A wide lower face can come from muscle, fat or both. This guide explains how jaw Botox and fat-dissolving injections each slim the face, and how to tell which one your face actually needs before you book in Seoul.
Jaw Botox and fat-dissolving injections slim the face in different ways. Jaw Botox relaxes a bulky masseter (chewing) muscle, so it suits a square jaw caused by muscle. Fat-dissolving injections break down small pockets of fat under the chin, along the jowls or on the cheeks, so they suit softness caused by fat. Many people have some of both. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, jaw Botox starts from ₩59,000 for both sides and fat-dissolving injections from ₩69,000 per area (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injections: the short answer
If your lower face looks wide because of muscle, jaw Botox is usually the better choice. If it looks full because of fat, especially under the chin or along the jowls, fat-dissolving injections are usually the better choice. The two treatments do not compete so much as solve different problems, and a doctor can usually tell which is driving your face shape in a few minutes of examination.
The confusion is understandable. Both are injections, both are marketed in Korea as V-line or face-slimming treatments, and both can make the lower face look narrower. But choosing the wrong one means paying for a treatment that cannot change the tissue that is actually causing the width.
How does jaw Botox slim the face?
Jaw Botox places botulinum toxin into the masseter, the strong chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. People who clench, grind their teeth or chew gum often develop a thick masseter that gives the lower face a square outline. As the toxin relaxes the muscle, it gradually becomes less bulky and the jawline tapers into a softer, more oval shape.
- What changes: muscle volume at the back corner of the jaw.
- When you see it: slimming builds over about 2–4 weeks as the muscle shrinks.
- How long it lasts: about 4–6 months, so most people repeat it two or three times a year.
- Bonus effect: many people who clench notice less jaw tension.
More detail is on our jaw Botox treatment page.
How do fat-dissolving injections work?
Fat-dissolving injections use a solution that breaks down the membranes of fat cells in a small, targeted area. Your body then clears the treated fat gradually over several weeks. They are most often used under the chin, along the jowls and on full lower cheeks, and sometimes on small body areas.
- What changes: the amount of fat in a defined pocket.
- When you see it: gradually over several weeks after each session.
- Sessions: usually 2–4, two to four weeks apart.
- Downtime: swelling, tenderness and sometimes bruising for about 2–5 days.
Several formulations are used in Korea, and your doctor explains which one they recommend and why. See the fat-dissolving injection page for the full overview.
Muscle or fat? How to tell what is making your face wide
A simple self-check can give you a clue before your consultation, although it does not replace an exam:
- Clench your teeth. Place your fingers just in front of your earlobes and bite down. If a firm bulge pops out at the angle of the jaw, the masseter is likely contributing.
- Look down at your phone. If fullness gathers under the chin and softens the jawline, fat under the chin is likely part of the picture.
- Pinch gently. Soft tissue that you can pinch along the jowl or under the chin is usually fat; a firm, rounded contour at the jaw corner is usually muscle.
- Check your profile. A wide, angular front view with a clean neckline points toward muscle; a blurred jaw-to-neck angle points toward fat or laxity.
Sagging skin can also make the lower face look heavier. If laxity is the main issue, neither injection fixes it on its own, and your doctor may talk about lifting options. See square jaw and double chin for how each concern is assessed.
Side-by-side comparison
| Jaw Botox | Fat-dissolving injections | |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | Bulky masseter muscle | Small pockets of fat |
| Best areas | Angle of the jaw | Under the chin, jowls, lower cheeks |
| Sessions | One, repeated every 4–6 months | Usually 2–4, a few weeks apart |
| Treatment time | About 10 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Downtime | None | Swelling for 2–5 days |
| Result timing | Builds over 2–4 weeks | Gradual over several weeks per session |
| Duration | About 4–6 months | Treated fat cells are cleared; weight changes still matter |
Who is a good candidate for each?
