Jawline Botox in Korea: Masseter Reduction for a Slimmer Face

Korea is the undisputed global capital of cosmetic procedures, and few treatments capture the Korean beauty philosophy quite like masseter Botox. Known locally as "사각턱 보톡스" (square jaw Botox), this quick, non-surgical procedure can transform a wide, angular jawline into the coveted V-line shape — all without going under the knife.

Whether you are visiting Seoul specifically for cosmetic treatments or looking to add a quick procedure to your travel itinerary, this guide covers everything you need to know about jawline Botox in Korea: how it works, what brands are available, how much it costs, and what results to expect.

What Is Masseter Botox and How Does It Work?

Masseter Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscles — the powerful muscles on each side of the jaw responsible for chewing. When these muscles are overdeveloped (a condition called masseteric hypertrophy), they create a wide, square-shaped jawline.

The botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause the masseter muscle to contract. Over the following weeks, the underused muscle gradually reduces in volume, resulting in a slimmer, more tapered jawline. Importantly, the procedure targets only the muscle bulk — it does not affect the jawbone itself.

A simple self-test: clench your teeth firmly and feel the sides of your jaw. If you notice a hard, protruding muscle bulging outward from below your ear to your jaw angle, that is your masseter muscle. If it feels prominently thick, you are likely a strong candidate for this treatment.

The Korean V-Line Aesthetic

The V-line face shape — a slim, gently tapered jawline ending in a defined chin — is one of the most sought-after beauty standards in Korea. While surgical options like jaw reduction (also called V-line surgery) exist for cases involving bone structure, masseter Botox achieves a similar slimming effect non-surgically for patients whose square jaw is caused by muscle, not bone.

This is exactly why Seoul clinics perform thousands of masseter Botox treatments every month: it is the fastest, most affordable path to a V-line appearance.

Botox Brands Available in Korea

Korean clinics offer a wide selection of both imported and domestically manufactured botulinum toxin brands. Here are the main options you will encounter:

Imported Brands

• Allergan Botox (USA) — The original and most globally recognized brand. It has the longest clinical track record and is considered the gold standard. However, it is also the most expensive option and carries a slightly higher risk of antibody resistance with repeated use due to its complexing proteins.

• Xeomin (Germany) — Manufactured by Merz, Xeomin is a "naked" or purified toxin with complexing proteins removed. This means a lower risk of developing resistance over time, making it an excellent choice for patients who plan to get regular maintenance treatments.

• Dysport (UK/France) — Made by Ipsen, Dysport has a smaller molecular weight and diffuses more broadly than other brands. It is often favored for large muscle areas. Note that Dysport uses a different unit system: approximately 2.5 to 3 Dysport units equal 1 Allergan Botox unit.

Korean Brands (MFDS-Approved)

• Nabota (Daewoong Pharmaceutical) — FDA-approved and internationally recognized, Nabota has been clinically demonstrated to match Allergan Botox in both efficacy and safety. It is typically 20-30% less expensive.

• Botulax / Liztox / Coretox — These domestically produced toxins are MFDS-approved and widely used in Korean clinics. Coretox is notable as a purified toxin (like Xeomin), reducing resistance risk. These Korean brands offer the most budget-friendly pricing.

As a general rule, Korean-manufactured brands give you excellent results at a lower price, while imported brands (especially Allergan) carry a premium for their long-established clinical reputation.

How Many Units Do You Need?

Masseter Botox dosage depends on the size and strength of your jaw muscles. Here is a general guide:

The standard starting dose at most Seoul clinics is 50 units total (25 per side), which is appropriate for most patients. Your doctor will assess your muscle during the consultation and may adjust the dose up or down.

Keep in mind that Dysport uses a different unit scale. If your clinic uses Dysport, a "50-unit equivalent" treatment would require approximately 125-150 Dysport units.

Price Guide: Masseter Botox in Seoul (2025-2026)

One of the biggest draws of getting masseter Botox in Korea is the price. Compared to Western countries, Korean prices are dramatically lower — often 50-80% less than what you would pay in the United States or Europe.

Price by Brand (50 Units, Both Sides)

For comparison, the same masseter Botox treatment in the United States typically costs $400 to $800 per session — making Korea up to 10 times more affordable for budget-friendly Korean brands.

