In South Korea, among cosmetic surgeries, “facial contouring surgery” is the type that requires the highest level of technical expertise and produces the most noticeable results. Terms such as bone removal, mandibular advancement, angleoplasty of the mandible, and chin reshaping have remained highly popular on platforms like REDnote and Naver forums in 2026.
However, contour surgery is also one of the plastic surgery procedures with the most complex associated risks. Postoperative nerve damage, skeletal asymmetry, and a lengthy recovery period are all factors that deter many people from considering this option. In this article, we will provide you with the most comprehensive information to help you truly understand every aspect of facial contour surgery in South Korea.
I. What is facial contour surgery?
Facial contour surgery involves performing Osteotomy, bone grinding, or internal repositioning of the facial skeletal structure in order to fundamentally alter the proportions of the face. Compared to minimally invasive procedures such as Filler injections or botulinum toxin treatments, contour surgery represents a permanent change at the skeletal level.
The most common contouring procedures include:
- Angle of the mandible Osteotomy (commonly known as “bone reduction”): This procedure reduces the width of the angle of the mandible, transforming a square-shaped face into a heart-shaped one.
- Intraglenoid reduction surgery: This procedure reduces the width of the zygomatic arch, thereby narrowing the widest part of the face.
- Chin angle contouring: Smoothing the outer edge of the jawbone to create smoother lines in the lower half of the face.
- Chin surgery: This procedure involves moving the chin forward, shortening, lengthening, or rotating it in order to adjust the proportions of the lower half of the face.
- Three-part combination (jawbone + angle of the mandible + chin): The most comprehensive solution for contour improvement
II. Detailed Analysis of Each Project
1. Mandibular angle Osteotomy
The contouring procedure that is most popular among Chinese individuals seeking cosmetic treatments. Suitable for: people with enlarged mandibular angles (square-faced) or those whose lower face appears wider visually.
- Surgical procedure: An incision is made inside the mouth (no external scars). Using powered instruments, the excessively wide mandibular angle bones are removed, and then the area is stabilized with steel plates.
- Effect: The front profile changes from square/trapezoidal to oval, and the contours of the lower jaw on the side become more smooth.
- Recovery period: Initial swelling usually lasts for 1-2 weeks; most of the swelling subsides within 3-6 months, while complete bone healing takes approximately 12 months.
- Risks: Injury to the inferior alveolar nerve (which may cause temporary numbness in the lips or chin, usually resolving within 6 to 12 months).
2. Medial advancement of the zygomatic bone (zygomatic arch Osteotomy)
This procedure reduces the widest part of the face, effectively addressing the common issues of “high cheekbones” and “large faces” among East Asians.
- Surgical procedure: Perform Osteotomy at both ends of the zygomatic arch, then manually move the bones inward and fix them in place, thereby reducing the overall width of the face.
- Effect: From the front, it can be seen that the face size has significantly reduced, and the facial proportions are now closer to the golden ratio.
- Recovery period: The most severe swelling usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks, while the swelling generally subsides completely within about 6 months.
- Risks: Damage to the nerves in the zygomatic area (branches of the facial nerve) requires extreme caution when determining the extent of the surgery.
3. Chin surgery (mandibular Osteotomy)
By moving the chin bone itself, it is possible to achieve results that are more lasting and natural than those achieved by simply using chin implants.
- Genioplasty advancement: Suitable for cases where the chin is retracted (resulting in a protruding lower jaw or a lack of visible chin from the side). This procedure involves moving the bone forward and securing it in place.
- Surgery to shorten/lengthen the face: Adjusts the proportion of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the face to correct issues such as a “upper part of the face that is larger than the lower part” or an “overly long jaw”.
- Rotational surgery: Corrects jaw asymmetry and improves facial imbalance.
4. Three-part combined contour surgery
Simultaneously performing Osteotomy on the zygomatic bone, the angle of the mandible, and the chin is the most comprehensive approach to achieving desired results, yet it also represents the most complex type of contour surgery. Top contour surgery clinics in South Korea, such as Faceline, Apr-31, and the Contour Department of ID Hospital, perform a large number of such procedures every year.
The combined procedure for these three areas requires doctors to have a high level of overall understanding of the skeletal structure, nerve pathways, and postoperative balance. The operation usually takes 4 to 6 hours, and the recovery period is also the longest (it takes more than 12 months for the swelling to completely subside).
III. Price list for contouring surgeries (market conditions in South Korea in 2026)
- Single-site Osteotomy of the mandibular angle: 5 million to 9 million Korean won (approximately 26,500 to 48,000 RMB)
- Single-site zygomatic bone advancement: 7 million to 12 million Korean won (approximately 37,000 to 64,000 RMB)
- Chin Osteotomy: 4 million to 8 million Korean won (approximately 21,000 to 42,000 RMB)
- Jawline and chin: 9 million to 16 million Korean won (approximately 48,000 to 85,000 RMB)
- Three-part combined contour treatment: 15 million to 30 million Korean won (approximately 80,000 to 160,000 RMB)
- Double jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): 25 million to 50 million Korean won (approximately 130,000 to 265,000 RMB)
⚠️ The above prices are merely market reference averages; the costs at top-tier hospitals or when performed by renowned surgeons may be higher. During your consultation, please ensure to clarify whether the price includes anesthesia fees, hospitalization expenses, and post-operative care costs.
IV. Surgical Procedure and Preoperative Preparation
- Preoperative CT assessment: It is essential to perform a 3D cranial CT to evaluate the thickness of the bones, the location of nerves, and the amount of bone that can be removed during the procedure. This step is indispensable for any cosmetic surgery involving facial contours.
- Pre-surgery consultation: Discuss the surgical plan, expected results, and potential risks with the doctor.
