2026 Comprehensive Guide to Chin Contour Surgery in South Korea | V-line, Reduction surgery, Sliding Genioplasty (Chin Advancement): Actual costs provided by top surgeons in Gangnam

To be honest, I have made some mistakes in this industry.

It was my first time undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea. I consulted with three different clinics, and the consultants all talked in glowing terms about things like “no recovery period,” “100% natural ingredients,” and “able to return home on the same day.” So what happened? After the Osteotomy, my face swelled for two weeks; it was so difficult for me to speak that even looking in the mirror now still causes me psychological distress.

Therefore, I am writing this guide on chin contour surgery – without any fluff, just practical advice. Without further delay, let’s get started.

What exactly is chin contour surgery?

Simply put, it involves surgically altering the shape of the chin and jawbone in order to improve the overall contours of the face. There are three common types of such procedures:

• V-line surgery: This procedure creates a V-shaped chin and is suitable for those with a relatively square chin. It involves removing a portion of the bone on both sides of the chin, resulting in a more delicate and refined facial profile.
• Jaw reduction (U-line): The entire jawbone is narrowed, making it suitable for individuals with particularly protruding jawlines, transforming the shape from U to V.
• Sliding Genioplasty (Chin Advancement) / Retrusion/Advancement of the Chin: When the chin is either too long or too short, Osteotomy is performed to adjust its position and length.

Note: This is a level-4 surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia, and only qualified hospitals are authorized to perform it. It is not something as simple as getting a couple of injections of Filler at a cosmetic clinic – don’t let anyone mislead you.

Actual prices for chin contour surgery in South Korea in 2026

This is the question that everyone is most concerned about. I have compiled the quotes from the main clinics in Gangnam District from the end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026. Note that these are all basic prices; the final cost will still depend on your specific circumstances.

Type of surgery	Price range (Korean won)	For reference in terms of RMB conversion	Remarks
V-line chin reduction	8 million to 15 million	40,000 to 80,000 yuan	Basic version, including local anesthesia
V-line and the angle of the jaw together	15 million to 25 million	80,000 to 130,000 yuan	Full-face Contouring Package
Sliding Genioplasty (Chin Advancement)	6 million to 12 million	Ranging from 30,000 to 65,000 yuan	Suitable for those with receding chins
Chin Osteotomy for shortening	5 million to 10 million	Ranging from 27,000 to 55,000 yuan	Suitable for those with an overly long chin.
T-shaped Osteotomy of the chin	8 million to 14 million	Ranging from 40,000 to 75,000 yuan	Suitable for those with a wide chin.

Price Explanation:

• The amount mentioned above is in Korean won. The exchange rate is approximately 1 Korean won = 0.0053 Chinese yuan. You can do the calculation yourself.
• High-end clinics (such as those run by certain directors in Cheongdam-dong) charge 30% to 50% more in price, but the quality of their services and after-sales support are indeed superior.
• Translation fees, hospitalization costs, and post-operative follow-up examinations are generally charged separately, amounting to approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 Korean won (2,600 to 5,300 yuan).

Should I choose the V-line procedure or jaw reduction surgery?

This is the most common issue. To put it simply, it mainly depends on what the specific problem with your facial structure is.

Suitable for cases requiring a V-line profile

• The chin is relatively square, but the angle of the jaw is not particularly prominent.
• The face is not particularly wide; it’s just that the shape of the chin is not very refined.
• I want a natural, small-face appearance without undergoing too many procedures.

Suitable for cases involving mandibular reduction (from U shape to V shape)

• The angle of the jaw is particularly prominent, and the lines of the side face are defined and firm.
• From the front, the face appears quite wide, resembling what is commonly referred to as a “square-faced” profile.
• The chin is not only square in shape but also has skeletal issues.

Situations where T-shaped Osteotomy of the chin is required

• The chin is particularly wide, just as wide as the cheekbones.
• The length of the chin also needs to be adjusted.
• I want a sharp chin, but not too sharp.

My advice: If this is your first time undergoing contouring surgery, don’t opt for the full package right away. First, figure out exactly what problem you want to address. You can start with a CT scan consultation; in most clinics in Korea, the cost of a CT scan is free or very low.

Is it really safe to undergo chin surgery in South Korea?

