Enhancing Smile Aesthetics—Botulinum Toxin in Gummy Smile Correction

A smile signifies joy and connection, but for some, smiling or laughing exposes excessive gums due to an upper lip that doesn’t fully cover teeth and gums, known as a gummy smile. Severity ranges from mild to extreme, where the entire tooth crown may show. Many Asians view this as aesthetically unpleasing, impacting confidence and social satisfaction.

Causes of a gummy smile include congenital anatomical issues, overactive upper lip muscles, dental alignment problems, or excessive local soft tissue growth. These factors cause the upper lip to droop during movement, revealing hidden areas. Correcting this enhances facial contours, balance, and a youthful look for many patients.

Botulinum toxin injection, a mature and safe non-surgical cosmetic treatment, is widely used to correct gummy smiles. It selectively relaxes muscles causing lip drooping, targeting upper lip elevators like levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, levator labii superioris, and zygomaticus minor. Injections, typically 1 cm lateral to the nasal ala, reduce overactive muscle contraction, lifting the lip to cover excess gums.

During treatment, a cosmetic doctor conducts a detailed facial assessment, tailoring an injection plan to the patient’s structure and texture. The procedure is quick, taking minutes, with most resuming daily life soon after. Possible side effects include temporary upper lip drooping, philtrum elongation, or mouth corner sagging, which fade as the toxin’s effect diminishes.

Beyond standalone use, botulinum toxin pairs with treatments like hyaluronic acid fillers, laser skin resurfacing, or microneedling for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This combination addresses wrinkles, enhances contours, and improves skin texture for natural, harmonious results. Regular follow-ups and adjustments ensure lasting beauty.

Post-treatment, patients should avoid massaging or rubbing the injection site, intense activity, or prolonged heat exposure to prevent toxin spread. Proper aftercare and follow-ups allow doctors to assess results and adjust dosage for optimal outcomes. Unusual symptoms require prompt professional attention.

In conclusion, botulinum toxin injection is a safe, effective non-surgical method to correct gummy smiles by precisely relaxing upper lip elevators, enhancing natural, youthful contours. Experienced doctors, tailored plans, and strict aftercare boost results and satisfaction, restoring confident, beautiful smiles.