Dr. Choi Min Hyub specializes in facial contouring with 10 years of experience and 900+ procedures performed. The Deep Plane technique he uses addresses deeper facial layers for longer-lasting results. Face contouring may cost around $15,500-$17,000, typically covering 1 night hospitalization, food porridge service, and deswelling laser treatment. The Korean Institute-accredited clinic offers luxury inpatient rooms and multilingual staff. Dr. Choi is renowned for philtrum reduction and concavity correction procedures.
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How Much Does Face Contouring Cost in Republic of Korea?
Face contouring in the Republic of Korea typically costs from $4,500 to $12,000. The final price depends on the number of areas treated, clinic prestige in Seoul, and the surgeon expertise level. Patients save around 46% compared to the US, where this procedure costs $15,300 on average. Standard inclusions often cover 3D CT scans, general anesthesia, and post-operative deswelling treatments.
- Single area surgery: Typically starts lower for individual procedures like cheekbone reduction or jaw shaving.
- 3-Type contouring: Combines jaw, chin, and cheekbones for a comprehensive facial transformation at a premium.
- V-Line surgery: Specifically targets the lower face to create a slim, tapered jaw and chin profile.
- Clinic tier: Premium centers in Gangnam may charge 20-30% more than mid-range specialized clinics in Seoul.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing mid-range Seoul clinics can save thousands without compromising safety or results. For example, AB Plastic Surgery offers packages around $5,050 with real-time CCTV monitoring for patient peace of mind. Meanwhile, premium centers like JK Plastic Surgery Center carry KAHF accreditation and 20-year safety records. The smartest move is prioritizing clinics with high facial-contouring volumes over general plastic surgery hubs.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | The USA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Contouring | from $4,500 | from $2,500 | ≈ $9,500 |
Discover the Best Face Contouring Clinics in Republic of Korea: 5 Verified Options and Prices

Dr. Choi Min Hyub specializes in facial contouring with 10 years of experience and 900+ procedures performed. The Deep Plane technique he uses addresses deeper facial layers for longer-lasting results. Face contouring may cost around $15,500-$17,000, typically covering 1 night hospitalization, food porridge service, and deswelling laser treatment. The Korean Institute-accredited clinic offers luxury inpatient rooms and multilingual staff. Dr. Choi is renowned for philtrum reduction and concavity correction procedures.
Dr. Choi Min Hyub specializes in facial contouring with 10 years of experience and 900+ procedures performed. The Deep Plane technique he uses addresses deeper facial layers for longer-lasting results. Face contouring may cost around $15,500-$17,000, typically covering 1 night hospitalization, food porridge service, and deswelling laser treatment. The Korean Institute-accredited clinic offers luxury inpatient rooms and multilingual staff. Dr. Choi is renowned for philtrum reduction and concavity correction procedures.


Dr. Kim Sung Sik specializes in facial bone contouring and jaw surgeries with 3 years of experience. The clinic offers an all-inclusive consultation package with preoperative tests, anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative care. JK Plastic Surgery Center has performed 85,000+ procedures and holds KAHF accreditation. The price for mandibular osteotomy is available after consultation, typically covering interpreter services and 24/7 monitoring during the recommended 14-day stay.


AB Plastic Surgery in Seoul holds KAHF accreditation from the South Korean government for high safety standards. Surgeons like Dr. Cho Dong-Pill, an international IFAAS faculty member, perform 3-point contouring tailored to individual bone structures. The clinic uses 3D CT diagnostics and superoposterior fixation to minimize sagging risks. Safety protocols include real-time monitoring by board-certified anesthesiologists and in-house laboratory testing. Recovery typically involves a one-night stay, with deswelling treatments like red light therapy provided by the medical team.
Face Contouring Overview in Republic of Korea
- Facelift - from $2,000This therapy rejuvenates facial features, tightening skin, softening wrinkles, and enhancing contours.
- Mini Facelift - from $1,900The procedure rejuvenates the face by tightening skin and reducing sag, with less incisions and quicker recovery.
- Hyaluronic Acid Threads Lifting - from $240This therapy is a non-invasive method to tighten skin using dissolvable threads, promoting collagen production and rejuvenation.
- Facial Fat Transfer - from $820This procedure involves transferring fat to the face for smoother, fuller features, offering a natural, long-lasting result.
- Buccal Fat Extraction - from $1,000The operation removes cheek fat pads for a slimmer face, done under anesthesia with minimal side effects.
- Endoscopic facelift - from $5,000The procedure is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation operation using cutting-edge endoscopic technology.
- Nonsurgical Facelift - from $1,100Cosmetic treatment that involves injecting dermal fillers to smooth wrinkles and restore facial volume, offering a youthful appearance without surgery or lengthy recovery.
- Threads Lifting - from $750This non-surgical treatment involves inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas, promoting collagen production for natural-looking rejuvenation with minimal recovery time.
- Bookimed deposit: $200 or €200.
- Clinic deposit: Pay a set percentage in advance.
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Park Young Kyu
Dr. Park Young Kyu is a plastic surgeon at SAERO Plastic Surgery in Seoul. He graduated summa cum laude from Hallym University. Dr. Park earned the Top Medical Resident award from the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital.
- Specializes in complex facial contouring, deep plane facelifts, and revision rhinoplasty.
- Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).
- Active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
- Sits on the KSPRS steering committees for anti-aging and filler research.

