Looking in the mirror, you always feel your face is wide, but when you pinch it, you’re not sure if it’s hard masseter muscle or thick fat? It’s indeed confusing whether to choose Botox or lipolysis injections. Below we’ve laid out self‑test methods for the three types, along with corresponding treatment prices and recovery times – so you’ll have a clear idea and can speak knowledgeably with your doctor during consultation.
The root causes of facial width can be divided into three categories: masseter hypertrophy, fat accumulation, and skeletal width. Korean doctors adopt a “type‑based treatment” strategy: for masseter, botulinum toxin is used to block neuromuscular signals, causing the muscle to gradually atrophy over 4‑6 weeks; for fat, deoxycholic acid injections for lipolysis or microcannula liposuction for physical removal; for bone issues, mandible angle osteotomy is required. Pre‑treatment ultrasound or CT measurement is essential to precisely locate the source of “fullness.”
Masseter type: When clenching the teeth, a firm bulge can be felt at the jaw angle; the face appears square from the side – suitable for Botox. Fat type: Full facial soft tissue, a thick layer of fat when pinched, often accompanied by a double chin – suitable for lipolysis injections or liposuction. Mixed type: Both masseter and fat exist – combination therapy is recommended. Absolute contraindications: allergy to Botox or lipolysis ingredients, active infection in the treatment area, bleeding disorders, myasthenia gravis, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Korean mainstream slimming solutions are clearly comparable, allowing you to choose according to your condition:
| Treatment | Applicable Type | Sessions | Onset | Duration | Reference Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin (masseter) | Masseter hypertrophy | 1 session / 4‑6 months | 2‑4 weeks | 4‑6 months | ₩300,000 – 600,000 (bilateral) |
| Lipolysis (cheeks / double chin) | Fat accumulation (mild‑moderate) | 2‑3 sessions (course) | Progressive over 2‑4 weeks | 1‑2 years (stable) | ₩800,000 – 1,500,000 (course) |
| Facial liposuction | Fat accumulation (moderate‑severe) | 1 session | 1‑2 weeks (after swelling subsides) | Permanent (with stable weight) | ₩2,500,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Mandible reduction | Skeletal width | 1 session | 3‑6 months full recovery | Permanent | ₩15,000,000 – 25,000,000 |
Note: Actual costs vary by clinic, physician experience, and scope; combination treatments often have package discounts.
Botulinum toxin injection: Mark the masseter area during consultation → disinfect → inject 2‑4 points per side (20‑50U) → takes 5‑10 minutes; you can return to work immediately.
Lipolysis injections: Topical anaesthesia → inject solution into the fat layer with a 30G fine needle, about 1ml per side → gently massage to distribute → takes about 20 minutes; post‑op swelling and burning sensation subside in 3‑5 days.
Facial liposuction: Pre‑op design → local or general anaesthesia → make a 2‑3mm incision behind the ear or along the jawline → inject tumescent fluid → aspirate fat in a fan‑shaped manner with the cannula → suture and apply compression dressing; surgery takes about 1‑2 hours.
Immediate effect: Botox takes 2‑4 weeks to show effect; lipolysis begins to slim in 2‑4 weeks; facial liposuction shows immediate contour change post‑op, but swelling masks some of it – full results appear in 1‑2 weeks.
Progressive effect: Final results for lipolysis and liposuction stabilise in 1‑3 months; fat cells are reduced and less likely to rebound. Botox requires regular injections, generally recommended every 6 months.
Q1: How can I self‑test which type of wide face I have?
A: Clench your back teeth and feel the jaw angle – if you feel a distinct hard lump with clear borders, the main cause is masseter; if you pinch the cheek skin and it feels thick, it’s fat; if the jaw angle is close to 90° and the bone protrudes, it’s skeletal. The most accurate method is an ultrasound measurement by a doctor.
Q2: Can Botox and lipolysis injections be done together?
A: Absolutely. Korean doctors often use a “Botox + lipolysis” combination – first reduce the masseter, then eliminate fat, achieving a “1+1>2” effect. However, injection areas should be staggered, usually 1‑2 weeks apart.
Q3: How much does facial slimming cost in Korea?
A: Single Botox session ~₩300,000‑600,000 (bilateral); lipolysis course (2‑3 sessions) ~₩800,000‑1,500,000; facial liposuction ~₩2,500,000‑5,000,000; bone surgery is higher. You’ll get an exact quote after consultation.
Q4: How long is recovery? What are the side effects?
A: Botox has almost no downtime, only mild redness; lipolysis swelling lasts 3‑7 days, possibly bruising; liposuction requires wearing a compression garment for 1‑2 weeks, swelling subsides in about 1 week. Side effects are mostly temporary; rare complications like asymmetry, depressions, or infection can be avoided by choosing an experienced physician.
Q5: Which hospitals in Korea are reliable for facial slimming?
A: Dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam district have extensive cases. Choose institutions with KFDA‑certified equipment and genuine products, and doctors with a facial anatomy background; review authentic before & after photos.
All slimming options carry potential side effects: Botox may diffuse into adjacent expression muscles causing facial stiffness or smile muscle depressions; lipolysis may cause nodules, nerve injury (very rare); liposuction may result in irregularities or pigmentation. Always choose a certified medical institution and an experienced physician, and request ultrasound‑guided techniques to enhance safety.
We recommend that before making a decision, you first have an in‑person consultation for a professional evaluation – don’t blindly pursue an “ultra‑small face.” Facial slimming should be based on your own bone structure and aesthetic, improving proportions rather than overturning your features. The above information is for reference only; the final treatment plan must be customised by a licensed Korean physician based on your actual condition. Consume rationally; safety first.
All content translated from the original Chinese article. No alterations have been made to the content.