Understanding the Difference Between V-Line Surgery and Facial Contouring Surgery

V-line surgery and facial contouring surgery are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same procedure. In Korea, these terms describe different levels of facial bone reshaping, each designed to achieve specific aesthetic goals.

Understanding the distinction is essential for setting realistic expectations and choosing the right surgical approach.

What Is V-Line Surgery?

V-line surgery focuses on creating a slim, pointed lower face by reshaping the jawline and chin.

Main Focus Areas

• Mandibular angle (jaw angle)
• Lower jawline curve
• Chin narrowing or shortening

Primary Goal

• Achieve a smooth, feminine or refined V-shaped face
• Reduce a wide or square lower face

V-line surgery is considered a type of facial contouring, but it targets only the lower third of the face.

What Is Facial Contouring Surgery?

Facial contouring surgery is a broader category that includes multiple bone-reduction procedures across different facial areas.

Common Facial Contouring Procedures

• Jaw angle reduction
• Chin reshaping
• Cheekbone (zygoma) reduction
• V-line surgery (as one component)

Primary Goal

• Improve overall facial balance and proportions
• Adjust facial width, height, and symmetry

Facial contouring surgery may involve one, two, or all three facial zones, depending on the patient’s anatomy.

Key Differences at a Glance

Surgical Scope

• V-line surgery: Jaw + chin only
• Facial contouring surgery: Jaw, chin, and/or cheekbones

Level of Customization

• V-line: Focused lower-face reshaping
• Facial contouring: Full-face structural balance

Complexity

• V-line: Moderate complexity
• Facial contouring: Higher complexity due to multiple bones

Surgery Time

• V-line: Shorter
• Facial contouring: Longer

Cost Range in Korea

• V-line surgery: Mid-range
• Facial contouring surgery: Higher overall cost

Cost Comparison in Korea

Typical price ranges:

• V-line surgery: ₩8,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 KRW
• Facial contouring surgery (2–3 areas): ₩15,000,000 – ₩35,000,000+ KRW

Facial contouring costs more due to longer operating time, increased anesthesia duration, and expanded surgical planning.

Recovery Differences

V-Line Surgery Recovery

• Swelling mostly in lower face
• Initial recovery: 1–2 weeks
• Major swelling improves within 1 month
• Final results: 6–12 months

Facial Contouring Surgery Recovery

• Swelling affects jaw, cheeks, and midface
• Longer swelling phase
• Recovery feels heavier due to multiple bone areas
• Final results may take 9–12 months

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

V-Line Surgery May Be Better If:

• The main concern is a wide or square jaw
• The cheeks are already narrow or balanced
• A slimmer lower face is the primary goal

Facial Contouring Surgery May Be Better If:

• The face appears wide overall
• Cheekbones are prominent or flat
• Facial proportions feel unbalanced from multiple angles
• A full-face transformation is desired

Is One Better Than the Other?

Neither procedure is “better” universally.

• V-line surgery is ideal for targeted lower-face slimming
• Facial contouring surgery is best for comprehensive structural change

The correct choice depends on bone structure, not trends.

Final Thoughts

V-line surgery and facial contouring surgery serve different purposes, even though they are closely related. In Korea, surgeons typically evaluate facial balance using 3D imaging to determine whether a focused V-line approach or full facial contouring will deliver the most natural and harmonious result.

Choosing the right procedure matters more than choosing the most aggressive one.