Guide to square jaw reduction surgery in Korea

Having an angular or square jaw conveys a strong and masculine appearance. On the other hand, an oval or v-shaped jawline makes one look more feminine and gentle. Hence, strong jawlines are preferred on men, while slim v-shaped jawlines are preferred on women.

The pursuit for a small, v-line face shape is a growing trend, and has made square jaw reduction surgery popular among women, especially in Korea. So if you are struggling with a wide angular and square jaw which makes you feel less attractive, square jaw reduction surgery might be the best solution for you.

Golden ratio of the perfect v-line face shape

According to Korean beauty standards, having a small, v-line face shape and symmetrical facial proportions will make you look more attractive, feminine and younger. In fact, here’s the optimal ratio for the perfect v-line face:

Golden ratio for forehead to eyebrow to tip of nose to chin is 1:1:1, and the width of your jawline should be 0.7 times of the width of your cheekbones.

Ogee curve of beauty is the double S-shaped curves which gives your face contour and dimension from a 45° angle.

What is square jaw reduction surgery?

Square jaw reduction surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that reduces the width of the lower face, and alters a square and angular jaw into a slimmer, v-shaped jaw. This procedure is best for those who have:

• Square jaws which make them look too masculine
• Overly angular jaws which makes their face look wide
• Asymmetrical jawline

Overly prominent jawlines are usually caused by either overdeveloped jaw muscles (due to too much chewing or clenching), bone structure, or both. Especially when caused by bone structures, getting a square jaw reduction is the most effective way to get rid of angular and square jaws.

Benefits & risks of square jaw reduction surgery

Having a smooth and contoured jawline definitely has its benefits and some of its benefits include:

• Having a youthful and more feminine look
• Making your face narrower and smaller
• Making you look more friendly and approachable
• Giving your jaw a beautiful curve and smooth contour

Certainly, having a v-line face shape is not a beauty standard. Some might prefer v-shaped jawlines, while others, a softer but slightly angled jawline. The perks of this procedure is that it does allow for customization of your preferred angle for your jawline.

And as with all other surgical procedures, it does come with some side effects and risks of its own. If too much bones are removed, it might result in sagging or droopy skin but that can be fixed with treatments such as thread lift, SMAS lift or full facelifts. Other risks includes irreversible results as your jawbones will not regrow. Though that can also be a benefit, in a way.

Square jaw reduction surgery method

Excess bones are shaved off to sculpt your jawline. In some cases, unnecessary muscles are also removed in order to contour your jawbone to your preferred angles and shape. Square jaw reduction surgery in Korea is performed through incisions inside your mouth (the inner lower teeth area) so there will not be visible scarring.

How long does square jaw reduction surgery take?

Square jaw reduction surgery in Korea usually takes 40~60 mins and is performed under general anesthesia so you will not feel any pain.

When can I see results?

Major bruising and swelling (about 70%) will last 2~3 weeks and actual results are seen after 3 months. After surgery, you will be wearing a facial bandage to help compress swelling. Make sure to keep it on for at least 2~3 days, or as advised by your surgeon.

During the healing period, dental care is extremely important in order to avoid infections. Do not use your jaw muscles excessively and open your mouth too big for at least 1-2 months.

Do take note that the success of your square jaw reduction surgery not only lies in the hands of your surgeon but also how you well you recover after surgery. So learn how to properly care for yourself during the recovery period by reading our article on facial contouring surgery aftercare and post-op instructions.

Actual recovery time vary among individuals, and is subjected to one’s health condition & healing response.

How long should I stay in Korea?

Square jaw reduction surgery in Korea is a major surgery and sometimes hospitalization (1 day) might be required. But do stay in Korea until your stitches are removed. And go shopping in the meantime!

Stitch removal

Stitches are usually removed 7 days after surgery.

Cautions on stitch removal

If you remove the stitches earlier then advised, your wound might reopen, therefore causing an infection. And if you remove it too late, you risk further scarring and pigmentation.

Due to time constraints, you might be considering having your stitches removed at the local hospitals in your home country. Although that is possible (but not recommended), it largely depends on how well you have been healing and is also subjected to doctor’s approval.

Alternatives to square jaw reduction surgery

Another alternative to square jaw reduction surgery is jaw botox. Jaw botox can relax your overdeveloped muscles so that they will shrink slightly in size, allowing you to have a slimmer and more defined jawline.

However, results are only temporary. In addition, results of jaw botox will only be effective if the cause of your square jaw is due to overdeveloped muscles. So if your wide and angular jaw is due to your bone structure, the only way to reduce its size is through jaw reduction surgery.

What other surgery complements cheekbone reduction surgery?

1. Cheekbone reduction surgery (Zygoma reduction)

Getting cheekbone reduction surgery if you have overly protruded cheekbones will help you to have a smoother facial contour and enhance the results from your jaw reduction surgery.

2. Genioplasty

For those with receding (short) or overly long chins, genioplasty is recommended for reshaping of the chin to improve overall facial harmony.

3. V-line surgery

V-line surgery is the combination of square jaw reduction surgery and genioplasty to give you a slender and smooth jawline, all the way from your ears to your chin.

4. Facelifts

If you are experiencing saggy jowls after your jaw surgery, fret not! Because it can be fixed with treatments such as thread lift, SMAS facelift or full facelift.

5. Frontal cheek fat injections

For those with flat cheeks, frontal cheek fat injections can help improve the appearance of your cheeks and enhance the results of your cheekbone surgery.

Conclusion

Everyone desires for the perfect face shape and a youthful appearance. But if you are not be born with the perfect jawline, through a square jaw reduction surgery, it is possible to achieve the perfect jawline and face shape that you dream of.

However, jaw reduction surgery is not a simple nor easy surgery. Therefore, it is very important for you to get a highly skilled doctor who is experienced in facial contouring surgeries. Not to mention, adequate rest during the recovery period as well as strict implementation of your surgeon’s post-op instructions.