Gummy smile Botox is a safe and highly effective, minimally invasive procedure for patients who show too much gum tissue when they smile. Known medically as excessive gingival display, this condition often leads to feelings of being self-conscious or dissatisfied with smile aesthetics. Fortunately, this can be corrected simply and naturally using botulinum toxin injections.
At our skin clinic in Chiswick, we specialise in personalised gummy smile treatments using small, targeted doses of Botox to relax the hyperactive lip muscles that cause the elevation of the upper lip. With the right treatment approach, patients can enjoy a more balanced, attractive smile with minimal effort. Gummy smile correction with Botox is one of the most impactful, subtle enhancements we offer.
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A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is visible above the top teeth while smiling. Common causes include hyperactive upper lip muscles, a short upper jaw, altered tooth eruption, or a small upper lip. These factors lead to movement of the lip that results in a gummy smile.
One of the main muscles responsible is the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi—an elevator muscle that lifts the upper lip. When overactive, it causes the lip to rise higher than usual, revealing more gum line than desired. Botulinum toxin type A injections help by temporarily relaxing the muscle of the upper lip, reducing its lift and covering the gum tissue during a smile.
Dr. Bela uses a fine needle to inject Botox into the specific muscles that contribute to the gummy smile. The procedure involves small injections on the lateral side of the upper lip, usually targeting the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle and, if necessary, the orbicularis oris muscle to balance results.
Only a very small amount of Botox—often just 2–4 units of Botox per side—is required. The treatment is completed in under 20 minutes with no need for anaesthetic. The procedure is gentle, and any discomfort is brief.
Improvements begin to appear in three to four days, with full results seen in one to two weeks. The effects of Botox last approximately three to five months, although this may vary from patient to patient depending on their individual facial anatomy and lip muscles.
As the botulinum toxin gradually wears off, patients may choose to repeat the treatment regularly to maintain their improved smile.
Yes. Correcting a gummy smile with Botox is a refined art. The aim is to enhance your smile, not freeze it. Because only the hyperactive portion of the lip muscles is treated, patients retain full ability to smile, speak, and express naturally—only without revealing too much gum tissue.
When done properly, Botox gummy smile treatment provides a natural-looking gummy smile correction that softens the elevation of the upper lip without making the smile feel restricted.
Dr. Bela is a dermatologist with extensive training in Botox treatments and facial anatomy. He has treated many gummy smiles, delivering results that are both symmetrical and subtle.
He explains that a gummy smile is caused by multiple variables, including hyperactive lip function and skeletal structure. Therefore, choosing the right treatment plan—and applying it with precision—is essential.
Dr. Bela typically includes Botox for gummy smile treatment as a free add-on when paired with other areas like the frown lines or forehead. When requested alone, it is priced as a first area, and tailored to the patient’s anatomy. His goal is always to provide a minimally invasive solution that fits the patient’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Yes. While Botox is a minimally invasive and effective option, other treatment options exist for more complex cases. These may include lip repositioning, lip fillers, dermal fillers, or surgical correction. Patients with dental concerns may also be referred to a dentist to address tooth or jaw alignment issues.
That’s why every gummy smile treatment at our clinic starts with a comprehensive consultation to assess the cause of the gummy smile and recommend the most suitable course of action.
Over the years, Dr. Bela has identified multiple melanomas on aesthetic patients—often in areas they hadn’t noticed themselves. In one notable case, during a Botox consultation, he spotted a small but suspicious lesion on a patient’s forehead. When reviewing previous treatment photos, it became clear that the melanoma had gradually developed over time, becoming increasingly visible across sessions. Despite its small size, the lesion was already an early invasive melanoma—but was thankfully detected in time. This case is just one of several examples highlighting how melanoma can remain hidden in plain sight. For this reason, Dr. Bela now offers a discounted mole check for all existing aesthetic patients, making it easier to combine cosmetic care with life-saving early detection.
All Botox injections for gummy smile are performed by Dr. Bela, an expert in facial aesthetics, injectable treatments, and botulinum toxin therapies. His attention to detail and deep understanding of muscles in the upper lip allow him to deliver balanced, beautiful results for every smile.
A gummy smile shows too much gum tissue above the top teeth when smiling. It may be caused by hyperactive lip muscles, a short upper jaw, or excessive gum growth.
Botox is injected into specific lip muscles to reduce the elevation of the upper lip. This lowers the gum line and improves smile aesthetics.
Not at all. The Botox injection uses a fine needle and is completed quickly with minimal discomfort.
Results typically last three to five months. Maintenance treatments can be done every few months.
Yes. It’s often done alongside other Botox treatments, such as the lip flip, forehead, or frown lines, for full-face harmony.
Botulinum toxin treatments are very safe when done by an experienced practitioner. Potential side effects include minor swelling or bruising at the injection site, but these are temporary.
If you’re ready to treat gummy smile concerns or explore ways to enhance your smile, call or message the Chiswick Clinic. We’re here to guide you through your options and help you achieve an optimal smile with expert care.
