Square Jaw Botox in Korea: Complete Guide to Masseter Reduction 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary.

The coveted V-line face shape has made square jaw botox (사각턱 보톡스) one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in Korea. Also known as masseter botox or jaw reduction botox, this simple procedure can transform a wide, square jawline into a slimmer, more feminine contour without surgery or downtime.

If you're considering jaw slimming treatment in Korea, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know - from how it works to what you can expect in terms of results, costs, and the best clinics to visit in Seoul.

What is Square Jaw Botox?

Square jaw botox is a cosmetic injection treatment that targets the masseter muscles - the large muscles on the sides of your jaw used for chewing. When these muscles are overdeveloped from genetics, teeth grinding, or frequently chewing hard foods, they can create a wide, square appearance to the lower face.

By injecting botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, or similar products) into these muscles, doctors can temporarily relax and reduce their size, resulting in a slimmer, more tapered jawline. This treatment is particularly popular in Korea, where the small, V-shaped face is considered an ideal beauty standard.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You're an ideal candidate for square jaw botox if:

• Your masseter muscles are overdeveloped: Try clenching your teeth while touching the sides of your jaw. If you feel a hard, prominent bulge from your ear down to your jawline, your masseter muscles are likely developed enough to benefit from botox.

• You have a square or wide jawline due to muscle, not bone structure

• You grind your teeth (bruxism) or frequently chew gum or tough foods

• You want a non-surgical option for jaw slimming without the risks and recovery time of jaw surgery

According to Korean medical statistics, 92% of jaw botox patients are female, with 36% in their 20s. However, the treatment is safe and effective for adults of all ages seeking facial slimming.

How Does Masseter Botox Work?

Botulinum toxin works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the targeted muscles. When injected into the masseter muscles, it prevents them from contracting as forcefully during chewing and clenching. Over time, this reduction in muscle activity causes the muscle to atrophy (shrink), resulting in a slimmer jawline.

The Science Behind It

The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the human body, responsible for chewing and jaw movement. In some people, this muscle becomes hypertrophied (enlarged) due to:

• Genetic factors: Some people naturally have larger, stronger jaw muscles
• Habitual behaviors: Frequent gum chewing, eating hard/chewy foods, or teeth grinding
• Stress-related clenching: Unconscious jaw tension throughout the day

When botox is strategically injected into these muscles, it reduces their bulk without affecting your ability to eat or speak normally. The muscle still functions, but with less mass, creating a more refined facial contour.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Square jaw botox is one of the quickest and most straightforward cosmetic procedures you can get in Korea. Here's what a typical session looks like:

Before the Treatment

1. Consultation: Your doctor will assess your jaw structure, discuss your goals, and determine if you're a good candidate. They'll have you clench your teeth to identify the exact injection points.

2. Photos: Before photos are taken to track your progress and results.

3. Topical anesthetic (optional): Some clinics offer numbing cream, though many patients skip this step as the injections are quite tolerable.

During the Treatment

• Duration: 10-15 minutes total
• Injection points: Typically 3-5 injection sites per side
• Dosage: Standard treatment uses 50 units total (25 units per side), though this can vary based on muscle size
• Sensation: You'll feel small pinpricks, similar to other botox injections. Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable but not painful.

After the Treatment

• No downtime: You can return to normal activities immediately
• Avoid: Lying down for 4 hours, strenuous exercise for 24 hours, and massaging the treated area
• Side effects: Possible mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at injection sites (typically resolves within a few days)

Results Timeline: When Will You See Changes?

One of the most common questions about jaw botox is: "When will I see results?" Unlike dermal fillers that provide instant volume, jaw botox works gradually as the muscle shrinks over time.

What to Expect:

• Week 1: No visible changes yet. The botox is beginning to take effect at the cellular level.

• Week 2: Subtle changes may begin. About 46% of patients report noticing initial effects around this time.

• Week 3-4: More noticeable slimming. This is when most people start to see a clearer jawline. 38% of patients see results within the first week, while 84% notice changes by one month.

• Months 1-2: Peak results. Your jawline will be at its slimmest and most defined. This is the "sweet spot" where the masseter reduction is most apparent.

• Months 6-8: Effects gradually wear off as the muscle regains its function and size. Most patients maintain good results for 6-8 months per treatment.

Maintaining Your Results

For long-lasting results, Korean dermatologists recommend:

• Repeat treatments every 4-6 months: Regular maintenance sessions help keep muscles slimmed
• Avoid trigger behaviors: Reduce gum chewing and hard food consumption
• Consider longer intervals over time: After several treatments, the muscle's ability to regrow slows down, allowing you to extend time between sessions

Many patients find that after 3-4 consistent treatments, they can stretch maintenance sessions to every 8-10 months while still maintaining their slimmer jawline.

Square Jaw Botox Prices in Korea (2025)

One of the biggest advantages of getting jaw botox in Korea is the competitive pricing. Korean clinics offer high-quality treatments at a fraction of what you'd pay in Western countries.

Price Ranges

Based on 2025 data from major Korean medical platforms:

• Average price: ₩32,365 ($25 USD)
• Budget range: ₩15,000-50,000 ($12-38 USD)
• Mid-range: ₩50,000-100,000 ($38-77 USD)
• Premium range: ₩100,000-200,000 ($77-154 USD)

The most commonly advertised price range is ₩50,000-200,000 ($38-154 USD) for a standard 50-unit treatment.

