Understanding the Core Difference

Jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery are often confused because both involve the facial bones. However, they serve very different purposes.

• Jaw surgery focuses on correcting jaw position and bite function
• Facial contouring surgery focuses on changing face shape and width

Choosing the right procedure depends on whether the concern is functional or aesthetic.

What Is Jaw Surgery?

Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, corrects how the upper and lower jaws align and function together.

Main Goals of Jaw Surgery

• Correct bite misalignment (overbite, underbite, open bite)
• Improve chewing and speaking function
• Balance jaw position and facial symmetry
• Address airway or jaw joint strain in some cases

Jaw surgery is primarily a medical and functional procedure, even though facial appearance often improves as a result.

What Is Facial Contouring Surgery?

Facial contouring surgery reshapes the outer shape of facial bones to create a slimmer, softer, or more balanced face.

Main Goals of Facial Contouring Surgery

• Reduce face width
• Soften angular jawlines
• Refine chin shape
• Improve overall facial proportions

Facial contouring surgery is primarily cosmetic, focusing on appearance rather than bite or jaw function.

Key Differences Explained Clearly

Treatment Target

• Jaw surgery: Jaw position, bite alignment, skeletal function
• Facial contouring surgery: Bone width, angles, and facial outline

Type of Bone Change

• Jaw surgery: Repositions jaws forward, backward, up, or down
• Facial contouring surgery: Reduces or reshapes bone edges and curves

Functional Impact

• Jaw surgery: Significant functional improvement
• Facial contouring surgery: Minimal functional change

Permanence

• Both procedures are permanent, but they address different problems

Common Procedures Included

Jaw Surgery May Include

• Upper jaw repositioning
• Lower jaw repositioning
• Double jaw (two-jaw) surgery
• Asymmetry correction

These procedures directly affect how the teeth and jaws fit together.

Facial Contouring Surgery May Include

• Jaw angle reduction
• Long-curve jawline contouring
• Chin reshaping
• Cheekbone reduction

These procedures affect how wide or angular the face appears.

Recovery Differences

Jaw Surgery Recovery

• More complex recovery
• Jaw movement restrictions early on
• Swelling lasts longer
• Full recovery can take 6–12 months

Facial Contouring Surgery Recovery

• Swelling mainly affects face shape
• No bite restriction
• Recovery is usually simpler
• Final contour visible within 6–12 months

Cost Differences in Korea

Typical cost ranges:

• Jaw surgery: ₩10,000,000 – ₩30,000,000+ KRW
• Facial contouring surgery: ₩8,000,000 – ₩25,000,000+ KRW

Jaw surgery costs more when orthodontic treatment, hospital stays, and longer surgical time are required.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Jaw Surgery Is More Suitable If:

• You have bite problems or chewing difficulty
• Your jaws are misaligned
• Facial asymmetry is caused by jaw position
• Function is a major concern

Facial Contouring Surgery Is More Suitable If:

• The face looks wide or angular due to bone shape
• Bite function is normal
• You want cosmetic face slimming
• The concern is primarily aesthetic

Can Jaw Surgery and Facial Contouring Be Combined?

Yes, but only in selected cases.

• Jaw surgery may be performed first to correct function
• Facial contouring can be added later for aesthetic refinement
• Combining them requires careful planning to avoid overcorrection

Combination treatment is based on bone structure and functional needs, not trends.

Final Thoughts

Jaw surgery and facial contouring surgery may look similar on the surface, but they solve different problems. Jaw surgery restores function and alignment, while facial contouring surgery reshapes facial appearance.

The most natural and successful outcomes come from choosing the procedure that matches the true cause of the concern—function vs shape—rather than selecting the most aggressive option.