Without further ado, let’s get straight to the conclusion.
Last year, I underwent Reduction surgery on my jawbone in Gangnam, Seoul. After coming back, many friends asked me, “Is it really possible to reduce the size of the jawbone? Is the surgery safe?” To be honest, I spent three months researching before having the procedure and encountered quite a few pitfalls along the way. Today, I will share everything I know so that you can avoid making similar mistakes.
In South Korea, contouring procedures include Reduction surgery of the jawbone, removal of the mandibular angles (for shaping a squared face), and neck reshaping (to protrude or shorten the chin). These procedures can be performed individually or in combination, but the most suitable treatment plan varies greatly from person to person. Don’t let marketing rhetoric lead you astray; it’s important to understand these basic concepts first.
🔍 What exactly are the procedures included in contour shaping?
① Zygomatic bone Reduction surgery (Zygomatic Osteotomy)
High cheekbones, wide cheekbones, and protruding cheekbones – these three issues involve different approaches and surgical techniques.
- Protruding zygomatic bone (zygomatic bone eversion): An Osteotomy is performed from the inner side of the mouth, rotating and fixing the zygomatic bone inward. The incision is made inside the mouth, so no scar will remain on the face.
- High zygomatic bone (wide zygomatic arch): Make an incision 2 cm in length at the corner of the eyebrow, then perform an Osteotomy on the zygomatic arch to retract it inward. This is the most common procedure, and it is what people refer to as “zygomatic arch Osteotomy”.
- Both methods involve “three-point Osteotomy” or “L-shaped Osteotomy”, which address both the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic arch simultaneously. While this approach yields the most comprehensive results, it also results in greater trauma and a longer recovery period with swelling.
② Mandibular angle reduction surgery (square-jaw procedure)
There are two types of square faces: skeletal square faces (where the angles of the mandible are protruding) and muscular square faces (caused by an enlarged Masseter muscle). Many people think that injecting botulinum toxin is enough, but if the bones themselves are protruding, the face will still appear square even after the injection. For skeletal square faces, Osteotomy is required – the bone at the angle of the mandible is removed and smoothed from inside the mouth. In cases of a mixed type, it is usually best to inject botulinum toxin again after the Osteotomy for optimal results.
③ Facial Plastic Surgery (Chin)
Short, retracted, asymmetrical, or overly long chins – each of these issues requires different types of surgeries. Some common procedures include:
- Osteotomy for forward movement: This procedure is suitable for cases of retruded chins. It involves moving the chin bone forward, resulting in a more natural appearance than the use of implants. However, it requires the use of steel plates for fixation, and the recovery period after surgery is relatively longer.
- Bone reduction surgery: Suitable for cases where the chin is too long or too wide; a portion of the bone is directly removed.
- Filling/implants: Suitable for cases where only minor adjustments are needed. The procedure causes minimal trauma, but the results are limited, and there is a risk of implant displacement.
💰 Latest quotes for contour plastic surgery in South Korea in 2026 (Gangnam District, Seoul)
The following information is based on my consultations with several Gangnam clinics and is provided for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on the surgical plan, the doctor’s experience, and the level of the clinic.
| Surgical procedures | Surgical methods | Cost range (Korean won) | Cost range (in RMB approximately) | Recovery period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zygomatic bone Reduction surgery | Unilateral zygomatic arch Osteotomy | 5 million to 8 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 26,000 to 42,000 yuan | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Zygomatic bone Reduction surgery | Three-point Osteotomy (zygomatic bone + zygomatic arch) | 7 million to 12 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 37,000 to 63,000 yuan | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Mandibular angle resection | Osteotomy for square facial bones | 5 million to 9 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 26,000 to 47,000 yuan | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Neck plastic surgery | Osteotomy and anterior displacement | 4 million to 7 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 21,000 to 37,000 yuan | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Neck plastic surgery | Bone grinding for length reduction | 3 million to 5 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 16,000 to 26,000 yuan | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Combination of two contours | Jawbone + angle of the mandible | 9 million to 16 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 47,000 to 84,000 yuan | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Combination of three contours | Jawbone + angle of the mandible + chin | 12 to 20 million Korean won | Ranging from approximately 63,000 to 105,000 yuan | 8 to 12 weeks |
⚠️ Warning: During my first consultation, I came across a clinic that quoted a price of 8 million yuan for Osteotomy. However, upon further inquiry, I learned that they only performed the “zygomatic arch” procedure and did not include the “zygomatic bone body”, meaning only half of the treatment was actually carried out. It is essential to clarify what specific procedures are included in the quote and what the scope of the Osteotomy actually covers.
🏥 What pitfalls should one be especially cautious of when choosing a clinic?
