Facial contouring (“안면윤곽”) is a set of surgical procedures that reshape bone and soft tissue to refine the jawline, balance the midface, and correct asymmetry. From a medical perspective, candidacy depends on skeletal proportions, soft-tissue thickness, bite stability, and expectations. The goal is not simply a smaller face; the goal is harmonious proportion, a jaw, cheek, and chin that support one another in three dimensions. This guide explains which face types should consider surgery, which techniques match those needs, and which effects you can realistically expect when planning with a qualified surgeon.
What “contouring” really treats
Contouring operates at three layers. First, hard tissue: zygoma (cheekbone) prominence, mandibular angle width, and chin projection or length. Second, soft tissue: masseter muscle bulk, buccal fat, and submental fat under the chin. Third, occlusion support: the bite and the position of the upper and lower jaws. True facial contouring focuses mainly on the first two layers; if occlusion is the primary problem, orthognathic (double-jaw) surgery may be indicated instead. However, many patients benefit from hybrid plans—skeletal refinement with light soft-tissue work—to produce lasting, natural outcomes.
Face shapes and when to consider surgery
1) Round face: define the lower third and control width
Profile: Soft curves, limited skeletal definition, and fullness through the lower cheeks and jawline.
Typical concerns: “Baby-face,” weak jawline, and blurring between face and neck.
When surgery helps: If imaging shows wide mandibular angles and a retrusive or short chin, mandibular angle reduction and sliding genioplasty create sharper borders without collapsing volume. When cheekbones are flat and lower face is wide, adding chin projection or central length vertically can visually “stretch” the face, improving ratios.
Expected effects: A clearer OG-curve along the jaw, improved front-view taper, and a neck that looks slimmer even at the same weight. Some patients pair bone work with submental liposuction or masseter reduction (surgical or neurotoxin) to manage soft-tissue width.
Key caution: Over-resecting angles in a thick-skinned round face can leave heavy soft tissue unsupported; a skilled plan balances bone reduction with soft-tissue behavior so the face does not appear bottom-heavy later.
2) Square or angular face: reduce bulk without losing strength
Profile: Strong mandibular angles, often with masseter hypertrophy and a flat or broad lower third.
Typical concerns: “Boxy” width, jowl shadowing, and a short, broad chin.
When surgery helps: If the bone is truly flared, cortical shaving or angle reduction narrows the jaw. If the width is mostly muscle, masseter reduction—via neurotoxin (temporary) or partial muscle reduction (surgical)—is considered. A sliding genioplasty can lengthen or project the chin for a decisive, athletic line instead of a square block.
Expected effects: A narrower mandibular width, a more V-shaped taper, and better cheek-to-jaw contrast. The face keeps its masculine authority while losing heaviness.
Key caution: Removing too much angle undermines bony support and can age the face; precision matters. Many male patients prefer structure-preserving reductions combined with chin refinement rather than maximal shaving.
3) Heart or inverted triangle face: restore balance at the lower third
Profile: Wider upper face with slim lower face and tapered chin; temples may hollow with age.
Typical concerns: Downturned mouth corners, early marionette lines, and a chin that appears pointy rather than projected.
When surgery helps: If the lower face lacks projection while the midface is strong, genioplasty (horizontal and vertical) yields a more stable base and improves the cervicomental angle. Mild mandibular border contouring can soften sharp transitions without shrinking the face. In selective cases, zygomatic arch setback reduces flaring that exaggerates the contrast between a wide top and narrow bottom.
Expected effects: A steadier, more confident jawline; smoother transition from midface to chin; less “top-heavy” feel in photos.
Key caution: Over-reduction of the cheek can leave the midface flat and the eyes prominent; for some, fat grafting to temple or midface combined with chin improvement achieves the same harmony without aggressive bone work.
4) Oval face: preserve natural balance and sharpen details
Profile: Balanced proportions with mild width at the angles and subtle chin retrusion.
Typical concerns: Blunted jawline on camera, weak side profile, or early jowls that obscure a naturally good shape.
When surgery helps: Small-scale angle contouring or chin projection refines an already balanced face. If the concern is camera-specific, genioplasty often gives more return than large jaw changes because the chin controls profile geometry and neck definition.
Expected effects: Crisp borders in both front and three-quarter views; a perceptible but subtle “upgrade” rather than a new identity.
Key caution: The oval face does not tolerate over-correction; conservative moves preserve the very proportions that make it attractive.
