What is jaw Botox?

Jaw Botox, also called masseter Botox, is an injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter, the chewing muscle at the back corner of your jaw. When this muscle is large, from genetics or years of clenching, the lower face looks wide and square. Relaxing it lets the muscle gradually shrink, softening the jaw angle into the slimmer, oval V-line many people in Korea ask for. Many also choose it for comfort: a relaxed masseter often means less clenching, grinding and jaw tension. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it is performed by licensed medical doctors and starts from ₩59,000 for both sides with a Korean toxin.

How jaw Botox works

Botulinum toxin blocks the signal between nerve and muscle, so the masseter contracts less strongly. A muscle that works less becomes smaller over the following weeks, much like any muscle you stop training. Clenching eases first; the change in face shape follows as the muscle loses bulk.

You can choose your toxin. Korean brands such as Botulax, Nabota and Coretox are widely used and cost less; imported options include Xeomin from Germany and Botox from Allergan in the USA. All work on the same principle, and our guide to Korean Botox brands vs imported toxins explains the differences.

Who jaw Botox suits

A square or wide lower face caused by a bulky masseter muscle
Daytime clenching or night-time grinding (bruxism)
Jaw tightness or tension headaches linked to clenching

It works only on muscle. If the width comes from bone shape, fat or loose skin, toxin will not change it. Your doctor feels the muscle while you clench, which quickly shows how much of the width is muscle. Fullness under the jaw may respond better to a fat-dissolving injection.

Dosage: how many units?

Muscle size	Typical dose per side	Notes
Mild bulk	About 20–25 units	First treatment or maintenance
Moderate bulk	About 25–35 units	The most common range
Strong muscle or heavy clenching	About 35–50 units	Sometimes split over two visits

These counts apply to toxins dosed like Botox; Dysport uses a different unit scale. We explain how many units of jaw Botox you need separately, and each toxin option is on the jaw Botox price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

Your session at Dernia, step by step

Consultation in English — your doctor examines your jaw at rest and clenched, asks about grinding, and agrees a dose and toxin with you.
Marking — safe points are marked over the lower, back part of the muscle.
Injection — a few quick injections per side with a very fine needle. Numbing cream is optional.
Check — your doctor checks symmetry and explains aftercare.

Downtime and aftercare

There is no real downtime. Small bumps settle within about 30 minutes, and a small bruise is possible. For the rest of the day, avoid pressing or massaging the jaw, saunas and hard exercise, and stay upright for about four hours. Chewy foods may feel tiring for a few weeks; limiting gum longer term helps, since heavy chewing rebuilds the muscle.

Results timeline

Clenching usually eases within one to two weeks. Slimming starts at two to four weeks and is clearest at six to eight weeks. Results commonly last about four to six months, and with regular treatment some people find they need top-ups less often. See the jaw Botox results guide for a month-by-month view.

Jaw Botox vs alternatives

Jaw Botox slims muscle; a fat-dissolving injection reduces small fat pockets under the chin and along the jaw. Read jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection to see which fits you, or consider the V-Line Contour Package, which combines both with HIFU lifting. Forehead and eye lines can be softened in the same visit with wrinkle Botox, and every option is on our treatments overview.

Planning jaw Botox around a trip to Seoul

Jaw Botox takes minutes, leaves no visible marks and lets you go straight back to sightseeing. Because slimming develops over weeks, you will see the full result at home. You can usually fly the next day. If you are adding filler or skin boosters, your doctor will advise the order. Book a consultation and your doctor will confirm the dose and toxin with you.

Safety and who should avoid it

Jaw Botox is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis, an infection at the site, or a past reaction to toxin. Tell your doctor about blood thinners and medicines, such as certain antibiotics, that can interact with toxin. Uncommon effects include temporary chewing fatigue, a slightly uneven smile and mild hollowing below the cheekbones in very slim faces; all wear off as the toxin does. Read more in Is Korean Botox safe?

Does jaw Botox hurt?

Most people feel a few quick pinches and slight pressure. The needle is very fine and the treatment takes minutes, so numbing cream is optional. Any tenderness fades within a day.

When will my face look slimmer?

Clenching eases first, within one to two weeks. Visible slimming usually starts at two to four weeks and is clearest at six to eight weeks, once the muscle has thinned.

Will jaw Botox change my smile or chewing?

Chewing can feel a little tired for a few weeks, especially with tough or chewy foods. Careful placement keeps toxin away from the smile muscles. If a slight asymmetry does occur, it is temporary and fades as the toxin wears off.

Should I choose a Korean or an imported toxin?

Korean toxins such as Botulax and Nabota are widely used and cost less, while Xeomin and Allergan Botox are imported options. All work on the same principle. Some people who need frequent high doses prefer Xeomin because it contains no complexing proteins, which may lower the chance of developing resistance; your doctor will advise.

Can I fly after jaw Botox?

Yes. There is no wound to heal and flying does not affect the result, so you can usually fly the next day. Avoid pressing your jaw against a travel pillow for the first few hours. See Can I fly after Botox?

How often do I need jaw Botox?

Most people repeat it every four to six months at first. With regular treatment the muscle often stays smaller, so some people can stretch the interval over time.

Related treatments

Fat-dissolving injection — reduces small fat pockets under the chin and jaw
Wrinkle Botox — softens forehead, frown and eye lines in the same visit
Trapezius Botox — slims the shoulder line with the same technique

Price, results and reviews

Concerns and areas

Square jaw — causes and treatment options
Jawline and V-line treatments — every option for the lower face

Compare and packages

Jaw Botox vs fat-dissolving injection — muscle or fat?
V-Line Contour Package — jaw Botox, HIFU and fat dissolving together

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Jaw Botox in Myeongdong, Seoul