Botox for Gummy Smiles
A gummy smile is a common cosmetic complaint. Known as “excessive gingival display,” it can negatively impact self-esteem and social interactions. While there is no perfect oral anatomy, the average smiling person shows less than 2 millimeters of upper gum tissue. Anything more is often perceived as too much by conventional standards.
Whether attributed to a short upper lip, overactive muscles, or enlarged gingival tissue, it can be significantly improved with a few Botox injections. Botox for a gummy smile is a minimally invasive procedure that allows you to smile big with more lip coverage.
Botox is Faster and Less Invasive
When you visit us for Botox treatment in Dallas, our dermatologists will create a custom plan that considers the causes of your gummy smile, along with your desired outcome. It is our goal to help patients improve self-confidence and appearance with the least invasive techniques and injectables.
In the past, the only way patients could correct a gummy smile was by undergoing gingivoplasty or orthognathic surgery. Both of these carry a high risk of complications and considerable downtime. By contrast, Botox is faster, less invasive, and much safer. All of this makes it a popular option for patients.
Botox is a powerful neuromodulator that temporarily halts muscle movement where it is injected. Most gummy smiles are caused by hyperactive muscles between the upper lip and nose-- including the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus minor. Botox is injected into targeted muscle groups to relax movement to create a more natural-looking smile.
A Botox lip flip for a gummy smile is a quick, in-office procedure that can be performed during your lunch hour. If you are new to Botox injections, you can expect a slight pinching sensation that lasts for just seconds. A topical anesthetic cream is applied, and once the area is slightly numbed, our dermatologist will inject muscles that lift the upper lip. The entire procedure lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil supplements, and Vitamin E at least a week before getting Botox to fix a gummy smile, as these can increase bruising and bleeding.
Consider the benefits of correcting a gummy smile with Botox:
- Minimally invasive procedure with zero downtime
- Very safe when performed by board-certified dermatologists
- Cost-effective option for fixing a gummy smile
- Natural-looking results
- Treatment can be customized to each patient
- Quick procedure with minimal discomfort
After lip injections, initial improvements can be seen in two to three days as the neuromodulator begins to take effect. The full results of your treatment will be visible approximately 14 days post-procedure. Additional touch-ups may be needed depending on the final outcome.
An experienced injector is key for mitigating the risk of adverse side effects and complications. When administered properly, Botox for gummy smiles is extremely safe. Typical side effects can include redness at the injection sites, mild bruising, and a headache. Improper injection placement or technique may result in temporary ptosis of the lip or asymmetrical appearance when smiling.
When getting Botox to reduce a gummy smile, you can expect the results to last between three and five months.
Dallas Botox Dermatologists
Thanks to its ease, safety profile, and beautiful results, Botox is becoming the treatment of choice for the temporary correction of gummy smiles. If you’re interested in learning more about this simple lunchtime procedure, please contact us to schedule you Dallas Botox appointment.