Botox for Gummy Smiles: Procedure and Expected Results

Our smile is often one of the first things people notice about us and can make a lasting first impression. However, for some people, being self-conscious about excessive gum tissue showing when smiling, also known as a “gummy smile,” can negatively impact their confidence. While a gummy smile is often genetic, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can help reduce its appearance. One such option is the strategic use of Botox injections to selectively weaken the muscles around the upper lip that raise it too high when smiling.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an overview of gummy smile Botox treatment at Aesthetic Lane, including how the procedure works, expected results, costs, and who may be a good candidate for this transformative treatment.

Understanding Gummy Smile: Causes and Concerns

A gummy smile, medically known as excessive gingival display, occurs when a person shows more than 3mm of gum tissue when smiling or laughing. This condition can significantly impact self-esteem and cause people to feel self-conscious about their appearance, sometimes leading them to hide their smile in social situations.

Common Causes of Gummy Smile

Several factors can contribute to a gummy smile:

• Hyperactive Upper Lip Muscles: The most common cause is overactive lip elevator muscles, particularly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), which pull the upper lip too high when smiling.
• Short Upper Lip: Some individuals naturally have a shorter upper lip that doesn’t adequately cover the gums when smiling.
• Vertical Maxillary Excess: When the upper jaw is overgrown, it can cause excessive gum exposure.
• Gingival Issues: In some cases, enlarged gum tissue or altered tooth eruption patterns can contribute to the appearance of a gummy smile.

How Gummy Smile Botox Works

Botox for a gummy smile is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that uses botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax the hyperactive muscles responsible for excessive lip elevation. By strategically injecting small amounts of Botox into specific facial muscles, we can limit how high your upper lip rises when you smile, resulting in less gum exposure and a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile.

The Science Behind the Treatment

Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. When injected into the upper lip elevator muscles, Botox temporarily prevents these muscles from contracting as forcefully. This controlled muscle relaxation reduces the elevation of the upper lip during smiling, allowing it to better cover the gums while still maintaining natural facial expressions and smile dynamics.

The Yonsei Point Injection Technique

At Aesthetic Lane, our experienced practitioners use precision injection techniques, including the scientifically backed Yonsei Point method. The Yonsei Point is located at the convergence of three key muscles responsible for lip elevation: the levator labii superioris (LLS), the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and the zygomaticus minor.

This targeted approach allows for:

• More precise muscle relaxation
• Natural-looking results
• Minimal injection points
• Reduced risk of asymmetry
• Optimal gum coverage when smiling

 

The Gummy Smile Botox Procedure at Aesthetic Lane

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a personalized consultation with Brittany Lane White, ARNP, our board-certified family nurse practitioner. During this session, we will:

• Examine your facial structure and smile dynamics
• Measure your gingival display to determine severity
• Review your medical history and any contraindications
• Discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations
• Explain the procedure, potential results, and any risks
• Create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs
• Provide transparent cost estimates

Treatment Day

The actual Botox injection procedure is quick and straightforward:

Duration: The treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes from start to finish.

Comfort Measures: A topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand if desired, though most patients find the injections minimally uncomfortable.

Injection Process: Using an ultra-fine 30-gauge needle, a certified nurse practitioner will inject small, precise amounts of Botox (typically 2-5 units per side) into the targeted muscles around your upper lip and nose. You may be asked to smile during the procedure so the practitioner can identify the exact muscles causing excessive lip elevation.

Post-Treatment: There is minimal to no downtime. You can resume your normal daily activities and return to work immediately after treatment.

Results Timeline: What to Expect

Short-Term Results

Days 1-3: You may notice slight redness or small bumps at the injection sites, which typically disappear within 15-20 minutes to a few hours. Some patients begin to feel subtle muscle relaxation.

Days 3-7: The Botox begins to take effect as the targeted muscles start to weaken. You’ll notice your upper lip doesn’t elevate as high when smiling.