5) Long face: support vertical height and master the neck
Profile: Vertically dominant proportions, longer lower third, and often mild retrusion of the chin.
Typical concerns: Drooping appearance, flat midface support, and an obtuse cervicomental angle.
When surgery helps: Chin advancement and measured vertical reduction via genioplasty can shorten the perceived length and strengthen the profile. If the neck bands or deep fat dominate, a neck contouring plan alongside skeletal work clarifies the jaw–neck border.
Expected effects: More compact vertical impression, improved throat angle, and a stronger lower-face base that supports the lips and midface.
Key caution: In true skeletal vertical maxillary excess, orthognathic evaluation comes first; contouring alone will not solve a bite-driven long face.
6) Asymmetric face: prioritize diagnosis, then sequence
Profile: One side appears wider or lower; chin deviates off the midline; bite may be shifted.
Typical concerns: Front-view imbalance worsened by lighting, uneven jaw corners, and cheek mismatch.
When surgery helps: If asymmetry is mostly at the mandibular border, staged angle contouring and genioplasty midline correction restore symmetry. If zygomatic asymmetry dominates, zygomatic reduction/plasty or limited osteotomies adjust projection and arch flare.
Expected effects: Straighter midline, matching shadows on both sides, and improved bite comfort if occlusion was mildly involved.
Key caution: If the bite is significantly off, address the occlusion first. Contouring on top of an unstable bite risks relapse or visible imbalance.
Procedures and the effects you can expect
Mandibular angle contouring or reduction
Effect: Narrows the lower face, refines jaw corners, and reduces boxiness.
Ideal for: Square or round faces with bony width confirmed on imaging.
What to expect: Sharper mandibular line on front view and cleaner three-quarter angles; swelling hides detail early but reveals definition over months.
Sliding genioplasty (chin advancement/length/height)
Effect: Projects, lengthens, or shortens the chin while preserving soft-tissue support.
Ideal for: Round, long, or asymmetric faces; weak profile; poor cervicomental angle.
What to expect: Stronger profile, better lip balance, and improved neck definition; durable skeletal change with natural soft-tissue drape.
Zygomatic reduction or arch setback
Effect: Reduces lateral cheek flare and balances front-view width.
Ideal for: Square or heart faces with prominent arches.
What to expect: Smoother outer facial curve and improved eye–cheek harmony; needs careful planning to avoid midface flattening.
Soft-tissue adjuncts: masseter reduction, submental lipo, buccal fat
Effect: Slims muscular or fatty width; clarifies jawline; improves shadow lines.
Ideal for: Muscle-dominant width or submental fullness.
What to expect: Faster contour change than bone alone. Buccal fat is highly selective; in thin faces it can age the cheeks prematurely, so candidacy is strict.
Medical candidacy: what surgeons measure
- Skeletal metrics: mandibular angle flare, chin projection, facial thirds, and zygomatic width on imaging.
- Soft tissue: skin thickness, fat distribution, and masseter bulk.
- Occlusion and airway: bite stability, TMJ symptoms, and nasal or pharyngeal airflow that may affect recovery.
- Psychological readiness: stable goals, realistic expectations, and willingness to follow recovery rules.
- Health and habits: nicotine, bruxism, weight stability, and conditions that affect bone healing.
Recovery timeline and durability
Bone procedures create predictable, durable changes, yet swelling disguises results early. Most patients see a usable outline by four to six weeks, with refinement continuing for three to six months as tissues redrape. Soft-tissue work, such as masseter neurotoxin or submental liposuction, shows earlier definition but may require maintenance. Sleep with the head elevated, reduce sodium, and avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Gentle lymphatic care and consistent follow-up accelerate refinement and protect symmetry.
Risks and how to minimize them
All surgery carries risk. For contouring, key concerns include nerve injury (particularly the inferior alveolar nerve), asymmetry, infection, and over-resection that weakens soft-tissue support. Choose a team that uses high-resolution imaging, templates, and nerve-mapping protocols. Ask about fixation methods, osteotomy design, and contingency plans. Clarify the revision policy and the wait period before any touch-up; bone and soft tissue need time to settle before decisions are accurate.
Planning for natural results
Natural results come from ratio thinking, not maximum reduction. A measured genioplasty often does more for profile and neck than extensive angle shaving. Similarly, subtle arch setback may balance width better than large cheek reductions. Your plan should start with the one change that corrects the most visible imbalance, then layer selective adjuncts. This sequencing lowers risk, preserves identity, and produces the “born-with-it” look most patients want.