I have been asked this question a hundred times.

To put it simply, South Korea does indeed have technical advantages in contour surgery – there are a large number of clinical cases, and doctors have relatively rich experience. In the plastic surgery departments of Gangnam District, most of the department heads graduated from Seoul National University School of Medicine, and the volume of surgeries they have performed is evident.

However! Whether something is safe or not depends mainly on three factors:

1. Clinic qualifications: The clinic must be a specialized hospital specializing in plastic surgery, rather than a dermatology department or some type of beauty center. Reputable clinics will display the director’s resume and qualification certificates on their walls.
2. Anesthesia method: General anesthesia must be administered by a specialist anesthesiologist, not a nurse! In reputable large hospitals in South Korea, there are dedicated anesthesiology departments; clinics without such specialists should simply be avoided.
3. Postoperative care: It is normal for there to be a period of swelling after chin surgery; however, abnormal swelling or persistent high fever are signs of potential issues. Reputable clinics will provide your contact information so that you can seek assistance at any time if necessary.

In most cases where something goes wrong, it is because people went to unlicensed, illegal clinics. So—don’t be tempted by low prices.

What preparations are needed before the procedure?

• Facial CT scan within the past 3 months: This is essential, as the doctor will use the results of the CT scan to formulate the surgical plan. It can save time if you get the scan done in China and bring the report along; in South Korea, the cost of such a scan is approximately 150,000 Korean won (800 yuan).
• Avoid the menstrual period: Avoid undergoing the procedure one week before and after your menstrual cycle, as blood coagulation function is reduced during this time.
• Request leave in advance: It is essential to rest for at least 7 to 10 days after the procedure. The reduction of swelling takes time, and the peak period of swelling usually occurs on the third day after the surgery.
• Prepare liquid foods: For one week after the surgery, you should only consume liquid foods such as milk, soy milk, rice porridge, or congee. Avoid any foods that require chewing.
• Ice application equipment: Extremely important! Korean clinics usually provide ice packs, but it’s better to bring your own extra ones.

How long is the recovery period approximately?

Let me provide a real timeline:

• 1 to 3 days after the surgery: The swelling is at its peak, and your face will look like a balloon. If possible, consider staying in a hospital in South Korea where nurses can take care of you.
• 7 days after the surgery: The stitches are removed, and the swelling has reduced by approximately 50%; it is now safe to return home.
• 1 month after the procedure: The swelling has reduced by 70 to 80%, and normal social activities are no longer a problem.
• 3 months after the procedure: The swelling has largely subsided, and the final results can now be observed.
• 6 months after the procedure: Final stabilization of the results

The speed at which swelling subsides varies from person to person. Those with a faster metabolism will see the swelling reduce more quickly, while older individuals may take longer. Don’t compare yourself to others, as everyone’s situation is different.

How to choose a hospital and a doctor?

There is no standard answer to this question, but there are several considerations to take into account:

• Consider the number of cases: Ask the hospital how many contouring surgeries they perform each year. If the number is too low, it’s better to choose another option.
• Look at real cases: Don’t rely on the photos on the official website, as they are all carefully edited. Instead, seek the genuine feedback from people who have actually undergone these treatments.
• It is important to clarify the type of surgery to be performed: Osteotomy or bone grinding? Different surgical methods involve different outcomes and carry different risks.
• Don’t just focus on the price: anything that is ridiculously cheap is likely to have problems. The cost of chin contour surgery at legitimate clinics in South Korea is well-known.

Finally, let me share some honest thoughts with you.

Chin surgery is irreversible; once it is done, it cannot be undone. If you are not satisfied with the results and want to undergo revision surgery, it will be much more difficult and expensive than the initial procedure.

Think carefully about three things:

1. Do you really need to have this procedure done? Or are you just being held hostage by aesthetic anxieties?
2. Are your expectations reasonable? Surgery is meant to improve the situation, not to perform a head transplant.
3. Can you endure the hardships of the recovery period? It’s impossible not to experience swelling for two weeks.

If your answers to all three of these questions are YES, then take the time to do your research carefully. Find a reputable hospital and a experienced doctor, and have an open and honest discussion about your needs.

Finally, I wish everyone success in becoming more beautiful and avoiding any unnecessary detours. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section.