Park Sangwook
Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in face contouring – Dr. Park leads VG Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seoul.
- Residency at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital – one of Korea's top training programs
- Member of 7 professional societies including KSAPS and KCPCA
- Former director at DA Plastic Surgery Clinic
- Specializes in minimally invasive techniques (MIPS member)

Seunghyun Ahn
Dr. Seunghyun Ahn is a board-certified plastic surgeon at AB Plastic Surgery in Seoul. He holds both an MD and a PhD from Seoul National University. Dr. Ahn specializes in facial contouring and complex craniofacial surgery. He uses precise anatomical planning to achieve balanced results tailored to facial proportions.
- Specializes in facial contouring, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic craniofacial procedures.
- Treats patients at a KAHF-certified clinic in the Gangnam district.
- Earned medical degrees from South Korea's most prestigious medical institution.
- Works at a facility recognized by the Ministry of Justice for foreign patient care.

Kim Sung Sik
Dr. Kim Sung Sik is a plastic surgeon at the JK Plastic Surgery Center in Seoul. He specializes in facial contouring, anti-aging, and rhinoplasty. Dr. Kim completed his residency and internship at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. He holds a postgraduate degree in plastic surgery from the Catholic University Medical School.
- Member of the International Society of Plastic Surgery.
- Certified by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
- Performs specialized procedures including deep plane facelifts and revision rhinoplasty.
- Treats patients at a clinic with a 100% success rate for all procedures.
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Face Contouring: Before & after photos
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Anna Leonova
FAQ about Face Contouring in Republic of Korea
Are the results of face contouring permanent?
Face contouring results in South Korea are permanent when involving surgical bone reshaping, such as V-line or zygoma reduction. These procedures physically remove bone tissue that cannot grow back. While skeletal changes are lifelong, soft tissue aging and weight fluctuations can still alter your facial appearance over time.
- Bone removal: Surgeons at clinics like VG Plastic Surgery permanently shave mandible or malar bones.
- Settling period: Final structural results typically require a 1-2 year settling period for tissues.
- Soft tissue: Aging and skin laxity may cause sagging 3-7 years after significant bone reduction.
- Weight stability: Significant weight gain can round out the face despite permanent underlying bone changes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top Seoul clinics shows that combining mandible angle reduction with zygoma reduction yields higher long-term satisfaction. Surgeons like Haewon Yang at INIQUE, who has performed 10,000+ procedures, emphasize that standalone muscle reduction often reverses. For true permanence, focus on bone-shaving techniques rather than just masseter Botox or fillers.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that while bone work is irreversible, maintaining a stable weight and rigorous skincare is vital. Many recommend tracking progress with serial photos during the 2-year settling phase to monitor subtle soft tissue shifts.
What does V-line surgery actually involve?
V-line surgery is a permanent facial contouring procedure that reshapes the lower face into a slim, tapered profile. Surgeons in the Republic of Korea utilize 3D-CT-guided bone cuts to perform mandibular angle resection and T-osteotomy chin reshaping through intra-oral incisions, ensuring no external scars.
- Surgical technique: Bone reducción involves shaving the jaw angles and narrowing the chin via T-osteotomy.
- Access method: Surgeons use intra-oral minimal-skin-incision approaches to reach bone structures without visible scarring.
- Anesthesia protocol: The procedure requires 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia for patient safety.
- Recovery timeline: Major swelling subsides within 1 to 2 months with final results after 6 months.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from leading Seoul clinics like JK Plastic Surgery Center and VG Plastic Surgery shows a trend toward combining bone reduction with masseter muscle debulking. Using Dr. Haewon Yang’s approach at INIQUE, which avoids implants entirely, ensures the most natural harmony. For the best outcome, patients should trial masseter Botox pre-op to preview the slimming effect before committing to permanent bone surgery.
