What It Is
Gonioplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes the mandibular angle, or the “gonial angle,” located at the back corners of the lower jaw. This surgery can involve reducing, shaving, or contouring the bone to soften a square or prominent jawline, or enhancing the angle to create a sharper and more defined look.
In Korea, gonioplasty is one of the most popular facial contouring surgeries due to the cultural preference for a slimmer, more V-shaped face. Korean surgeons are renowned for their precision and artistry, using advanced surgical planning and bone-cutting techniques to deliver balanced, natural results.
Why It’s Done
Cosmetic Purposes:
- Slims down a wide or square lower face
- Creates a more refined, feminine V-line appearance
- Provides a sharper and more defined jaw angle for patients seeking a sculpted look
- Corrects facial asymmetry
Functional or Corrective Reasons:
- Harmonizes the jaw with the rest of the face for better proportions
- May be combined with other facial surgeries such as genioplasty or zygoma reduction for balanced aesthetics
Patient Considerations:
- Popular among younger adults seeking a slimmer face shape
- Non-smokers and healthy individuals typically recover faster
- Best suited for patients with strong jaw angles or wide mandibles who want permanent reshaping
Alternatives
- Masseter Botox: Reduces jaw muscle bulk for a slimmer look, but does not change bone structure
- Dermal Fillers: Add volume to refine proportions but are temporary and non-surgical
- Mandibular Angle Reduction Surgery: Broader bone shaving procedure that overlaps with gonioplasty
- V-Line Surgery: Combines gonioplasty with chin reshaping for a more dramatic facial contour
Preparation
Patients preparing for gonioplasty in Korea undergo:
- Consultation: Facial assessment, 3D CT scans, and computer simulations of expected results
- Health Evaluation: Blood tests and medical screening
- Lifestyle Adjustments: No smoking, alcohol, or blood-thinning medications several weeks before surgery
- Pre-Operative Fasting: 6–8 hours before surgery under general anesthesia
How It’s Done
Type: Surgical, performed under general anesthesia
Duration: 2–3 hours
Procedure Steps:
- Incision made inside the mouth (no visible scars)
- Surgeon exposes the mandibular angle
- Bone is reshaped by shaving, cutting, or contouring depending on the patient’s goals
- The jawline is smoothed for symmetry and natural curves
- Incisions closed with dissolvable stitches
Hospitalization: Typically 1–2 nights in the hospital for monitoring
Recovery
- First Week: Swelling and bruising peak in the first 3–5 days; pain managed with medication
- Diet: Soft or liquid foods for 1–2 weeks due to intraoral incisions
- Oral Care: Antiseptic rinses to reduce infection risk
- Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks
- Final Results: Visible within 3–6 months as swelling completely subsides
Possible Complications
- Swelling and bruising (normal during recovery)
- Temporary numbness of the chin, lower lip, or jawline due to nerve proximity
- Infection at the incision site
- Jaw asymmetry if bone removal is uneven
- Dissatisfaction with cosmetic results if expectations are unrealistic
Treatment Options in Korea
Diagnosis
Korean clinics provide advanced diagnostic tools:
- 3D CT Imaging for precise bone mapping
- Computer Simulation Software for result preview
- Consultations with Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgeons for tailored surgical planning
Medical Treatments
For patients not ready for surgery:
- Masseter Botox for muscle-related jaw prominence
- Dermal fillers or fat grafting to enhance harmony in the lower face
Surgical or Advanced Therapies
- Standard Gonioplasty: Bone shaving or trimming of the mandibular angle
- Mandibular Angle Reduction: Broader procedure reducing the lower jaw’s width
- V-Line Contouring: Combines gonioplasty with chin surgery for full jaw reshaping
- Hybrid Approaches: May include zygoma reduction or genioplasty for a balanced profile
Rehabilitation and Support
- Regular post-op checkups to monitor healing and jaw symmetry
- Swelling reduction therapies such as lymphatic massage are widely available in Korean clinics
- International patient care services include translators, recovery accommodations, and long-term follow-up
