Facial contouring reshapes the cheekbones, the angle of the lower jaw and the chin to create a softer, balanced outline. Because it is an aesthetic procedure, Dr. Lee first checks with 3D CT whether bone is actually the cause of your concern and whether surgery can realistically meet your expectations. If muscle, fat or skin is the cause, non-surgical options are recommended first.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Which procedure do I need?
Prominent cheekbones in the front or 45° view → zygoma reduction. An angular jawline from the side or a wide lower face from the front → mandibular angle reduction. A long, wide or receding chin → genioplasty. Square jaw plus chin together is "V-line"; adding cheekbones makes it "three-part contouring". Only the areas that need it are included.
Bone or muscle?
If your jaw bulges when you clench, the masseter muscle is the cause and botulinum toxin is tried first. If the angle is there even when relaxed, the bone is the cause. We check by palpation and CT during the consultation.
Recovery
Major swelling subsides in 1–2 weeks, residual swelling over 1–3 months; the final contour settles at about 6 months. Stitches inside the mouth are removed at about two weeks. Numbness of the chin or lower lip is usually temporary.
Sagging after contouring
When bone volume is reduced, the soft tissue may not follow completely, especially in older patients or with large reductions. Repositioning osteotomies and conservative bone removal reduce this risk; HIFU (Shurink) can be used afterwards for skin tightening.
How Dr. Lee decides whether to operate
Contouring surgery is mainly for appearance, so it has to meet the patient’s goal. I always check what the patient expects and whether contouring can really deliver it.
Tests at your first visit
| 3D CT (large-field CBCT) | The whole facial skeleton, nerves and tooth roots in 3D — usually taken on the day of your consultation. |
|---|---|
| Intraoral scan and models | How your upper and lower teeth meet, recorded digitally. |
| Facial photos | Front, 45° and side views to measure asymmetry and proportions. |
| 3D virtual surgical planning | Dr. Lee performs the surgery on a 3D model first and shows you the expected change. |
If you have previous CT files (DICOM), photos or a referral letter, please send them before your visit by LINE or email.
Frequently asked questions
01Where are the scars?
Square jaw and chin surgery use incisions inside the mouth only. Zygoma reduction adds a 2–3 mm incision in front of the ear, hidden in the hairline.
02How long is surgery?
About 1–1.5 hours per area; three-part contouring about 3 hours.
03Can contouring be combined with jaw surgery?
Yes, this is common for long face or prognathism. It lengthens surgery and swelling, so suitability is assessed individually.
04Can plates from surgery elsewhere be removed here?
Yes. Patients who had contouring in Seoul or abroad have had plate removal at our clinic.
05How much does it cost?
Fees are listed on the Korean fee page (e.g. chin KRW 4,000,000; square jaw or cheekbone KRW 5,000,000; three-part KRW 11,000,000, VAT and anesthesia/stay extra). Exact quote after diagnosis.
06Will my face sag?
There is a risk depending on age, skin elasticity and the amount of bone reduced. We plan conservatively and can add HIFU afterwards.
This information is general and does not replace an in-person consultation. Results and recovery vary between individuals; every surgery carries risks such as bleeding, swelling, infection, numbness and the possibility of revision.
Full details, fees and cases are on the Korean site. 한국어 →