Factors Affecting Price

Several factors influence the cost of jaw botox in Korea:

1. Product type:

   • Korean brands (Nabota, Coretox): More affordable, proven effective, great value
   • Imported brands (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin): Higher cost, extensive clinical data, potentially lower resistance risk

2. Dosage: Standard is 50 units, but larger masseter muscles may require 60-80 units

3. Clinic location: Gangnam and Apgujeong clinics tend to charge more than those in other Seoul neighborhoods

4. Doctor's experience: Renowned specialists may charge premium rates

5. Promotions: Many clinics offer first-time visitor discounts or package deals

Comparing Korean vs International Prices

• Korea: $25-154 USD average
• United States: $300-800 USD
• United Kingdom: £200-600 ($250-750 USD)
• Australia: AUD $400-900 ($260-580 USD)

The significant cost savings make Korea an attractive destination for this treatment, especially when combined with medical tourism.

Best Clinics for Square Jaw Botox in Seoul

Korea has hundreds of clinics offering jaw botox, with over 454 clinics listed on major medical platforms like Gangnam Unni. Here are the key areas to find reputable providers:

Gangnam District (강남구)

The epicenter of Korean medical aesthetics, Gangnam is home to hundreds of dermatology and plastic surgery clinics. This area offers:

• Highest concentration of experienced doctors
• Latest technologies and techniques
• English-speaking staff in most clinics
• Competitive pricing due to high competition

Apgujeong (압구정)

Known for luxury beauty clinics, Apgujeong offers:

• Premium clinic experiences
• Celebrity doctors and influencer-favorite spots
• Slightly higher prices but exceptional service

Myeongdong & Jung-gu (명동)

Central locations popular with international visitors:

• Convenient for tourists staying in central Seoul
• Many clinics cater specifically to foreign patients
• Competitive medical tourism pricing

How to Choose a Clinic

When selecting a clinic for jaw botox in Korea:

1. Check reviews: Use platforms like Gangnam Unni, Naver, and Google Reviews
2. Verify credentials: Ensure the doctor is a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon
3. Ask about products: Confirm which botox brand they use
4. Request consultation: Reputable clinics offer thorough consultations, not rushed treatments
5. Compare prices: Get quotes from 2-3 clinics, but don't choose based solely on price

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaw botox safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified medical professional. Botulinum toxin has been used safely in cosmetic treatments for decades. Side effects are typically minor - occasional bruising, swelling, or temporary soreness at injection sites. Serious complications are extremely rare.

Will it affect my ability to chew?

No. While the masseter muscles will be weakened, you'll still be able to eat and chew normally. Most patients don't notice any functional difference, only the aesthetic slimming effect.

How long does one treatment last?

Most patients see results for 6-8 months. With repeated treatments, some people find effects last even longer as the muscle takes longer to rebuild.

Can jaw botox fix a square jaw caused by bone?

No. Botox only works on muscle. If your square jaw is due to bone structure (wide jaw bones), you would need surgical jaw reduction. However, many square jaws are due to a combination of muscle and bone - botox can still provide significant improvement even if bone structure contributes to the width.

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe the sensation as minor pinpricks. Pain levels are similar to other facial botox injections. The entire procedure takes only 10-15 minutes.

When should I avoid jaw botox?

You should not get jaw botox if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Allergic to botulinum toxin
• Taking certain medications (discuss with your doctor)
• Have neuromuscular disorders

Can men get jaw botox?

Absolutely. While 92% of patients are female, men also seek jaw botox for facial slimming. Men may require higher doses due to larger muscle mass.

Tips for Best Results

To maximize your jaw botox results in Korea:

1. Choose quality over price: The cheapest option isn't always the best. Invest in a reputable clinic with experienced doctors.

2. Be honest during consultation: Tell your doctor about any medications, medical conditions, or previous botox treatments.

3. Follow aftercare instructions: Avoid lying down for 4 hours post-treatment and skip intense exercise for 24 hours.

4. Be patient: Results take 2-4 weeks to appear. Don't judge the treatment too early.

5. Reduce jaw-intensive habits: Cut back on gum chewing and hard foods to help maintain results longer.

6. Schedule maintenance: Book your next appointment before your results fully wear off for continuous slimming.

7. Take progress photos: Document your results by taking photos in the same lighting and angle each month.

Conclusion: Is Square Jaw Botox in Korea Worth It?

Square jaw botox in Korea offers an affordable, effective, non-surgical solution for facial slimming. With prices starting as low as $12 USD and an average of just $25-38 USD per treatment, Korea provides exceptional value compared to Western countries where the same procedure costs $300-800.

The treatment is quick (10-15 minutes), virtually painless, requires no downtime, and delivers natural-looking results within 2-4 weeks. With hundreds of experienced clinics throughout Seoul - particularly in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong - you'll have plenty of reputable options to choose from.

Whether you're dealing with an overdeveloped masseter muscle from genetics or habits, or simply want to achieve that coveted Korean V-line face shape, jaw botox in Korea is a proven treatment backed by millions of satisfied patients.

Ready to slim your jawline? Research clinics on platforms like Gangnam Unni, read reviews, and book a consultation during your next visit to Seoul. Your journey to a more refined, contoured face could be just one quick treatment away.

Have you tried square jaw botox in Korea? Share your experience in the comments below!