Botox · Apgujeong, Seoul
Masseter Botox in Apgujeong & Cheongdam, Gangnam, Seoul
Relaxes an enlarged chewing muscle so the lower face looks softer and slimmer, with a gentler V-line over several weeks.
Quick answer
Every Botox plan at Oaro Dermatology Clinic begins with a 1:1 examination by a board-certified dermatologist, so the toxin, dose and injection points are set for your muscles rather than a template. Meet our doctors or see all injectables.
At a glance
| Procedure time | 5–10 minutes of injecting (plus consultation) |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Usually none needed; ice can be applied if preferred |
| Results start | Gradual; visible slimming builds over 4–8 weeks |
| Results last | About 4–6 months; repeat sessions can prolong this |
| Downtime | None to minimal; chewing may feel tiring for a few weeks |
| Sessions | One session, repeated every 4–6 months if you wish |
| Performed by | Board-certified dermatologist |
Visual guide
Your treatment on one page
This infographic sums up the treatment the way our dermatologists explain it in consultation: the muscle or gland being treated, how long it takes, when results start and how long they usually last, plus the three steps of your visit. Save it to your phone before you come in, or share it with someone planning the trip with you.
- Typical timings, downtime and number of sessions
- Who the treatment suits, in plain words
- Your visit: diagnosis, precise injections, review at 2–4 weeks
Oaro Dermatology Clinic · 8F Cheongdam Tower, 327 Dosan-daero, where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam in Gangnam, Seoul · 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
Overview
What is masseter Botox?
The masseter is the thick chewing muscle you can feel at the back of your jaw when you clench. When it is large, from genetics, habitual clenching or frequent gum chewing, the lower face can look square or wide. Botox makes the muscle work less, and over the following weeks it becomes smaller, so the jawline tapers more gently towards the chin.
In Seoul this is a very common toxin treatment, and in Gangnam it is often called jaw slimming or V-line Botox. It does not change bone, and a wide lower face can also come from fat, the parotid glands or the jaw shape itself, so the consultation starts by working out which is responsible.
How masseter Botox works at Oaro
At Oaro Dermatology Clinic, a short walk from Apgujeong Rodeo Station where Apgujeong meets Cheongdam, Dr. Chang-hyun Kim or Dr. Ji-ho Park feels the muscle at rest and while you clench, and compares both sides. The dose is set by the dermatologist after examining muscle size and strength, and injections stay within the lower, back part of the muscle, away from the muscles you smile with. If clenching or grinding is involved, the doctor may discuss teeth grinding Botox; if bone or fat is the bigger factor, other jawline slimming options.
Why patients choose Oaro for Botox
- Dose and injection points set by a board-certified dermatologist after examining your muscles
- Korean-made toxins such as Nabota and imported brands explained honestly, with units compared fairly
- Written aftercare and a review at 2–4 weeks, in person or by message
- Private 1:1 rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- English-friendly coordination and clear, itemised pricing
Treatment goals
Common goals for masseter Botox
A softer, slimmer jawline
The most common goal is a less square lower face, especially from the front and in photos. As the muscle reduces, the jaw angle looks less prominent and the face tends to appear more oval, while bone and chin stay the same.
Less jaw tension from clenching
People who clench during stress or sleep often feel tightness at the jaw angle. Relaxing the masseter can ease this, but it does not replace a dental assessment, and a dentist may recommend a night guard if grinding is significant.
Evening out a one-sided bulge
Chewing mainly on one side can make one masseter larger. Adjusting the dose for each side can make the face look more balanced, with refinements at the next session.
Maintaining an earlier result
With regular sessions the muscle tends to stay smaller, so intervals can often be lengthened. The dermatologist reviews this each time rather than simply repeating the previous dose.
Your visit
What to expect
1. Consultation & diagnosis
The dermatologist asks about clenching, grinding, chewing habits and previous toxin, then examines the jaw relaxed and clenched. You will hear whether muscle, fat, glands or bone is the main cause, what change is realistic and the suggested toxin and dose, with an itemised quote in English.
2. Treatment
The skin is cleaned and the muscle borders are marked while you clench. A few small injections are placed into each masseter, usually taking 5–10 minutes. Most people feel a brief sting and pressure; ice can be used if you prefer.
3. Aftercare & follow-up
You can return to work or sightseeing straight away with written aftercare. A review at around 2–4 weeks checks that both sides are responding evenly, and patients who have flown home can send photos by message.
Cost guide
Masseter Botox cost in Seoul
Masseter Botox in Seoul is usually priced for both sides together. These are typical ranges in Seoul clinics, not fixed prices. Units differ between brands and are not directly comparable, so a quote based only on unit numbers can mislead.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Both sides, Korean-made toxin (e.g. Nabota) | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Both sides, imported toxin | ₩150,000–₩450,000 |
| Masseter plus temple (temporalis), Korean-made toxin | ₩150,000–₩400,000 |
Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- Stay upright for about four hours and avoid lying face down that night.
- Avoid rubbing the jaw that day, and skip facial massage or treatments that press on the area for about two weeks.
- Skip saunas, hot yoga, heavy exercise and alcohol for the rest of the day.
- Choose softer foods if steak, nuts or gum make your jaw tired; this chewing fatigue is usually temporary.
- Small bruises or tenderness usually settle on their own; contact the clinic if your smile changes or anything else concerns you.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Filler Society, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Anti-Aging Society.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will masseter Botox change my smile or make chewing difficult?
Temporary chewing fatigue with hard or chewy food is common for a few weeks. Less commonly, toxin spreads to a nearby smile muscle and makes the smile uneven for a while, which is why injections stay in the lower, back part of the masseter. Bruising, mild swelling and headache can also occur, and in slim faces repeated strong doses may make the cheeks look slightly hollow, so dosing is conservative.
Who should avoid masseter Botox?
Postpone treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and avoid it with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis, an allergy to toxin ingredients, or infection at the jaw. Tell the doctor about your medicines, particularly aminoglycoside antibiotics and blood thinners, and mention any jaw joint pain.
I'm only in Seoul for a week. Is that enough time?
Yes for the treatment itself, which takes minutes and needs little downtime, so it can be done on your first or second day. The slimming appears over 4–8 weeks, so you will see the result at home, and we follow up by message. Flying is generally fine afterwards. The clinic is in Gangnam, about 8 minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station, and opens on Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00.
How long does masseter Botox last?
Usually about 4–6 months. The muscle then slowly regains strength and size, so the change is not permanent, but with repeat sessions many people find it stays smaller for longer and the interval can be lengthened.
Is a wide jaw always caused by muscle?
No. Enlarged parotid glands, fat along the jawline and the jawbone itself can all widen the lower face, and these do not respond to masseter Botox. If glands are the main cause, the doctor may discuss salivary gland Botox instead.
Explore related care
Often considered together
- Salivary gland Botox — when gland enlargement widens the lower face
- Temple Botox — for side-of-head width and clenching
- Teeth grinding Botox — a medical approach to bruxism and clenching
- Double chin injections — for fat under the jawline
- Masseter Botox in Korea — our guide to jaw slimming treatment
- Contact & Booking — book a consultation in Apgujeong, Seoul
Private 1:1 consultation
Plan your Botox with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Tell us what you would like to change. We will examine the muscles involved, explain which toxin and dose suit you and give you a written plan with clear pricing. English-speaking coordinators help international patients visiting Cheongdam, Gangnam and the rest of Seoul.