To put it simply, contour surgery is a completely different level of procedure compared to hyaluronic acid injections; it is a genuine surgical operation, and the associated risks must be taken seriously. I have compiled several questions that came up during my consultation process:
Trap 1: Focusing only on before-and-after comparisons without considering the doctor’s qualifications
Those comparison photos on IG and REDnote look so stunning, but the shooting angles and lighting can definitely be manipulated to achieve such results. What’s more important: How many contouring procedures has that doctor performed? Does he or she have any specialized certification in contouring surgery? In South Korea, both “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” and “Plastic Surgery” specialties can perform contouring procedures, but the experience and expertise of the doctors vary greatly.
Trap 2: Being attracted by claims of “fast recovery”
Zygomatic Osteotomy involves cutting through the bone and then using titanium screws to fix it in place. It takes 3 to 6 months for the bone to fully heal, while the swelling usually subsides by about 80% within 2 to 3 months. Some clinics claim that “results can be seen within two weeks,” but frankly, such claims should not be taken seriously. The postoperative swelling is a natural physiological process that cannot be accelerated.
Trap 3: Ignoring the risk of nerve damage
One of the greatest risks associated with mandibular Osteotomy is damage to the inferior alveolar nerve, which can cause numbness in the lower lip and gums. Skilled surgeons will determine the location of the nerve during the surgical planning process, and a CT scan is usually required before the operation. If your surgeon does not mention this risk during the consultation or simply tells you not to worry, you should be cautious.
Trick 4: Performing too many contour combination surgeries at once
I once met a Taiwanese girl who underwent Double eyelid surgery, zygomatic bone surgery, mandibular angle surgery, chin surgery, and Double eyelid surgery in one go. The entire procedure lasted over 8 hours, but as a result, one side of her zygomatic bone failed to heal properly, requiring a second operation. For any facial contour surgery, adding more procedures significantly increases the time required, the amount of blood lost, and the risk of infection. It is therefore recommended not to perform more than three such surgeries on the same day.
📅 Preoperative Preparation Checklist for Contour Plastic Surgery
This is the list provided by the clinic before my surgery. I have added some of my own insights:
- ✅ 2 weeks before the procedure: Stop taking any health supplements that may affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, fish oil, or vitamin E.
- ✅ 1 week before the procedure: Quit drinking and smoking (smoking can affect bone healing, and this is really important).
- ✅ Pre-surgery CT scan: This is an essential step that allows doctors to assess the thickness of the bones and the location of the nerves.
- ✅ Prepare liquid foods: For 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery, you should only consume soft foods. Make sure to have tofu, porridge, steamed eggs, and other such foods readily available.
- ✅ Make sure to stay in Korea for at least 10 days: Follow-up visits are necessary after the surgery to check how the wound is healing; it is not recommended to return home on the third day.
- ✅ Inform the doctor about any history of allergies or previous medical conditions: Especially those who are allergic to metals must make this clear to the surgeon before the procedure (although titanium plates are a standard material, it’s still necessary to confirm).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (The Ones I Get Asked the Most)
Q: Can Botox be injected after contour shaping surgery?
Sure, but you need to wait until the bone has basically healed. It is generally recommended to wait for 6 months after the surgery before getting another injection. After an Osteotomy, the Masseter usually reduces in size naturally due to the change in bone position, so not everyone needs another Botox injection after the surgery.
Q: Will the cheekbones become loose or sag after Reduction surgery?
This is a concern that many people have. To be honest, after Reduction surgery, the soft tissues indeed lose some of their support, and in a few cases, there may be slight sagging, especially in older patients (over 35 years old) or those who have undergone more extensive Reduction surgery. Younger people, with their more elastic skin, are less likely to experience this problem, but it is essential to ask your surgeon about this during the pre-operative consultation.
Q: Can other cosmetic procedures be performed after contour shaping?
General recommendation: It is advisable to avoid treatments such as HIFU or radiofrequency thermotherapy within 6 months after bone surgery, as heat may affect bone healing and the stability of titanium screws. Filler injections and botulinum toxin treatments can be considered 3 to 6 months after the surgery, depending on individual circumstances.
Q: Do the titanium nails need to be removed?
In most cases, this is not necessary. After the bone has healed, the titanium pins are “embedded” within it and no longer affect daily life; MRI scans can also be performed since titanium is a non-magnetic metal. Only in a few rare instances where inflammation or pain occurs is it necessary to remove the pins surgically.
In summary: Is contour shaping not worth considering?
It has been over a year since I underwent Zygoma Reduction Surgery. Looking back now, I am quite satisfied with the results overall. However, spending three months doing thorough research before the procedure was definitely worth it. Contour shaping is not something that can be achieved simply by getting injections or applying ointments. Before making a decision, it is essential to consult a doctor with extensive experience in this type of surgery for a proper assessment. Don’t settle for cheap clinics that lack practical case studies and provide perfunctory consultations.
If you are seriously considering this option, I truly recommend that you compare several clinics through professional platforms and carefully examine the surgical plans before making a decision. Don’t let “time-limited offers” rush you into making a choice. 💪
🏥 Want to learn more about South Korea’s contour plastic surgery clinics?
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