Plastic surgery
Facial Contouring (V-Line / Jaw Surgery) abroad
Bone-reshaping surgery that narrows and refines the jaw, chin and cheekbones for a slimmer, more defined facial outline.
NavyMedicine / flickr · PDM- Global range
- $6,000–$25,000
- Clinics tracked
- 37
- Recovery
- 3–8 weeks
- Final results
- 3–6 months
Overview
Facial contouring reshapes the facial bones — the jaw angle, chin and cheekbones — to create a slimmer, softer 'V-line' outline. It is a signature procedure in South Korea, encompassing jaw-angle reduction, chin surgery (genioplasty) and cheekbone (zygoma) reduction, often combined for a balanced result.
These are major operations on the facial skeleton with significant risk, including nerve injury affecting sensation or movement, and a substantial recovery with prolonged swelling. They demand a highly experienced craniofacial or maxillofacial surgeon and an accredited hospital — the stakes are far higher than for soft-tissue cosmetic work.
Where to get it
Tracked destinations with cost ranges. Open a destination for clinics, surgeons and what to verify.
Techniques
Jaw-angle (mandible) reduction
Shaving or removing part of the jaw angle to narrow the lower face.
Genioplasty (chin)
Reshaping or repositioning the chin bone for balance.
Zygoma (cheekbone) reduction
Repositioning prominent cheekbones inward and down.
T-osteotomy
Narrowing a wide chin by removing a central bone segment.
The process
- 1Consultation with 3D CT imaging and surgical planning
- 2General anaesthesia
- 3Intraoral (inside-mouth) incisions to avoid external scars
- 4Bone reshaping or repositioning and fixation
- 5Hospital stay with drains and close monitoring
Recovery timeline
Weeks 1–2
Marked swelling, soft diet, drains; intraoral wounds heal.
Weeks 3–8
Swelling steadily reduces; presentable but still settling.
Months 3–6+
Residual swelling resolves; final contour and sensation settle.
Candidacy
- ✓Wide jaw, prominent cheekbones or disproportionate chin
- ✓Facial growth complete and good general health
- ✓Non-smoker around surgery
- ✓Prepared for major surgery and long recovery
What to ask
- ›Are you a craniofacial/maxillofacial specialist, and how many of these do you perform?
- ›What is your nerve-injury rate and how do you minimise it?
- ›Is the operating hospital accredited with overnight monitoring?
- ›How long must I stay, given the lengthy swelling and follow-up?
Risks
- Nerve injury (numbness or weakness)
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Prolonged swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth temporarily
Facial Contouring (V-Line / Jaw Surgery) abroad: frequently asked questions
Which country is best for jawline surgery?
No single country is "best" for facial contouring (v-line / jaw surgery) — it depends on the clinic, not the border. The most-travelled-for destinations we cover are South Korea; compare them on cost and the MedTraveling Transparency Index instead of picking by reputation.
How much does V-line jaw surgery cost?
Abroad, facial contouring (v-line / jaw surgery) typically runs $6,000–$25,000 depending on the country and clinic, roughly 22% below a typical US private price of about $20,000. We track live published prices by destination — open the cost guide for South Korea to see clinic-by-clinic figures rather than a single average.
Is facial contouring dangerous?
It is major surgery on the facial bones with real risks — especially nerve injury. It should only be done by a highly experienced specialist in an accredited hospital.
Are there visible scars?
Incisions are typically made inside the mouth, so there are usually no external facial scars.
How long until I look normal?
Major swelling settles over 3–8 weeks, but subtle swelling can persist for several months before the final contour is clear.