Can botox replace jaw reduction surgery?

Botulinum toxin can slim a jaw that is wide because of a thick masseter muscle, but it does not change the bone. If the jaw bone itself is wide, surgery is needed to change the shape.

When will I see the final result of jaw reduction?

Most visible swelling settles within a few weeks, but the final contour usually becomes clear between three and six months after surgery.

Patient Guide

Square Jaw Reduction in Korea: What to Know Before Surgery

✓ Patient guide · Updated October 2026

Square jaw reduction, also called mandibular angle reduction, reshapes the back corners of the lower jaw to create a slimmer, softer lower face. Korea is widely known for facial bone contouring, and many international patients travel to Seoul for it. This guide explains how the surgery works, who it suits and what recovery involves.

Bone or muscle?

A wide lower face can come from a prominent jaw angle, a thick masseter (chewing) muscle, or both. If the width is mainly muscle, botulinum toxin injections may slim the jaw without surgery. If the jaw bone itself is wide or flared, surgery is the option that changes the shape. A clinical examination and a CT scan are used to tell the difference and to plan the operation.

How the surgery is done

Mandibular angle resection – a curved section of the jaw angle is removed to soften a square outline when seen from the front and the side.
Outer cortex reduction – the outer layer of the jaw bone is trimmed to reduce width from the front view.
Combination with chin surgery – jaw reduction is often combined with chin reshaping (genioplasty) so that the jawline and chin flow together, a combination often marketed as V-line surgery.

The surgery is usually performed through incisions inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars. It is done under general anaesthesia, and an overnight hospital stay is common.

Recovery timeline

First days: swelling peaks around days two to three. A compression garment, head elevation and cold packs are typically used.
First weeks: a liquid or soft diet and careful oral hygiene are needed while the incisions inside the mouth heal.
Weeks 2–4: visible swelling reduces enough for most people to return to daily life.
Months 3–6: remaining swelling settles and the final contour becomes clear.

Risks to discuss

Numbness of the lower lip and chin can occur because the inferior alveolar nerve runs through the jaw; it is usually temporary but can be long-lasting. Other risks include asymmetry, bleeding, infection, over-resection that leaves an unnatural "second angle", and sagging of the soft tissue over a smaller bone framework. Ask the surgeon how these risks apply to your anatomy.

Planning your trip

Plan to stay in Seoul for roughly 10 to 14 days to allow for check-ups, swelling management and clearance to fly. Bring loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head, and plan meals you can manage on a soft diet.

Questions to ask a clinic

Is my width caused by bone, muscle or both, and what does my CT show?
Which technique do you recommend and how much will be removed?
Should my chin be treated at the same time to keep proportions natural?
What is included in the quote, including CT, anaesthesia, garments and follow-up?
How is aftercare handled once I am back home?

This article is general information for international patients, not medical advice. Consult a licensed clinic for diagnosis and treatment suitable to you.