Masseter Botox in Busan: Benefits, Price & Duration
Masseter Botox, often called jaw Botox or square-jaw Botox, is one of the most requested treatments in Korea, where a softer, V-shaped lower face is a popular goal. It is quick, needs no downtime and is easy to book on a trip to Busan. The catch is timing: the slimming effect develops over weeks, not days. This guide explains how it works, who it suits, what it costs in Seomyeon and how long results last.
Quick answer: Masseter Botox relaxes the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. Over about 4–8 weeks the muscle shrinks in bulk, which can make a square jaw look slimmer and may ease clenching. The injections take about 5–10 minutes with no downtime, and results usually last around 4–6 months. In Seomyeon, jaw Botox is mostly offered in contouring packages, from about KRW 99,000 before 10% VAT.
What is masseter Botox?
The masseter is the thick muscle you can feel at the back of your jaw when you clench your teeth. In some people, through genetics, teeth grinding, clenching or frequent gum chewing, it becomes large and gives the lower face a wide, square outline. Botulinum toxin injected into the muscle temporarily reduces the nerve signal that makes it contract. Because the muscle works less, it gradually loses bulk, much as an unused muscle does.
This is a different mechanism from wrinkle Botox. You do not see the change in a few days; you see it as the muscle gets smaller over several weeks.
Benefits of masseter Botox
- A slimmer lower face when width comes from muscle rather than fat or bone.
- Possible relief from clenching and grinding , which many people notice as less jaw tension. It is not a cure for bruxism, so a dentist’s advice still matters.
- No incisions and no downtime. You can go straight back to sightseeing.
- Gradual, natural-looking change that friends often cannot pinpoint.
- Easy to combine with fat-dissolving contour injections or lifting devices for an overall contouring plan.
Who is a good candidate?
The best results come when the masseter is genuinely enlarged. A simple check is to clench your teeth and feel the angle of your jaw: if a firm bulge pops out, muscle is likely part of the width. People who grind their teeth, chew gum often, or eat a lot of hard food often have larger masseters. Men may need a different plan because their muscles tend to be bigger.
When something else may suit you better
- Width from fat. If your cheeks or jawline look soft and full, a fat-dissolving contour injection targets the fat layer instead.
- Width from bone. Botox cannot change bone structure.
- Sagging jowls. Loose skin along the jaw usually needs lifting (HIFU, radiofrequency or threads), and slimming the muscle alone can make sagging look more obvious in some people.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or a neuromuscular disorder. Treatment is not advised.
How much does masseter Botox cost in Busan?
Jaw Botox is usually priced by dose (units) and brand. In Seomyeon it is frequently bundled with a contour injection for a fuller small-face plan:
- Jaw Botox + Power Contouring Injection 18cc : from KRW 99,000
Prices checked October 2026. They exclude 10% VAT and are paid in won at the clinic. Prices can change, so confirm the current price on WhatsApp. When comparing quotes, ask how many units are included, which toxin brand is used and whether VAT is included.
How many units do I need?
It depends on the size and strength of your muscle, and the dose is decided at consultation. Around 50 units for both sides is a common starting point for many people, but larger muscles, men and people who grind their teeth may need a different plan. The aim is to reduce bulk without weakening your bite too much. As the muscle shrinks over repeated sessions, the dose can often be adjusted.
What happens on the day
- Consultation. The doctor feels the masseter while you clench, checks both sides, and assesses whether fat, sagging or bone also contribute to the width.
- Marking. Injection points are marked in the safe zone of the muscle, away from the smile muscles.
- Injection. A few injections on each side take about 5–10 minutes. Numbing is usually not needed.
- Done. You can eat, walk and sightsee straight away.
Results and duration
- Weeks 1–2: the muscle starts to relax; clenching may feel softer.
- Weeks 4–8: slimming becomes visible as the masseter reduces in bulk.
- Months 4–6: the muscle slowly regains strength. A repeat session maintains the result.
Judging the result after a few days is too early. Many people find that after several sessions the effect lasts longer, because the muscle stays smaller. Duration varies with muscle size, chewing habits and metabolism.
Side effects and aftercare
Masseter Botox is generally well tolerated. Possible effects include small bumps, tenderness or a bruise at the injection points, and chewing fatigue for a few weeks, especially with tough or chewy food. Less commonly, an uneven smile can occur if toxin affects a nearby muscle; this is temporary. Some people notice a slight hollowing below the cheekbone if the muscle reduces a lot, which is one reason doses are planned conservatively.
Aftercare tips
- Stay upright and avoid massaging the jaw for 3–4 hours.
- Avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, hot baths, hard workouts and alcohol on the day.
- Go easy on very chewy foods for the first few weeks if your jaw feels tired.
Planning masseter Botox around a trip
Because the change takes 4–8 weeks, you will usually fly home before you see the full result. That is fine: there is nothing to check in the first days apart from small bumps fading. If you have a wedding or photoshoot, plan it about 4–8 weeks ahead. Flying the same day or next day is generally fine. If you visit Korea regularly, booking repeat sessions every 4–6 months can line up neatly with your trips.
Frequently asked questions
Will masseter Botox change how I chew?
You may notice some chewing fatigue for a few weeks with hard or chewy foods. Normal eating is not affected, and the dose is planned to keep your bite comfortable.
Does masseter Botox help teeth grinding?
Many people report less clenching and jaw tension, but it is not a cure for bruxism. If you grind at night, a dentist can advise on a night guard as well.
What happens if I stop?
The muscle gradually regains its strength and size, and your jaw returns to how it looked before. It does not become larger than it was originally.
Thinking about jaw Botox in Busan?
Send a front and side photo, one while clenching, and your travel dates on WhatsApp to get a plan and today’s price in English.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, results, recovery and side effects vary from person to person.
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