How Much Does Botox Cost for Gummy Smile?

Question

I have a "gummy smile" and I learned that you can get Botox injected into the muscle to relax your upper lip so it covers your gums when you smile. I would like to know how much this would cost me?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Botox or Dysport both work well in the upper lip for the "gummy smile" to make it look better and lasts about 3-4 months for the $200-300 cost you will incur. It is so worth it.

Whitney Florin, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be great to relax the smile in the right patient. This area does not require a lot of units. In my experience, only 8 units is needed. Botox is priced per unit so it could be around $150 or up to $200-300 depending on how the provider is pricing their Botox. Some providers charge "per area" or per procedure so they may have a set fee for a "gummy smile injection" rather than charging per unit. Call around and you'll be able to get info from the offices that you call.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The exact dosing for you can be determined in consultation with your cosmetic physician with an in-person evaluation, as this will allow for a better assessment of your concern. Generally, clinics provide a per unit price, and you simply multiply that amount with the number of units administered during treatment.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Off label uses of Botox on the lower face, require expertise. There is a chance you won't like the result if the upper lip lowers too much. It should't require more than 2 units per side (total of 4 units) but you are paying for the expertise in this situation and not necessarily for the number of units of Botox. I usually start wtih a lower dose and work up if needed. The cost could be a few or several hundred dollars or less depending on the physician and location of the practice.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Lgat,
It should take about 4 to 8 units of Botox to correct a gummy smile.  Botox is priced at anywhere from $8-15 per unit.  You do the math and hopefully the answer will give you a non-gummy smile.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While per unit cost will vary by provider there is relatively little product needed to treat a gummy smile making Botox an affordable and effective treatment.  Generally between 2 to 4 units of Botox for each side is adequate to treat a gummy smile for a few months.

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

Botox can indeed work to relax the upper lip and prevent it from revealing too much of the gum line during a smile. Only a few units of Botox is necessary for successful treatment, so cost is minimal compared to other treatment areas. However, using Botox in this way is an advanced technique that requires years of experience and deep knowledge of the musculature and anatomy of the mouth and lips. You need to find the most experienced and skillful board-certified dermatologist to fix a gummy smile with Botox. Cost can be discussed during your consultation and a payment plan arranged if necessary, but expertise beats “bargains” every time.

Tanya Kormeili, MD · Answer

As a woman I totally understand the importance of well contoured lips and smooth skin!
As a dermatologist, I can tell you that "around the mouth" can include different injection methods to achieve different results. Some injections can decrease wrinkles around the mouth (smoker lines), treat gummy smile, downward angles of the mouth and so on.

The key is to make sure you communicate what you are trying to achieve and ask specific questions from the doctor as the risks for that treatment.

I do many gummy smiles and they can be successfully treated with Botox/Dysport when performed by expert injectors. Injection of a low dose into precise points on the upper lip to reduce the “gum” showing without affecting any other motion. I have my patients smile several times, and animate their face as they are talking to me during the consultation. Where exactly I place it (and how much product) depends on the anatomy of the patient.
Factors to consider include how thin/thick the upper lip is (and if you use fillers on the upper lip you need to consider balancing the lower lip to avoid the "duck lip" tragedy!). How much the lips are pulled up and how many millimeters of gum are exposed. Any asymmetries during movement or at rest will also have to be taken into account.
I think the key is the consult to show you in the mirror what to expect. In this case Botox/Dysport may lower the upper lip so that you are not be able to show the gum line when you smile.  Because there is some risk of lowering too much, (which could affecting your singing or playing of a wind instrument, for example), using low doses and making sure that you receive precise injections by a highly qualified and certified professional are very important!

If you use both Botox and fillers obviously a bigger cost than Botox alone.
Best of luck!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The treatment of botox into the upper lip is an advanced technique, and should only be performed by an experienced and expert physician injector. This treatment should be customized to the patient and each patient may vary considerably. Expect to pay in the range of $200 to $500 depending on the area that you live.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, Botox can be used to treat a gummy smile but  it may also paralyze the lip too much, and prevent you from smiling correctly. Just be careful.

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