Patient Consensus: Expect a temporary chipmunk phase where uneven facial swelling mimics weight gain during the first month. Most patients experience temporary lip or chin numbness that typically resolves within 6 to 12 months as nerves heal.
How long should I stay in Korea for the procedure and recovery?
Plan to stay in Republic of Korea for 14 to 21 days for face contouring. This window allows for the 2–6 hour surgery, peak swelling management during days 3–5, and essential follow-up visits at day 7 and day 14 for suture removal.
- Initial recovery: Peak swelling occurs between days 3 and 5 after surgery.
- Suture removal: Surgeons typically schedule your first major follow-up on day 7.
- Travel clearance: Patients are medically cleared for long-haul flights after 14 days.
- Optimal results: Staying 3 to 4 weeks allows swelling to drop significantly before travel.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top Seoul clinics like JK Plastic Surgery Center highlights a specific recovery pattern. While you can fly at day 14, cabin pressure often triggers temporary rebound swelling. Patients who stay 21 days report much smoother transitions because they bypass the most intense inflammatory phase. Clinics like VG Plastic Surgery use specialized deswelling laser therapy during week 2 to accelerate this timeline.
Patient Consensus: Most patients feel week 2 is the turning point for appearing semi-presentable in public. While day 10 marks a drop in swelling, many suggest taking 3 full weeks off work for comfort.
Will there be visible scarring after surgery?
Face contouring in South Korea typically results in no visible external scarring because surgeons prioritize intraoral incisions inside the mouth. For procedures requiring external access, board-certified specialists utilize endoscopic methods or place incisions along the hairline and natural ear creases to ensure they remain virtually unnoticeable.
- Incision placement: Surgeons use intraoral techniques for jaw and cheekbone work to avoid skin scars.
- Endoscopic methods: Minimal openings hidden within the hair follicles reduce tissue trauma and external marking.
- Healing timeline: Any visible marks appear pink for 3 months before fading by 9 months.
- Post-operative care: Korean clinics provide specialized laser treatments and silicone sheets to accelerate scar maturation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea’s high volume of facial bone surgeries has led to ultra-specialized techniques like the scarless philtrum or lip lift. Dr. Seung-il Chung at Retmus Plastic Surgery even uses proprietary methods to hide sutures where they are invisible to the naked eye. This extreme focus on concealment is a direct result of the country performing over 85,000 plastic procedures at top centers like JK Plastic Surgery.
Patient Consensus: While initial redness is normal, most patients report that internal mouth incisions heal without leaving any permanent trace. They often highlight that following the strict Korean post-op rinsing and silicone protocols is the key to a smooth recovery.
Are there non-surgical alternatives for face contouring?
Non-surgical face contouring in South Korea utilizes advanced injectables and energy-based devices to redefine the jawline and cheeks without incisions. Popular Korean methods include masseter Botox for jaw slimming, dermal fillers for V-line shaping, and Ultherapy or Thermage for significant skin tightening.
- Masseter Botox: Reduces jaw width by 20–30% after 2–3 sessions for a slimmer profile.
- Dermal fillers: Add volume to cheeks and chin using hyaluronic acid, lasting 6–24 months.
- Energy-based tightening: Focused ultrasound or radiofrequency stimulates collagen to lift sagging facial tissues non-invasively.
- Thread lifts: Dissolvable PDO sutures physically reposition skin, providing immediate lifting and contouring effects.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While non-surgical options are excellent for soft tissue, bone structure requires surgical intervention. Clinics like JK Plastic Surgery Center have performed over 85,000 procedures, often steering patients toward surgery if their goals involve skeletal reshaping. Many Korean centers also offer 3D simulations during consultations to help you visualize why non-surgical limits exist.
Patient Consensus: Many patients praise Botox for jaw slimming as an effective first step. They warn that repeated fillers can lead to puffiness over time and suggest using these methods for subtle adjustments rather than permanent structural changes.























