Jaw Botox vs InMode: Which Is Better for a Slimmer Face?

Jaw Botox and InMode are both popular non-surgical facial contouring treatments in Korea, but they target different tissues. Jaw Botox reduces the activity and size of the masseter muscles, while InMode can target localized facial fat and improve skin firmness depending on the applicator and treatment mode. For foreign patients visiting Seoul, understanding whether facial width comes mainly from muscle, fat, or skin laxity is essential before choosing between the two.



1. What Is the Difference Between Jaw Botox and InMode?

Jaw Botox, also called masseter Botox, involves injecting botulinum toxin directly into the masseter muscles along the jaw. When the muscle's activity is reduced, it can gradually become smaller, creating a narrower-looking lower face.

InMode uses radiofrequency energy, but its exact effect depends on the handpiece.

Jaw Botox

Jaw Botox primarily targets:

• Enlarged masseter muscles
• A wide lower face caused by muscle bulk
• A prominent square jaw appearance
• Muscle-related lower-face width

Recent clinical evidence supports botulinum toxin as a treatment for masseter muscle prominence, with studies showing reductions in masseter thickness and lower-face width over several months.

InMode

InMode facial treatments can involve different modes, particularly FX and Forma.

• InMode FX: Uses RF energy with suction and is generally used for localized fat and contouring
• InMode Forma: Uses RF heating primarily for skin tightening and firmness
• Some clinics combine both approaches for lower-face contouring

The appropriate mode depends on whether the concern is fat, laxity, or a combination of both.

In simple terms:

• Muscle-related width → Jaw Botox
• Fat-related fullness → InMode FX
• Mild skin laxity → InMode Forma
• Fat + mild laxity → Some InMode protocols may combine FX and Forma

2. Which Is Better for Different Face Shapes?

The cause of facial width is the most important factor.

Jaw Botox may be considered when:

• Your jaw becomes noticeably wider when you clench your teeth
• The masseter muscles feel firm and prominent
• Your lower face has a square or bulky appearance
• Your facial width is primarily muscle-related

Jaw Botox does not remove facial fat or change the underlying jawbone.

InMode may be considered when:

• Your lower face feels soft rather than firm
• You have localized fat around the jawline or jowls
• You have a double chin
• Mild skin laxity contributes to an undefined jawline
• You want some combination of contouring and tightening

A round or wide face can result from bone structure, muscle, fat, skin laxity, or several factors at once. InMode is not designed to reshape the jawbone, and Jaw Botox will not remove subcutaneous fat.

This distinction is particularly important because choosing the wrong treatment based only on photographs may produce limited contouring results.

3. Jaw Botox vs InMode for Fat, Muscle and Skin Laxity

If the problem is masseter muscle

Jaw Botox is more directly aimed at the underlying cause.

When the masseter is enlarged, reducing muscle activity can gradually reduce its thickness. The change usually develops over several weeks rather than immediately.

A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that botulinum toxin was associated with reduced masseter thickness, improved masseter prominence, and higher patient satisfaction, although the magnitude of the effect varied between studies.

If the problem is facial fat

InMode FX may be considered when localized fat contributes to lower-face fullness.

Common treatment areas include:

• Double chin
• Jowls
• Lower cheeks
• Jawline

The treatment does not function like weight-loss therapy, and it is generally intended for localized rather than substantial amounts of facial fat.

If the problem is skin laxity

InMode Forma may be considered when mild looseness or reduced firmness is making the jawline look less defined.

It primarily focuses on RF heating of the skin rather than reducing the masseter muscle.

For significant sagging, however, a non-surgical RF treatment may not provide the same degree of contour change as a surgical or more intensive lifting procedure.

4. Treatment Process, Downtime and Results

Jaw Botox

A typical treatment involves:

1. Facial assessment
2. Evaluation of the masseter while clenching
3. Marking the injection points
4. Botulinum toxin injections into the masseter
5. Brief aftercare instructions

The procedure is usually quick, with little or no required downtime.

The contour change develops gradually:

• Initial muscle relaxation begins within days
• Visible slimming usually develops over several weeks
• The effect is temporary
• Maintenance treatment may eventually be required

Recent clinical data found improvements in masseter prominence and lower-face width lasting through six months after treatment in the studied population.