How to Get the Best Price

• Clinic comparison apps: Korean platforms like Gangnam Unni (강남언니), Yeoshin Ticket (여신티켓), and Babitalk (바비톡) list real-time prices from hundreds of clinics.
• VAT refund: As a foreign tourist, you may be eligible for a VAT refund (approximately 5-7% savings) if the clinic participates in the tax refund program. Request the paperwork at the clinic and process it at the airport before departure.
• Package deals: Many clinics offer discounted pricing when you combine masseter Botox with other procedures.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The entire masseter Botox appointment is remarkably quick:

1. Consultation (5-10 minutes) — The doctor examines your jaw muscles, discusses your goals, and recommends a dosage and brand.
2. Numbing (optional, 10-15 minutes) — Some clinics apply a topical anesthetic cream, though many patients skip this as the discomfort is minimal.
3. Injection (5-10 minutes) — The doctor makes several small injections into each masseter muscle. Most patients describe a slight pinching sensation.
4. Aftercare briefing (5 minutes) — You receive instructions and are free to leave.

Total clinic time is typically 20-30 minutes. There is no downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately. However, for the first three days after treatment, you should avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, and intense exercise.

Important Safety Tip for Foreigners

Always ensure the clinic opens a new, sealed vial of Botox in front of you. This confirms you are receiving a genuine, undiluted product. Reputable clinics will do this without being asked, but it is worth being aware of.

Results Timeline

Masseter Botox does not produce instant results. Here is what to expect:

• Days 1-3: You may feel slight tenderness or a mild aching sensation in the jaw. Some patients notice a subtle reduction in bite force when chewing hard foods.
• Weeks 1-2: The muscle begins to relax. According to Korean clinic data, about 46% of patients notice visible changes within the first week.
• Weeks 4-6: The masseter muscle visibly shrinks as it atrophies from reduced use. This is when the most dramatic slimming effect becomes apparent.
• Months 2-3: Peak results. Your jawline will appear noticeably slimmer and more contoured.
• Months 4-6: The effects gradually begin to wear off as nerve function returns and the muscle slowly rebuilds.

How Long Does It Last?

A single treatment typically lasts 4 to 6 months. With repeated treatments (every 4-5 months), the masseter muscle can progressively shrink, and many patients find they need treatments less frequently over time — eventually extending to once every 8-12 months.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Masseter Botox is ideal for people who:

• Have a wide or square jawline caused by muscular (not skeletal) hypertrophy
• Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism) — Botox can also relieve jaw tension and headaches
• Want facial slimming without surgery
• Desire the Korean V-line aesthetic

It is not recommended for:

• Patients whose square jaw is caused primarily by bone structure (jaw reduction surgery may be more appropriate)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• People with neuromuscular disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

Is masseter Botox painful?

Most patients rate the discomfort as 2-3 out of 10. The needles are very fine, and many clinics offer topical numbing cream. The injections themselves take less than five minutes.

Can I eat normally after the procedure?

Yes, but stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. You may notice a slight weakness when biting into very hard or chewy foods during the first week — this is normal and temporary.

Will my face look unnatural?

No. Masseter Botox produces a gradual, natural-looking slimming effect. Because the change happens over several weeks as the muscle shrinks, it does not look sudden or artificial.

How is this different from jawline filler?

Jawline filler adds volume to create definition along the jawline, while masseter Botox reduces volume by shrinking the muscle. Some patients combine both for comprehensive jawline sculpting.

Do I need to speak Korean to visit a clinic?

Many Seoul clinics in popular areas like Gangnam and Apgujeong have English-speaking staff or provide interpreter services. Clinic comparison apps also often have English interfaces.

Can I get masseter Botox on the same day I arrive in Korea?

Yes. Since there is no downtime, you can book a same-day appointment. However, if you are combining it with other treatments, it is better to schedule a consultation first.

Final Thoughts

Masseter Botox in Korea offers an unbeatable combination of expert practitioners, competitive pricing, and access to a wide range of world-class botulinum toxin brands. Whether you choose a premium imported brand like Allergan or an excellent Korean alternative like Nabota, you can achieve the V-line jawline that Korea is famous for — starting from as little as $38 for domestic brands.

With treatments taking under 30 minutes and requiring zero downtime, masseter Botox is one of the easiest cosmetic procedures to fit into a Seoul trip. Just be sure to choose a reputable clinic, confirm the brand and dosage during your consultation, and follow the aftercare guidelines for the best results.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Botulinum toxin treatments carry risks including bruising, swelling, asymmetry, and rare complications. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary. Prices listed are approximate and may change depending on the clinic, brand, dosage, and current exchange rates.