A gummy smile—where excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling—can make people feel self-conscious about their appearance. Traditionally, surgical procedures like gum contouring or lip repositioning were the only solutions. But now, a simple, non-invasive alternative is changing the game: Botox for gummy smiles.
Using precise Botox injections, this treatment relaxes the upper lip muscles, reducing excessive gum exposure and enhancing the balance, symmetry, and natural aesthetics of your smile—without surgery, downtime, or discomfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore what causes a gummy smile, why Botox is the preferred treatment, and how it can subtly enhance your smile and confidence.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when more gum tissue than usual is visible when you smile. Several factors contribute to this:
🦷 Overactive Upper Lip Muscles – Some people have hyperactive upper lip muscles that pull the lip higher than normal when they smile, revealing more gum tissue.
🦷 Short Upper Lip – A naturally shorter upper lip may not cover the gums properly.
🦷 Excess Gum Tissue (Gingival Hypertrophy) – Some individuals have more prominent gums, making them more noticeable when smiling.
🦷 Tooth Eruption & Jaw Positioning – The way your teeth develop and how your upper jaw is positioned can also affect gum exposure.
Many people assume that surgery is the only fix, but Botox offers a simple, effective solution that’s quick, painless, and highly customisable.
How Does Botox Fix a Gummy Smile?
Botox works by relaxing the hyperactive muscles responsible for excessive upper lip movement. With precise injections into the levator labii superioris muscles, Botox limits how high the upper lip lifts when smiling—reducing gum exposure and creating a more balanced, natural look.
The Botox Gummy Smile Treatment in 3 Simple Steps:
1️⃣ Consultation & Assessment – A specialist analyses your smile, identifying how much muscle relaxation is needed.
2️⃣ Precise Botox Injections – Small amounts of Botox are injected into the upper lip elevator muscles. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Natural-Looking Results Develop – Over the next 3 to 7 days, the muscles relax, lowering the upper lip slightly and reducing gum exposure.
Key Benefits of Botox for Gummy Smile:
✅ Non-surgical, no downtime – Walk in, walk out in minutes.
✅ Quick & painless – A few tiny injections with no discomfort.
✅ Customisable & subtle – Enhances your smile while maintaining natural expression.
✅ Reversible & temporary – Lasts 3–4 months, with easy maintenance treatments.
Why Botox is Better Than Surgery for Gummy Smile Correction
Surgical procedures such as lip repositioning, gum contouring, or jaw surgery are invasive, costly, and require significant downtime. While effective, these options involve permanent alterations and the risks of surgical complications.
By contrast, Botox offers a non-permanent, adjustable alternative that provides immediate aesthetic benefits without recovery time.
| Feature | Botox for Gummy Smile | Surgical Gummy Smile Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Quick injections | Involves incisions and stitches |
| Downtime | None | Several days to weeks |
| Pain & Discomfort | Minimal | More significant post-surgical pain |
| Customisation | Adjusts naturally over time | Permanent, irreversible changes |
| Cost | Affordable, pay per session | High, one-time surgical cost |
| Reversibility | Wears off gradually in 3–4 months | Permanent results |
For individuals looking for subtle, natural smile refinement, Botox is the ideal first step before considering more invasive measures.
How Botox Corrects Lip Asymmetry & Enhances Lip Shape Naturally
Beyond simply reducing gum exposure, Botox can enhance the symmetry and shape of your lips.
✨ Balances Uneven Lip Elevation – If one side of your lip lifts higher than the other, Botox can even out the asymmetry for a more harmonious smile.
✨ Enhances Lip Definition – By gently lowering the upper lip, Botox creates a fuller-looking upper lip without fillers.
✨ Softens Excessive Lip Movement – Botox can reduce the appearance of a lip that tucks inward or thins out when smiling.
For those considering lip filler enhancements, Botox can be combined with dermal fillers to achieve the perfect balance between a fuller, more youthful lip and a proportionate, relaxed smile.
Before & After: Subtle Improvements Without Downtime
Patients who undergo Botox for gummy smile correction see a dramatic yet natural transformation in just one week.
Before & After Transformations:
🖼 Before: Overexposed gums, upper lip lifting too high, visible asymmetry.
🖼 After: Softer smile, reduced gum exposure, balanced lip shape.
Results Timeline:
- 3–5 Days: Initial muscle relaxation, slight reduction in gum exposure.
- 7–10 Days: Full effect visible; a more balanced, natural smile.
- 3–4 Months: Effects gradually wear off, with maintenance treatments available.
Patients love that friends and family notice a difference but can’t tell what’s changed—just that their smile looks better!
How Long Do Botox Gummy Smile Results Last?
Botox for gummy smile correction lasts around 3–4 months, after which the muscles gradually regain movement. Regular maintenance treatments prolong the results and help refine the outcome over time.
Many patients find that with consistent Botox treatments, their upper lip muscles adapt, requiring fewer sessions over time.
Is Botox for Gummy Smile Safe?
Yes! Botox has been safely used in aesthetic medicine for decades. When administered by experienced aesthetic specialists, it is an extremely low-risk treatment with minimal side effects.
🔹 Side Effects: Mild swelling or redness at the injection sites, lasting only a few hours.
🔹 No Impact on Speech or Eating: The treatment targets only the smile muscles, leaving lip function unaffected.
🔹 Fully Reversible: If desired, the effects gradually wear off completely within a few months.
Why Choose Mesglo London for Botox Gummy Smile Treatment?
At Mesglo Aesthetic Clinic London, we specialise in natural-looking, expert Botulin Toxin treatments that enhance facial balance without looking ‘overdone’. Our team is highly trained in precise Botox placement to ensure subtle, beautiful results tailored to your facial structure.
🌟 Expert aesthetic practitioners with advanced Botox techniques.
🌟 Tailored treatment plans for a perfect, natural smile.
🌟 Luxury clinic setting with the highest safety standards.
Book Your Gummy Smile Consultation
If you’re looking for a non-surgical, natural way to fix a gummy smile, book a consultation at Mesglo London today. Our specialists will create a bespoke treatment plan to refine and enhance your smile beautifully.
📍 Mesglo Aesthetic Clinic London
Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ, United Kingdom
🌍 https://mesglolondon.co.uk/
📅 Book now and discover the power of Botox for a confident, balanced smile!