- Preoperative fasting: Abstain from food and water for 8 hours before the surgery.
- Surgical anesthesia: General anesthesia is usually used (especially for procedures with longer durations).
- Postoperative hospitalization: It is recommended to stay in South Korea for 2-3 days to ensure that there are no abnormalities such as bleeding or infection.
V. Complete recovery schedule
- 1–3 days after the procedure: The face will be severely swollen, so ice compresses are necessary. Special care should also be taken to the stitches inside the mouth (clean them with mouthwash).
- 1 week after the procedure: Difficulty in eating (mainly liquid foods); temporary numbness may occur.
- 2–4 weeks after the procedure: The swelling gradually subsides, and the visible improvements in the contours become more apparent.
- 1–3 months after the procedure: Most of the swelling subsides, and the basic contours begin to take shape; however, there may still be a slight sense of firmness in certain areas.
- 6 months after the procedure: Approximately 90% of the swelling has subsided, allowing for normal social interactions.
- 12 months after the procedure: The bones have fully healed, and the final results are now fully visible.
Dietary considerations during the recovery period: For the first 6 weeks after the procedure, focus on soft or liquid foods, and avoid foods that require excessive chewing (such as grilled meat or fried chicken). Also, refrain from yawning or laughing loudly while opening your mouth widely. Elevating your head by 30 degrees while sleeping can help reduce swelling.
VI. Common Risks and How to Avoid Them
- Nerve damage: This is the risk that people worry about the most. The inferior alveolar nerve and the mandibular nerve are located close to the area where the Osteotomy is performed, and damage to these nerves may cause temporary numbness in the lower lip, gums, and chin. In most cases, recovery occurs naturally within 6 to 18 months; the incidence of permanent nerve damage is less than 1%.
- Asymmetry: If there is a slight asymmetry in the bones themselves, this may be amplified or exacerbated after the procedure. Preoperative CT evaluation can help predict such risks.
- Insufficient or excessive amount of Osteotomy: This can affect the final degree of facial contour improvement, and therefore precise planning is necessary based on pre-operative CT data.
- Postoperative depression/irregularity: If the skin tissue retracts unevenly after Osteotomy, local depressions may occur, although the incidence rate is relatively low.
- Reactions to steel plates/screws: Internal fixation devices used to stabilize bones can usually be removed after 1 to 2 years; however, a small number of individuals may experience mild reactions to the metal.
VII. Key criteria for selecting a hospital in South Korea for contouring surgery
- Specialized certification: In South Korea, contour surgery must be performed by specialists in plastic surgery or oral and maxillofacial surgery; it is essential to avoid choosing physicians who are not specialized in these areas.
- Proper CT equipment in place: High-quality hospitals in the medical aesthetics industry usually have their own 3D CT equipment on-site, enabling immediate assessment of bone structures.
- Number of cases and complexity: Ask the hospital about the annual number of contouring surgeries performed, and find out whether there are any cases involving combined surgeries on three areas or Revision Surgery.
- Emergency response capabilities: Inquire about the contingency plans in place for dealing with emergency situations such as postoperative bleeding or infections.
Reputable hospitals for contour surgery in South Korea in 2026
- Faceline Plastic Surgery (Gangnam Nonhyeon-dong): A leader in facial contour restoration in South Korea, equipped with a 3D skeletal analysis system. The founder, Dr. Lee Jin-soo, has over 20 years of experience in this field.
- Department of Plastic Surgery at 431: Contour surgery starts from 48,000 yuan. We have extensive experience in mandibular angle correction and zygomatic bone advancement. For combined treatments of these three areas, Director Park Seong-wan will take charge of the procedures.
- ID Hospital (Gangnam): The largest comprehensive plastic surgery institution in South Korea, with multiple dedicated physicians in the contouring department. It has a large number of cases handled and offers excellent Chinese-language services.
- REGEN Plastic Surgery: Renowned for precise Osteotomy of the zygomatic bone and facial rejuvenation procedures
VIII. Who is suitable and who is not suitable for contour surgery
Suitable candidates for contouring surgery:
- The angle of the mandible is significantly enlarged; when viewed from the front, the widest part of the face is located at the cheekbone area.
- The mandible is too wide (the middle part of the face is the widest, making the front of the face appear larger).
- The chin may be retracted or protruding, affecting the aesthetic appearance of the side profile.
- The facial shape is significantly asymmetrical; in cases where the issue is not related to the skeleton, injectable minimally invasive procedures can be used for correction.
- Skeletal issues that cannot be effectively resolved through minimally invasive procedures such as botulinum toxin injections or fillers
Situations where it is not recommended or where postponement is advised:
- Under 20 years of age (bones have not fully matured)
- Osteoporosis or bone-related diseases
- Excessive obsession with “perfect symmetry” – since there is naturally a slight asymmetry in the human face, achieving perfect symmetry after surgery is almost impossible.
- The body is experiencing acute inflammation or an immune system disorder
IX. Conclusion: Contour surgery is undoubtedly the plastic surgery decision that requires the most careful consideration.
Facial contour surgery is among all cosmetic procedures the one that makes the most fundamental changes and requires the greatest caution. Once performed, these changes are difficult to reverse; therefore, preoperative preparation, the selection of a qualified surgeon, and proper management of one’s expectations are far more important than in any other type of procedure.
It is recommended to do the following before making a decision: Research a large number of case photos online to understand the aesthetic style of the hospital → Visit at least 2-3 hospitals for consultations to compare different options and get firsthand experiences → Prepare a thorough recovery plan (assuming at least 3 months for recovery) → Set realistic expectations, as the results are likely to be gradual rather than dramatic.
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