Korea is known for V-line facial contouring. Here is a clear map of the non-surgical options, what each one changes, how they combine and how to plan them around a visit to Seoul.
Non-surgical facial contouring in Korea combines treatments that each change one part of the face shape: jaw Botox slims a bulky masseter muscle, chin filler adds projection, fat-dissolving injections or RF devices reduce small fat pockets, and ultrasound, RF or thread lifting tighten the jawline. A doctor first identifies whether width comes from muscle, fat, bone or sagging. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, jaw Botox starts from ₩59,000 for both sides, chin filler from ₩150,000 per cc and Shurink Universe from ₩149,000 for 300 shots (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is non-surgical facial contouring?
Facial contouring means reshaping the outline of the face, most often to create a slimmer lower face and a smoother jawline, known in Korea as the V-line. Surgical contouring changes the bone. Non-surgical contouring instead works on the soft tissues: muscle, fat, skin and volume. It cannot change bone structure, but it can make a significant visible difference with far less risk and recovery.
The key is diagnosis. A wide or heavy lower face can come from a bulky chewing muscle, fat under the chin or along the jowls, sagging skin, a short chin or a combination. Each cause needs a different treatment. See jawline and V-line treatments.
Most people have more than one contributing factor. A woman in her late 30s, for example, might have a moderately strong masseter, a little fat under the chin and early softening along the jawline. Treating only one of those usually gives a partial result. Treating each in a sensible order, often over one or two visits, tends to give a more natural and balanced change. The Korean approach also looks at the whole face: temples, cheeks and chin are considered together so the lower face does not look too narrow for the upper face.
What causes a wide or undefined lower face?
| Cause | How it looks | Main non-surgical option |
|---|---|---|
| Bulky masseter muscle | Square jaw angles; firm bulge when clenching | Jaw Botox |
| Short or receding chin | Weak profile; lower face looks wide | Chin filler |
| Fat under the chin or jowls | Soft, pinchable fullness | Fat-dissolving injections or RF devices |
| Skin laxity and sagging | Blurred jawline; early jowls | Ultrasound or RF lifting, thread lift |
| Wide bone structure | Width persists even when relaxed and lean | Limited non-surgical change; balance with other areas |
Option 1: Jaw Botox for a square jaw
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter makes the muscle smaller over several weeks, softening square jaw angles. It takes about 10 minutes with no downtime, and results last about 4–6 months. At Dernia, it starts from ₩59,000 for both sides with a Korean toxin. See jaw Botox.
Because slimming peaks around six to eight weeks, the full change usually appears after you return home. It is a good first step for many visitors because it is affordable, quick and low-risk, and the result helps the doctor judge what else is needed at a later visit.
Option 2: Chin filler for profile and balance
A firm HA filler adds projection or length to the chin, which balances the nose and lips and makes the lower face look narrower and more tapered. It takes 20–30 minutes, with mild swelling for 1–3 days, and usually lasts about 12–18 months. Korean HA filler starts from ₩150,000 per cc at Dernia. See chin treatments.
The chin is often overlooked in V-line planning, yet a small amount of projection can make the jaw look narrower without removing anything. Conservative volume matters: an over-filled chin can look long or pointed rather than refined.
Option 3: Reducing small fat pockets
For fat under the chin or along the jowls, there are two main approaches:
- Fat-dissolving injections break down small, localized fat over 2–4 sessions. From ₩69,000 per area per session at Dernia. See fat-dissolving injections.
- RF and microwave devices such as InMode Mini FX and Onda heat fat and tighten skin at the same time, usually over several sessions.
Neither approach is a weight-loss method. They suit small, pinchable pockets in people at a stable weight. If the skin is already loose, reducing fat alone can make it look slacker, so tightening is usually added.
Option 4: Lifting the jawline
When sagging is the cause, removing volume can make things look worse. Tightening and lifting are needed instead.
- HIFU (ultrasound) such as Ulthera Prime and Shurink Universe targets the deeper SMAS layer for lift. Shurink Universe starts from ₩149,000 for 300 shots at Dernia.
- RF tightening such as Thermage FLX, Oligio X and Volnewmer heats the dermis to firm the skin.
- Thread lifts reposition tissue with dissolvable PDO threads, from ₩690,000 per area at Dernia.
Device lifting has little or no downtime and suits a short trip well. Threads give a more immediate, visible lift but come with several days of swelling or bruising, so they need more buffer time before a flight.
Our guide to Korean lifting treatments compares them in detail, and HIFU vs RF lifting explains the difference in depth.
Who is a good candidate for non-surgical contouring?
Usually a good fit
- A square jaw from muscle, mild fat pockets or a short chin
- Early laxity along the jawline
- People wanting gradual, natural change without surgery
- Visitors who can plan for maintenance treatments
Talk to the doctor first
- A wide face mainly from bone structure
- Significant sagging or excess skin
- Very thin face where slimming may cause hollowing
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or relevant medical conditions
Dernia does not offer surgical contouring such as jaw reduction, chin implants or facelift surgery. If your goals are beyond what non-surgical treatment can achieve, the doctor will say so.
How much does non-surgical contouring cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Treatment | Starting option | Price from (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw Botox | Korean toxin, both sides | ₩59,000 |
| Chin filler | Korean HA, 1cc | ₩150,000 |
| Fat-dissolving injection | One facial area, 1 session | ₩69,000 |
| InMode Forma or Mini FX | One area, 1 session | ₩129,000 |
| Shurink Universe | 300 shots | ₩149,000 |
| Ulthera Prime | 100 lines | ₩390,000 |
| Thread lift | One area | ₩690,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. See the full 2026 price list or the V-Line Contour Package.
Safety: risks to know
- Jaw Botox: chewing fatigue, temporary smile asymmetry; laxity can become more visible in some people.
- Chin filler: swelling, lumps and, rarely, vascular occlusion.
- Fat-dissolving injections: swelling for several days, nodules, rarely nerve irritation.
- Lifting devices: tenderness, temporary numbness, rarely burns or nerve irritation.
- Thread lifts: bruising, dimpling, asymmetry and a small infection risk.
A licensed doctor should plan the sequence and confirm suitability for each step.
Planning contouring around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send front and side photos with your dates through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Start with consultation and lower-downtime treatments early in your stay.
- Sequence carefully. Device lifting is often done first, then Botox and filler, on the same day or over two visits.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Most contouring treatments allow flying within one to two days, but threads and filler benefit from a few extra days for review. Our guide to combining treatments explains timing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a V-line face without surgery?
Often, yes, if width comes from muscle, fat or mild sagging. Non-surgical treatments cannot change bone, so results depend on what is causing the width.
What is the most popular non-surgical contouring treatment in Korea?
Jaw Botox is one of the most common, often combined with chin filler and lifting for a balanced result.
How long do non-surgical contouring results last?
It depends on the treatment: jaw Botox about 4–6 months, chin filler about 12–18 months, and lifting results from months to over a year.
Can I combine several contouring treatments in one trip?
Yes. Many visitors combine lifting, jaw Botox and chin filler. The doctor plans the order and timing safely.
How much does non-surgical contouring cost in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, jaw Botox starts from ₩59,000 for both sides, chin filler from ₩150,000 per cc and Shurink Universe from ₩149,000 for 300 shots. Prices exclude 10% VAT.
Does Dernia offer jaw surgery?
No. Dernia offers non-surgical treatments only and will tell you honestly if surgery might suit your goals better.
Planning facial contouring in Seoul?
Send us front and side photos and your travel dates. A doctor identifies what is driving your face shape and builds a non-surgical plan with clear prices in English.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.