Gummy Smile Botox in Seoul |
Apgujeong EU:GENES Skin Clinic
If you show more gum than you would like when you smile, a small amount of botulinum toxin may help. At Apgujeong EU:GENES Skin Clinic, Dr. Jung assesses what is causing your gummy smile and whether Botox is the right fit.
What is gummy smile Botox?
A gummy smile is when a wide band of gum shows above the upper teeth as you smile. It has several possible causes, including the shape of the teeth and gums, the position of the upper jaw, and an upper lip that lifts very high.
When an overactive upper lip is the main cause, Botox can help. A tiny dose of botulinum toxin is placed into the muscles that lift the upper lip, near the sides of the nose. This reduces how far the lip rises, so less gum shows when you smile.
Who is it for?
Good candidates have a gummy smile that mainly comes from lip movement, and healthy teeth and gums. Many patients feel self-conscious in photos and want a simple, reversible option.
Botox is not the answer when the cause is skeletal, such as a long upper jaw, or dental, such as short teeth or excess gum tissue. In those cases, orthodontic, dental or surgical treatment is more suitable, and Dr. Jung will tell you so. The treatment is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with neuromuscular disorders, with infection at the site, or with an allergy to botulinum toxin.
Benefits
- Reduces visible gum when you smile
- A more balanced smile, especially in photos
- Non-surgical, with tiny injections
- Temporary, so you can see how you like the change
- Can also soften a slightly uneven smile in some cases
Your treatment at EU:GENES
Because the cause matters so much, your 1:1 consultation with Dr. Jung Yoo-jin starts with a careful look at your smile. She watches a gentle smile and a full laugh, checks how much gum shows on each side, and looks at your lip length and teeth. If Botox is unlikely to help, she will explain why rather than treat anyway.
If it is a good fit, Dr. Jung places one small injection on each side, near where the nose meets the cheek. We start with a conservative dose. It is easier to add a little at your review than to take it away.
Results & how long they last
You will usually see a change within a week, with the full result by about two weeks. The effect typically lasts three to four months, sometimes a little less because the dose is small. Many patients choose to repeat it regularly.
Downtime, aftercare & possible side effects
There is little to no downtime. Keep upright for four hours, avoid rubbing the area, and skip strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol on the day.
The main risks relate to the smile itself. If too much product is used or it spreads, the upper lip may look longer, the smile may feel stiff or flat, or one side may lift differently from the other. Speech is rarely affected. Bruising and tenderness are possible. All of these effects are temporary, which is why conservative dosing is our standard approach.
FAQ
Will my smile look unnatural?
With a careful, conservative dose, most people simply look like they are smiling with less gum. Over-treatment is what causes a flat smile, so we avoid it.
Can I combine it with a lip flip?
Sometimes. A lip flip and gummy smile Botox affect nearby muscles, so Dr. Jung will assess whether combining them is wise for your smile.
Is it permanent?
No. The effect wears off over a few months, which also means any change you dislike is temporary.
Book a consultation
Unsure whether Botox can help your smile? Send us a message on WhatsApp at +82-10-5889-1519 (LINE and WeChat are also available) for a free consultation and a first opinion. Current fees are on our Treatment Prices page.