Days 7-14: Full results become visible. Your upper lip movement has decreased significantly, and your gums are much less exposed when you smile. The effect appears natural, and you can still express yourself fully.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

The effects of Botox for a gummy smile typically last 3-6 months, with most patients achieving optimal results for about 3-4 months. The duration can vary based on individual factors such as:

• Metabolism and how quickly your body processes the Botox
• Muscle strength and activity level
• The exact dosage used
• Frequency of previous treatments

Many patients report that with repeated treatments, the intervals between sessions may gradually lengthen, as the muscles become trained to contract less forcefully over time.

To maintain your results, follow-up treatments are recommended every 3-4 months. Some patients choose to schedule their appointments proactively to ensure continuous results.

Gummy Smile Botox Cost in Orlando & Winter Park

The cost of gummy smile Botox treatment varies based on several factors:

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Number of Botox units required (typically 4-10 units total)
• Severity of gummy smile
• Individual muscle response
• Follow-up adjustments if needed

During your free consultation, we will provide you with a transparent, personalized price quote based on your specific needs. We also offer payment plans through Cherry to make treatment more accessible.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Gummy Smile Botox?

The best candidates for gummy smile Botox treatment at Aesthetic Lane are individuals who:

• Have Mild to Moderate Gummy Smile: Those showing 3-5mm of gum tissue when smiling are typically ideal candidates. More severe cases (showing 6mm or more) may require combination treatments or alternative approaches.
• Are in Good General Health: Healthy adults without active infections, allergies to botulinum toxin, or neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis.
• Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding that Botox provides subtle enhancement rather than dramatic transformation is essential for satisfaction with results.
• Are Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing.
• Are Nonsmokers: Smoking can affect treatment effectiveness and healing.
• Have Hyperactive Lip Muscles: The gummy smile must be caused by overactive upper lip elevator muscles rather than skeletal issues, dental problems, or excess gum tissue.

When Botox May Not Be the Right Solution

Gummy smile Botox may not be effective for individuals whose excessive gingival display is caused by:

• Skeletal abnormalities like vertical maxillary excess
• Excess gum tissue (gingival hypertrophy)
• Short clinical crowns
• Altered passive eruption
• Certain medications that cause gum overgrowth

In these cases, alternative treatments such as gingivectomy, crown lengthening, orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery may be more appropriate. Our team will assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective treatment option during your consultation.

Post-Treatment Care Instructions

To optimize your results and minimize side effects:

Immediate Aftercare (First 4-6 Hours):

• Keep your head elevated above your waist
• Avoid lying down or bending over
• Do not massage or apply pressure to the injection sites
• Stay upright as much as possible

First 24 Hours:

• Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that increase blood flow to the face
• Skip intense workouts, hot yoga, or heavy lifting
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Do not take blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen unless approved by your provider

First 48 Hours:

• Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs
• Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds
• Avoid facial treatments, massages, or dental work

Ongoing Care:

• Schedule your follow-up appointment for 2 weeks post-treatment to assess results
• Plan maintenance treatments every 3-4 months
• Report any concerning symptoms to our office immediately

Why Choose Aesthetic Lane for Gummy Smile Botox in Orlando?

At Aesthetic Lane, we are dedicated to providing outstanding care and services to help you both look and feel your best. Our team of experts, led by Brittany Lane White, ARNP, offers personalized gummy smile Botox treatments in a serene and luxurious setting, prioritizing your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

Our certified nurse practitioners have extensive training in facial anatomy and advanced injection techniques, including the precision Yonsei Point method. This expertise ensures that every treatment is performed with the highest level of skill and attention to detail, delivering results you can trust. We understand that every smile is unique, which is why your treatment plan is customized to your specific facial structure, muscle activity, and aesthetic goals. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we carefully evaluate your individual needs to create a personalized solution.