InMode FX

A typical session may include:

1. Facial assessment
2. Identification of fat or contour concerns
3. Application of the RF applicator
4. Controlled RF treatment with suction
5. Cooling or soothing care

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising can occur. Recovery depends on the intensity and area treated.

InMode Forma

Forma is generally performed by moving an RF applicator over the skin while controlled heat is delivered.

Patients may experience:

• Warmth
• Temporary redness
• Mild sensitivity
• Little visible downtime in many cases

The effect develops progressively as the skin responds to RF heating.

5. Jaw Botox vs InMode Cost in Seoul in 2026

Prices vary according to the botulinum toxin brand, number of units, InMode mode, treatment area, and whether the procedure is part of a package.

As a general 2026 Seoul guide:

• Jaw Botox: approximately ₩100,000–₩350,000 per session
• Premium/imported Jaw Botox: approximately ₩250,000–₩500,000+
• InMode FX: approximately ₩150,000–₩400,000 per session
• InMode Forma: approximately ₩100,000–₩300,000 per session
• Combined FX + Forma: approximately ₩250,000–₩600,000+ per session

Some Seoul clinics advertise substantially lower promotional prices, while specialized treatment plans or larger treatment areas can cost more. Current Seoul pricing guides show InMode treatment packages commonly ranging from several hundred thousand won depending on the mode and number of sessions.

Foreign patients should confirm:

• Botox brand
• Number of units
• Exact InMode mode
• Treatment area
• Number of sessions included
• Whether consultation is included
• Whether VAT is included
• Whether the advertised price is a promotional rate

A “Jaw Botox” price and an “InMode” price cannot be compared directly without knowing what tissue is being treated and what protocol is included.

6. Which Should Foreign Patients Choose in Korea?

The most useful way to compare the two treatments is by identifying the main source of facial width.

Jaw Botox may be considered if:

• Your masseter muscles are visibly prominent
• Your jaw becomes wider when you clench
• Your lower face looks square because of muscle bulk
• You want a gradual reduction in muscle volume
• You do not have significant facial fat or skin laxity

InMode may be considered if:

• You have localized lower-face fat
• You have a double chin or jowls
• Your skin has mild laxity
• You want contouring combined with some tightening
• Your facial fullness is soft rather than muscular

When both may be considered

Some patients have more than one contributor to facial width. For example:

• Large masseter + facial fat: Jaw Botox and an appropriate fat-targeting treatment may address different components
• Facial fat + mild laxity: InMode FX and Forma may be combined in selected protocols
• Masseter + skin laxity: Jaw Botox may address muscle bulk while another treatment focuses on skin firmness

For foreign patients visiting Seoul, a useful consultation question is:

“Is my facial width mainly caused by muscle, fat, skin laxity, or bone structure?”

That answer can be more useful than choosing a treatment based solely on the procedure's popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jaw Botox better than InMode for slimming the jaw?
It depends on what is making the lower face look wide. Jaw Botox targets enlarged masseter muscles, while InMode can address localized fat or skin firmness depending on the treatment mode.

Can InMode replace Jaw Botox?
Not always. If the main cause of facial width is enlarged masseter muscles, InMode does not directly provide the same muscle-reducing mechanism as Jaw Botox.

Can Jaw Botox remove facial fat?
No. Jaw Botox reduces muscle activity and can gradually reduce masseter muscle bulk. It does not directly remove subcutaneous facial fat.

Is InMode good for a double chin?
Selected InMode technologies, particularly FX, may be considered for localized submental fat. However, the amount of fat, skin laxity, and underlying anatomy should be assessed first.

How long does Jaw Botox last?
The effect is temporary. Clinical studies have demonstrated improvement for several months, with maintenance treatment potentially needed as muscle activity and volume return.

Can I get Jaw Botox and InMode in the same treatment plan?
They can target different contributors to facial fullness, so a dermatologist may consider combining them when appropriate. The sequence and timing should be customized according to your facial anatomy and treatment goals.

Final Thoughts

Jaw Botox and InMode are not interchangeable facial-slimming treatments. Jaw Botox primarily reduces masseter muscle activity and volume, while InMode can target localized fat or skin laxity depending on the applicator.

For foreign patients in Korea, the most important step is determining whether facial width comes mainly from muscle, fat, skin laxity, or facial structure. Once the underlying cause is identified, the treatment can be selected according to the specific contour concern rather than simply choosing the most popular procedure.