Everything You Should Know Before Getting Botox For A Gummy Smile

A smile is one of our most expressive attributes, but with a gummy smile, sometimes it can work against us in terms of leading to self-consciousness rather than confidence. If you've ever hesitated to smile because so much gum appears above your teeth, you're not alone. Fortunately, nonsurgical treatments like gummy smile Botox are making it easier than ever to have a more relaxed, balanced smile.

But first, let's go through all that you need to know, directly from years of experience working in the aesthetics field and the current evidence-supported findings.

What Is A Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile usually results when 3-4 or more millimeters of gum are visible above the top teeth when smiling. It can be influenced by a host of factors, from genetics and the growth of the jaw to overactive upper lip muscles. Although not a medical condition, it is treated by many for cosmetic purposes.

How Does Botox Help?

Botox and its equivalents, such as Dysport, target the muscles that raise the upper lip by temporarily relaxing them. For a gummy smile, a small amount is strategically injected into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle (you know it's a mouthful!) to restrict how much the lip goes up when you smile. The outcome? Reduced gum reveal and a more balanced smile.

Is It The Same As A Lip Flip?

Not quite — but they're pretty similar. A lip flip Botox procedure also involves Botox, but it's usually injected into the orbicularis muscle just above the lip line. This relaxes the muscle and makes the upper lip gently "flip" outward, giving the illusion of plumper lips. In some instances, practitioners might use a combination of both the lip flip and gummy smile Botox for a more comprehensive effect.

What To Expect From The Treatment

• Time: The whole process takes less than 15 minutes.

• Pain Level: Minimal — the majority of patients liken it to a tiny pinch.

• Downtime: None. You can go back to your normal activities right away.

• Results: Changes should be noticeable within 3–7 days, with full effects appearing around the two-week point.

• Duration: Results generally last 3–4 months, depending on metabolism and muscle activity.

Is Dysport Botox A Better Option?

Dysport & Botox contain botulinum toxin type A, but they differ slightly in formulation. Dysport spreads a bit more, which can be helpful for larger areas or patients with more muscular facial anatomy. But when treating a gummy smile, precision is paramount, so the decision between Botox and Dysport will be based on the injector's evaluation of your facial anatomy.

At Derma One, we provide both choices and always have a full consultation to determine what is best for you.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

You might be a good candidate if:

• Your gummy smile is due to hyperactive lip muscles, not jaw anatomy.

• You're generally in good health.

• You're seeking a temporary, non-invasive solution.

• You have realistic expectations regarding subtle, natural results.

Are There Any Risks?

Like with any injectable, there can be possible (but unlikely) side effects:

• Slight bruising or swelling at the site of injection

• Temporary asymmetry or a "stiff" smile

• Discomfort or headache (usually subsides within 24 hours)

Having an experienced, medically qualified injector greatly minimizes these risks. At Derma One, your safety and natural-looking results are our priority — we never over-inject and never do things by a one-size-fits-all policy.

Can It Be Combined With Other Treatments?

For many patients, gummy smile Botox is combined with lip dermal fillers or chin dermal fillers, or even with a lip flip Botox for more volume. The most important thing is a personalized treatment plan that speaks to the entire facial balance, not a single area.

Final Thoughts

Correcting a gummy smile with Botox is one of the most effective, non-surgical means of giving your smile a boost and confidence-building, without ever going under the knife. Whether you choose Botox, Dysport, or have it done in conjunction with a lip flip, the best results are achieved from skilled hands and individualized attention.

If you are interested in knowing if gummy smile Botox is for you, speak to a skilled practitioner who can assess your smile dynamics and lead you towards the best solution.

Interested in learning about treatment options from experienced professionals? Our skilled team at Derma One is here to assist you in smiling with confidence, one subtle adjustment at a time.