Our philosophy focuses on subtle enhancement that preserves your natural beauty and authentic smile, not an artificial or overdone appearance. We believe that the best cosmetic treatments are those that make you look like the best version of yourself, maintaining the unique characteristics that make your smile distinctly yours. From your very first visit, we take the time to thoroughly assess your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and set realistic expectations before any treatment begins. This comprehensive consultation process ensures you feel informed, confident, and comfortable with your decision.

The experience at our Winter Park medspa is designed to be as pleasant as the results themselves. Our relaxing, welcoming atmosphere helps you feel at ease throughout your treatment, making each visit something to look forward to rather than a source of anxiety. We also believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing, providing clear, upfront cost estimates with no hidden fees. To make treatment accessible to more patients, we offer payment plans through Cherry, ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand between you and the confident smile you deserve.

Finally, our commitment to you doesn’t end when you leave our office. We’re here for you throughout your treatment journey with follow-up care and maintenance planning, ensuring your results remain consistent and your expectations continue to be met over time.

Combining Treatments for Enhanced Results

For some patients, combining gummy smile Botox with other aesthetic treatments can provide even more comprehensive smile enhancement and address multiple concerns simultaneously. Many individuals find that a multi-faceted approach delivers the most satisfying and transformative results.

One popular complementary treatment is lip fillers. Adding subtle volume to the lips with products like Juvederm Volbella or Restylane Kysse can create additional gum coverage while enhancing overall lip aesthetics. When paired with gummy smile Botox, dermal fillers can help balance the proportions of your smile by creating fuller, more defined lips that naturally cover more of the gum line. This combination approach is particularly effective for patients who have both a gummy smile and thin lips.

Additionally, addressing wrinkles around the mouth with Botox can further improve your overall smile appearance. While gummy smile Botox focuses on the upper lip elevator muscles, traditional Botox injections for smile lines and perioral wrinkles can smooth the skin around your mouth, creating a more youthful and polished look. Some patients also benefit from skin rejuvenation treatments such as chemical peels or microneedling, which can improve skin texture and tone around the mouth area, complementing the results of your gummy smile Botox treatment.

During your consultation at Aesthetic Lane, we can discuss whether combination treatments might benefit your specific aesthetic goals. Our experienced team will evaluate your unique facial structure and concerns to recommend the most effective treatment plan for achieving your ideal smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy Smile Botox

Is gummy smile Botox procedure painful? Most patients describe the injections as minimally uncomfortable, similar to a small pinch. We can apply numbing cream beforehand if desired.

How long does the appointment take? The actual injection process takes about 15-30 minutes. Your first visit will include consultation time.

When will I see results? You’ll begin noticing improvements within 3-7 days, with full results visible at the 2-week mark.

Will my smile look frozen or unnatural? No. When performed correctly by experienced practitioners, your smile will look natural. You’ll still be able to smile fully; your lip just won’t rise as high.

Can I combine this with other Botox treatments? Yes, many patients also receive Botox for forehead lines, crow’s feet, or other facial concerns during the same appointment.

What if I don’t like the results? Since Botox is temporary, any effects will naturally fade over 3-6 months. However, most patients are very satisfied with their results.

More questions? – Visit our FAQ page.

Take the First Step Toward Your Confident Smile

If you’ve been self-conscious about your gummy smile, Botox treatment offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive solution. This quick procedure can help you feel more confident in your smile without the need for surgery or extensive downtime.

At Aesthetic Lane in Winter Park, Florida, we’re committed to helping you achieve the beautiful, balanced smile you deserve. Our experienced team understands the artistry and precision required to deliver natural-looking results that enhance your unique beauty.

Ready to learn more? Contact Aesthetic Lane today to schedule your complimentary consultation. During your visit, we’ll assess your smile, discuss your goals, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Call us at (407) 601-0753 or book your appointment online to start your journey toward a more confident, radiant smile.

Aesthetic Lane
470 W New England Ave, Suite 100
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 601-0753
Email: info@AestheticLane.com

Enhance your smile and confidence with Aesthetic Lane, where natural beauty meets expert care.