Quick answer: Masseter Botox relaxes the large chewing muscles at the corners of the jaw. Over 4 to 8 weeks the muscle shrinks, creating a slimmer, softer, more V-shaped lower face. It also helps with teeth clenching and grinding. Effects last about 4 to 6 months, and repeated sessions often extend results.
Who is a good candidate?
- People with a wide or square lower face caused by muscle bulk rather than bone or fat.
- Those who clench or grind their teeth.
- Patients who want facial slimming without surgery.
If width comes mainly from bone structure or fat, Botox alone gives limited change; contouring surgery or fat reduction may be discussed instead.
How the treatment works
- The doctor asks you to clench to locate the muscle.
- Several injections are placed in the lower, bulky part of each masseter.
- The procedure takes about 10 minutes with minimal discomfort.
Results timeline
- 1 to 2 weeks: chewing feels slightly weaker.
- 4 to 8 weeks: visible slimming as the muscle reduces.
- 4 to 6 months: gradual return without maintenance.
Units and products
Dose depends on muscle strength and the toxin brand. Korean toxins are common and affordable; imported brands cost more. Always ask for the product name and total units per side.
Side effects
- Temporary chewing fatigue, especially with tough foods.
- Mild bruising or tenderness.
- Rarely, an uneven smile if toxin spreads to nearby muscles.
- With repeated high doses, some people notice slight cheek hollowing or sagging, which is why dosing should be individualised.
Aftercare
- Avoid pressing or massaging the jaw for a day.
- Skip saunas and heavy exercise for 24 hours.
- Choose softer foods if chewing feels tired.
How doctors decide if jaw width is muscle, fat or bone
During consultation the doctor asks you to clench your teeth and feels the masseter muscle. A firm bulge that pops out at the corner of the jaw indicates muscle bulk, which responds well to Botox. Soft, pinchable fullness suggests fat, which may respond better to fat-dissolving injections or RF contouring. A wide jaw angle on X-ray or with little soft tissue suggests bone structure, which only surgery can change. Many people have a combination, so plans often mix treatments.
Dose and brand considerations
Masseter muscles are large, so they need more units than facial wrinkle areas, and the dose is usually split evenly between both sides. Korean toxins are widely used for jaw Botox because of their lower price. People who repeat jaw Botox frequently or need high doses sometimes choose purified or imported toxins to reduce the small risk of developing resistance.
Cost in Busan
Jaw Botox in Busan typically costs about ₩50,000 to ₩300,000 for both sides in 2026, depending on the brand and number of units. Prices are often lower when combined with other Botox areas in the same visit.
Maintenance schedule
For the first year, many doctors suggest treatment every four to six months. As the muscle becomes smaller, intervals can often be extended to six to twelve months. Stopping treatment simply allows the muscle to regain its size gradually; there is no rebound beyond your original shape.
Benefits beyond slimming
Because Botox reduces the force of the chewing muscle, people who clench or grind their teeth at night often report fewer jaw aches and tension headaches. A dentist may still recommend a night guard to protect teeth.
Planning jaw Botox during a trip to Busan
There is no downtime beyond possible small bruises, and you can eat normally right away, though tough foods may feel tiring for a few weeks. The slimming effect appears after four to eight weeks, so you will usually see the full result after returning home. Most international visitors stay in Seomyeon, the city's largest clinic district and a central subway hub, or in Haeundae and Centum City near the beach. Seomyeon is about 35 minutes from Gimhae International Airport by light rail and subway and about 12 minutes from Busan Station (KTX) on Line 1, while Haeundae is about 30 to 40 minutes further east on Line 2. Book your consultation before you arrive, share your travel dates with the clinic, and leave at least one buffer day before your flight in case you want a follow-up check.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Is my wide jaw caused mainly by muscle, fat or bone?
- How many units per side will you use, and which brand?
- Should I combine jaw Botox with chin filler for balance?
- Is the clinic registered with HIRA, and who will perform the treatment?
- Does the written quote include VAT, numbing cream and any follow-up visit?
- How can I contact the clinic with questions after I return home?
Jaw Botox and the V-line trend in Korea
A slim, softly tapered lower face is a popular aesthetic in Korea, and masseter Botox is one of the most requested treatments for achieving it without surgery. Clinics often combine it with chin filler to add slight forward projection and with HIFU or InMode to sharpen the jawline. The aim is balance: over-slimming the jaw on a face with little fat can make cheeks look hollow, so a good doctor will tailor the dose to your proportions rather than aiming for maximum reduction.
What results look like over time
- Week 1: no visible change; chewing may feel slightly weaker.
- Weeks 2 to 4: the jaw feels softer when clenching.
- Weeks 4 to 8: visible narrowing at the jaw corners in photos.
- Months 4 to 6: the muscle slowly regains strength unless treatment is repeated.
Frequently asked questions
How long before I see a slimmer face?
Most people see a clear change at 4 to 6 weeks.
Will my face sag?
Correct dosing rarely causes sagging, but very frequent high doses in thin faces can. Discuss your skin laxity with the doctor.
Can I combine jaw Botox with fillers?
Yes. Chin filler is often added to enhance a V-line profile.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Figures and prices are indicative and may change; always confirm details with a licensed physician and request a written quote before any procedure.