Usually a good fit
- Jaw Botox: a square jaw from a strong masseter, clenching or grinding
- Fat-dissolving: a small, soft double chin or mild jowl fullness at a stable weight
- Both: muscle at the jaw corner plus fat under the chin
- Visitors who want a gradual, natural change
Talk to the doctor first
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular conditions (for Botox)
- Significant skin laxity, where removing fat may not tighten the contour
- A very wide face from bone structure, which injections cannot change
Can you combine jaw Botox and fat-dissolving injections?
Yes, and for many faces this is the most effective approach. Relaxing the masseter narrows the jaw corners, while dissolving fat under the chin sharpens the jaw-to-neck angle. The two treatments work on different tissues, so a doctor can often perform both on the same day if the plan suits you.
Some people also add skin tightening once the volume has reduced. Our V-Line Contour Package brings these options together, and the jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving comparison page covers the details.
Is it safe? Risks and side effects
Both treatments are well established when performed by a licensed doctor, but neither is risk-free.
- Jaw Botox: temporary chewing fatigue with tough foods, mild tenderness at injection points, and rarely an uneven smile if toxin spreads to nearby muscles. Very high doses repeated often can make the cheeks above the jaw look slightly hollow, so dosing should be conservative.
- Fat-dissolving injections: swelling, tenderness, numbness, firmness and bruising are common for several days. Rarely, there can be nerve irritation affecting the smile, skin irregularity or prolonged hardness. Under-chin treatment can feel tight when swallowing for a short time.
Tell your doctor about any medicines, supplements and previous treatments in the area. Read side effects and when to contact us before you travel.
How much do they cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Option | Details | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw Botox, Korean toxin | Botulax or Nabota, both sides | ₩59,000 |
| Jaw Botox, Coretox | Both sides | ₩99,000 |
| Jaw Botox, Xeomin | Both sides | ₩199,000 |
| Jaw Botox, Allergan Botox | Both sides | ₩290,000 |
| Fat-dissolving, one facial area | One session, e.g. under the chin | ₩69,000 |
| Fat-dissolving, two facial areas | Under the chin and jowls, one session | ₩129,000 |
| Fat-dissolving, 3-session course | One facial area | ₩189,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see the VAT refund guide. Full details on the jaw Botox price page and fat-dissolving price page.
Planning a face-slimming treatment around your Seoul trip
Jaw Botox fits even a short stay because there is no downtime. Fat-dissolving injections need a series, so a one-week trip usually covers only the first session; you can continue at home with a local doctor or on a return visit.
- Book ahead. Send your dates and a few photos through our consultation form.
- Avoid your arrival day. Rest after the flight and schedule treatment for day two or later.
- Easy to reach. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Allow for swelling. Leave a few days between fat-dissolving injections and important photos or events.
Flying home? Most people can fly the day after jaw Botox. After fat-dissolving injections, swelling may feel more noticeable in a dry cabin but is not usually a reason to delay travel. See flying after injectables for timing tips.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a slimmer face, jaw Botox or fat-dissolving injections?
It depends on what makes your face wide. Jaw Botox reduces a bulky masseter muscle, while fat-dissolving injections reduce small pockets of fat. A doctor examines you to see which, or both, will help.
How long does jaw Botox last?
Jaw Botox usually lasts about 4–6 months. Most people repeat it two or three times a year to maintain the slimmer shape.
How many fat-dissolving sessions do I need?
Most people need 2–4 sessions, two to four weeks apart. On a short trip you can usually start with one session and continue later.
Can I get both treatments on the same day?
Often yes, because they treat different tissues. Your doctor confirms whether combining them suits your face and schedule.
Is there downtime after fat-dissolving injections?
Expect swelling, tenderness and sometimes bruising for about 2–5 days. Jaw Botox has no real downtime.
Will jaw Botox affect my chewing?
Some people notice mild chewing fatigue with tough foods for a few weeks. Normal eating is not affected.
How much is jaw Botox in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, jaw Botox starts from ₩59,000 for both sides with a Korean toxin, excluding 10% VAT. Imported toxins cost more.
Not sure if it is muscle or fat?
Send us your concerns and travel dates. A doctor examines your jaw and chin in person, explains your options in English and confirms your plan and price before any treatment.
Book a consultation View 2026 pricesRelated reading
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.