anesthetic monitoring and full CCTV coverage enhance intraoperative confidence and patient trust

• Recovery you can rely on: structured, clinic-run aftercare that supports swelling control, comfort, and stable outcomes following contouring and adjunctive procedures related to underbite concerns

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

Banobagi Plastic Surgery

Banobagi Plastic Surgery was established in February 2000 by four medical professionals who are specialists in plastic surgery from Seoul National University Hospital, rooted in an artisan spirit for beauty and a warm medical philosophy. With a commitment to being a hospital loved by patients, recognized for good surgical skills, and one that people want to introduce, Banobagi renovated its entire building on October 7, 2008 into a modern medical environment, emerging as a leading plastic surgery space in Korea and a representative, reliable, and famous plastic surgery brand.

Today, Banobagi operates a mammoth-sized clinic with a 6-story main building (total floor area of 600 pyeong) and a 5-story annex, housing specialized centers for facial contouring, body contouring, breast surgery, wrinkle surgery, eye surgery, nose surgery, filler/special surgery, and an obesity clinic. Providing 1:1 customized treatments supported by professional medical equipment, Banobagi strictly avoids recommending unnecessary or excessive surgeries, treating each patient with the care of a family—an ethos that has driven its growth for over 20 years. For patients exploring solutions related to underbite malocclusion, the facial contouring center offers individualized consultations aligned with this patient-first philosophy.

Find more about this clinic here: Banobagi Plastic Surgery Website

D.A Plastic Surgery Clinic

DA Plastic Surgery Clinic, located at Gangnam Station, offers specialized care for underbite malocclusion within a comprehensive facial skeletal program. With a skilled team of surgeons and dedicated staff, the clinic emphasizes personalized treatment planning in a safe and comfortable environment. For patients with Class III patterns and jaw asymmetries, the Smile Triple Jaw Surgery addresses irregularities of both upper and lower jaws, often improving function and facial balance while aiming for natural-looking results.

To optimize harmony after bite correction, DA Plastic Surgery Clinic also provides complementary contouring options such as genioplasty and shaping V-line surgery, as well as revision facial contouring for previously treated cases. This integrated approach allows the team to tailor care to each patient’s anatomy and goals, supporting both aesthetic refinement and functional improvement from consultation through recovery.

Find more about this clinic here: D.A Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

The Patient's Journey: Navigating the Medical Tourism Process in South Korea

Why South Korea?

South Korea is a medical tourism hotspot, drawing international patients for both cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgeries. Its clinics are famous for blending functional correction with aesthetic artistry and have teams of surgeons and orthodontists working together from consultation through recovery to ensure optimal, natural-looking results.

The Process of Getting Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea

Here's what the medical tourism journey typically looks like:

• Initial Research & Online Consultation: Identify clinics, consult remotely with photos and records, and receive estimated costs and proposed plans (2–4 weeks).
• Visa & Travel Arrangements: Secure a visa (C-3 for short stays, G-1 medical visa for longer or complex cases), and book flights/lodging (4–6 weeks).
• On-site Evaluation & Surgery: In-person assessment, confirm the surgical plan, complete final tests, and undergo surgery (about five hours).
• Recovery Period in Korea: Stay in-country for 2–4 weeks for initial healing, follow-up visits, dietary guidance, and care instructions.
• Discharge & Return Home: After clearance, return with medical records; consider virtual follow-ups for continued care.

Table 3.1: Estimated Medical Tourism Timeline for Double Jaw Surgery in South Korea

Phase of Journey	Duration	Key Activities
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics	12-18 months	Align teeth with braces or aligners
Initial Remote Consultation	2-4 weeks	Clinic research, online consults
Travel Planning	4-6 weeks	Visa, travel, accommodation
On-Site Stay in Korea	2-4 weeks	Final evaluation, surgery, early recovery
Initial Healing	6 weeks	Bone healing, liquid-to-soft diet
Full Recovery	12 weeks-1 year	Complete healing, ongoing orthodontic work

Key Considerations for Clinic Selection

Choosing a South Korean clinic requires careful research. Look for KHIDI-registered clinics and board-certified surgeons—JCI accreditation is a bonus for international safety standards. Crucially, distinguish between medically necessary orthognathic surgery and V-line jaw reduction, which is cosmetic and less costly but unsuitable for true underbite correction. Orthognathic surgery, addressing skeletal and functional issues, ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 USD, compared to $3,784–$6,054 for cosmetic jaw reduction. Always choose a clinic with substantive experience in functional jaw surgeries.

Financial Landscape: Cost of Double Jaw Surgery for a Medical Tourist

South Korean Costs in Detail

In South Korea, double jaw surgery generally costs between $15,000 and $25,000 USD (with some sources quoting $7,000 up to $25,330, reflecting case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic quality). This usually includes surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, and some follow-up care, but patients should budget for travel, extended stays, and additional treatments or medications outside the package.

Global Cost Comparison: South Korea vs. Other Countries

Comparative pricing puts South Korea in a favorable light for value and expertise. In the United States, the procedure costs $20,000 to $55,000+, Canada and the United Kingdom typically charge $18,000 to $50,000 for private care. Mexico ($8,000–$12,000), Turkey ($8,000–$15,000), and Thailand ($3,000–$10,000) offer lower prices. Though not the cheapest option, South Korea’s costs reflect a premium on high skill, advanced tech, and a comprehensive approach to both function and aesthetics.

Table 4.1: Double Jaw Surgery Cost Comparison: South Korea vs. Global Destinations

Country/Region	Estimated Cost for Double Jaw Surgery (USD)
South Korea	$15,000 - $25,000
United States	$20,000 - $55,000+
Canada	$25,000 - $50,000
United Kingdom	$18,000 - $30,000
Mexico	$8,000 - $12,000
Turkey	$8,000 - $15,000
Thailand	$3,000 - $10,000

Estimates only; prices depend on individual cases and clinic.

Voices from the Journey: Patient Experiences and Testimonials

Acknowledging the Emotional and Physical Toll

First-hand patient accounts reveal the demands of double jaw surgery recovery. The process is described as long and challenging—patients experience unexpected side effects like drooling, constipation, and "pins and needles" as numbness wears off. Routine tasks become difficult, highlighting the importance of strong support systems during the initial recovery stages. The emotional journey can be taxing, requiring resilience to manage anxiety and extended healing.

Life-Changing Outcomes

Yet, the overall sentiment from patients is positive. Beyond correcting bite and chewing issues, improving speech, and enabling nasal breathing, many share stories of newfound confidence and comfort in their appearance. The emotional transformation is significant, with individuals expressing gratitude for improved quality of life and increased self-esteem. These testimonials remind us that double jaw surgery is both a physical and psychological journey, delivering profound changes that ripple into all aspects of life.

Conclusion

Underbite malocclusion is a complex condition that, when rooted in jawbone structure, is best treated with orthognathic surgery for a definitive solution. Double jaw surgery addresses both the health and aesthetic impacts of the condition, with South Korea offering a compelling blend of expertise, modern care, and value for patients. The journey requires careful planning and patient commitment, but the rewards are often life-changing in both function and confidence.

References

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