What it is

• Often called masseter Botox, this involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscles (the chewing muscles at the jaw angle) to reduce muscle bulk, soften a squared jawline, and/or relieve teeth-grinding (bruxism).
• The mechanism: the neurotoxin reduces the activity of the muscle, leading over time to atrophy (muscle thinning) and a more V-shaped or oval face contour.
• It also has therapeutic uses: for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) discomfort, jaw tension, bruxism.

Typical Procedure & What to Expect

Consultation

• The doctor or injector assesses your face shape, muscle bulk (you might be asked to clench your jaw to see masseter prominence). Seouldermatologyclinic+1
• You’ll discuss goals: slimmer jawline? relief of grinding?
• Brand & dosage of Botox will be decided (some clinics use domestic Korean brands, some imported).

Treatment

• Injections are quick — often 5-10 or 10-15 minutes. Minimal downtime.
• Immediately after: you may return to normal activities. Some mild swelling/bruising possible.

Aftercare

• Avoid massaging or pressing the treated area for ~24 hours (to prevent toxin migration)
• Avoid eating very hard/tough food for a few days (since the muscle is relaxed)
• Avoid saunas, very hot baths, heavy exercise for a short period — some clinics advise ~1 week for full caution.

Results & Maintenance

• You’ll typically begin to see change in ~2-4 weeks (muscle size gradually reduces).
• Effects last maybe 3-6 months (or longer depending on dosage, brand, your metabolism) before retreatment is needed.

Cost in Seoul (Approximate & Indicative)

• While prices vary a lot depending on brand, dosage, clinic, promotions, etc., some indicative figures:
• For 50 units (masseter) using a domestic brand: ~ ₩60,000 ~ and up. Lienjang Clinic Korea+1
• Some clinics list promotions for 50U masseter in the range of ~ ₩24,000 for a basic domestic brand.
• Note: These are just estimates. Price depends heavily on brand (domestic vs imported), treatment complexity, clinic’s reputation, whether it’s given to foreigners, language support, etc.

Why Many Choose Seoul / Korea

• Korea has highly experienced injectors and many aesthetic clinics doing jaw-contouring treatments (non-surgical) regularly.
• Relatively competitive pricing compared to many Western countries.
• If you’re combining this with other facial contouring or aesthetic procedures, Korea offers strong infrastructure for that.

Important Considerations & Risks

• While relatively low risk, it’s still an injection and you should ensure the injector is properly trained and uses genuine product.
• Possible side-effects: minor bruising, swelling, temporary stiffness in the jaw, possible asymmetry (if injection not symmetrical) or reduced chewing strength (if overdose).
• Chewing very hard foods right after is discouraged because the muscle is relaxing — you may feel fatigue or risk suboptimal outcome.
• Ensure you understand which brand is being used (domestic vs imported), the dose, and any follow-up plan.
• If you grind your teeth or have significant TMJ disorder, note that Botox may help but might require adjunctive care (dental, orthodontic, night-guard, etc).
• Travel considerations: if you’re coming from abroad to Seoul for this treatment, consider follow-up care, potential language barrier, after-care instructions, managing expectations (since results are gradual).

Is It Right for You? Checklist

• ✅ You have a visibly wide/squared lower face due to prominent masseter muscles (especially when you clench).
• ✅ You’d like a slimmer lower-facial contour (more oval or V-shaped) without surgery.
• ✅ You suffer from teeth-grinding (bruxism) or jaw-clenching and want an adjunctive solution.
• ✅ You understand the non-surgical nature: the change is gradual and modest (not like surgery).
• ✅ You are okay with repeat treatments (maintenance every several months).
• ✅ You can follow after-care (avoid hard chewing, massages, saunas etc).