Jaw & Salivary Gland Botoxin Gangnam, Seoul
Jaw Botox relaxes the masseter, the chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw, so an over-developed muscle gradually softens for a smoother lower-face line; it may also ease clenching and grinding. Salivary gland Botox (parotid and submandibular) can further refine the lower-face contour. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we assess your jaw muscle and face shape first. A session usually takes about 10–15 minutes with little downtime. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- A square or wide lower-face line from a developed masseter muscle
- Habitual jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Lower-face fullness that may relate to the salivary glands
- Anyone who prefers a non-surgical option with minimal downtime
Whether the masseter, the salivary glands, or both are involved is confirmed by examination. Bone shape is not changed by botulinum toxin.
How it works
Botulinum toxin type A reduces the contraction signal to the masseter; with less activity over the following weeks, an over-worked muscle gradually decreases in bulk, softening the jaw angle and easing clenching. In the salivary glands, small doses lower gland activity so the area becomes less full. Doses and points are planned to keep chewing function comfortable. The effect is temporary.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Blocks the nerve-to-muscle signal
Botulinum toxin type A binds at the neuromuscular junction and blocks the release of acetylcholine — the chemical a nerve uses to tell a muscle to contract. The treated muscle then relaxes and pulls on the skin less.
02Bulk decreases with less use
With the masseter working less, an over-developed muscle gradually reduces in bulk over the following weeks, softening the jaw angle and easing clenching. This is why the change is gradual rather than immediate.
03Salivary glands work differently
When the parotid or submandibular glands add lower-face fullness, small doses lower their secretory activity so the area becomes less full — a separate action from muscle relaxation.
04Wears off as activity returns
Signalling recovers over time, so muscle use and gland activity return and the effect fades — which is why the treatment is repeated.
Treatment areas
- Masseter (jaw angle)
- The chewing muscle that widens the lower-face line when developed.
- Parotid gland
- In front of and below the ear; can add lower-face fullness.
- Submandibular gland
- Under the jaw; assessed for lower-face contour.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation and examination of the jaw muscle and face shape
- 2Cleansing and marking of injection points
- 3Injections into the masseter and, if indicated, the salivary glands
- 4Brief pressure and aftercare guidance
Time: A session usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Little to no downtime; most people return to daily activities the same day.
- Temporary tenderness, mild bruising, or an unfamiliar feeling when chewing may occur in the first days and usually settles.
- Follow the aftercare guidance we provide; contouring change appears gradually over several weeks.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Injection day
Injections into the masseter and, if indicated, the salivary glands take about 10–15 minutes. Temporary tenderness or mild bruising may occur and usually settles. Most people return to daily activities the same day.
DAY 1-3 Settling
Any tenderness or an unfamiliar feeling when chewing generally eases over the first few days. Timing varies from person to person.
4-8 WEEKS Gradual slimming
As the masseter is used less, the jaw line softens gradually and becomes more noticeable for many people around this period. (Results vary by individual.)
3-6 MONTHS Gradual return
Muscle activity returns gradually and the line slowly fills back. Duration differs with muscle strength, dose and habits such as clenching. (Results vary by individual.)
REPEAT Maintenance
A repeat session is timed at consultation once muscle activity returns, rather than on a fixed date.
Sessions & results
Slimming of the jaw muscle appears gradually over about 4–8 weeks and typically lasts around 3–6 months as muscle activity returns. A repeat plan is timed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
Lower-face fullness can come from muscle, the salivary glands or fat, so the right approach depends on what is driving the shape.
| Comparison | Masseter Botox | Salivary gland Botox | Fat-focused options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Botulinum toxin type A relaxes the chewing muscle | Small doses lower salivary gland activity | Addresses fat rather than muscle or gland |
| Targets | A square line from a developed masseter | Fullness related to the parotid or submandibular glands | Fullness from fat under the jaw |
| Onset | Gradual over 4–8 weeks | Gradual over a few weeks | Varies by method |
| Duration | About 3–6 months | Varies by individual | Varies by method |
| Downtime | Little to none | Little to none | Varies by method |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary tenderness, mild bruising or an unfamiliar feeling when chewing in the first days
- A short period of muscle fatigue while eating harder foods
- Slight asymmetry that eases as the effect settles or wears off
- With salivary gland treatment, rarely a temporary dry-mouth sensation or a change in the smile if nearby muscle is affected
When to take extra care
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — let us know at consultation
- Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert–Eaton syndrome
- Certain medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics or muscle relaxants — tell your doctor
- A known allergy to botulinum toxin or any ingredient in the product
- Significant jaw-joint (TMJ) or dental problems, or active infection at the injection site — tell your doctor
Whether the masseter, the salivary glands or both are involved, and the dose that keeps chewing comfortable, is confirmed at consultation. Effects and duration vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified doctor
Your injections are performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified doctor, not delegated unsupervised.
Examined before treatment
We examine whether the masseter, the salivary glands or fat is driving the line, so the plan matches what is actually causing the shape.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the dose and whether the salivary glands are treated. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
No. It relaxes the masseter muscle so an over-developed muscle gradually softens; the bone is not changed. For bone-related shape, other options are discussed at consultation. (Results vary by individual.)
By easing masseter activity, it may reduce clenching and grinding for some people. Whether it suits you is confirmed at consultation.
Small doses lower gland activity so lower-face fullness related to the parotid or submandibular glands can soften. Suitability is assessed by examination.
Slimming appears gradually over about 4–8 weeks and typically lasts around 3–6 months. (Results vary by individual.)
Doses are planned to keep chewing comfortable. An unfamiliar feeling may occur in the first days and usually settles.
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Body Botox
The same principle of relaxing a developed muscle is used on areas such as the trapezius, sometimes planned together for overall balance.
+Skin Botox
Microtoxin for surface oil and pore appearance addresses skin quality, which jaw treatment does not target.
+Dermal filler
When chin projection would balance the jawline, filler addresses structure rather than muscle — sequencing is decided by your doctor.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.