Are Botox injections near nostril the only way to treat gummy smile or can injections across top lip help as well? (Photo)
Doctor Answers 15
As a woman I totally understand the importance of well contoured lips and smooth skin!
As a dermatologist, I can tell you that different anatomy in each patient make me decide on whether I combine Botox (how much and exact placement) with deciding to add fillers to balance thin lips that pull up in gummy smiles. Together they two can create a very natural contour and very sexy appearance - if done correctly.
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!
Best of luck!
Dear rmm34:
By injecting a small dose of Botox in the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles just to the side of the nasal alae, one can relax the muscles that pull the lip up and improve a gummy smile. Botox can also be injected in the perioral muscles to evert the lips, making your lips appear fuller, and to smooth lip lines, but this would not help gummy show very much if at all.
I hope this is helpful! Dr. Clark
Learn more: http://www.sherylclarkmd.com/botox-upper-east-side-new-york-ny.html
Precise placement of botox around the mouth is the best treatment for gummy smile. I suggest you see an expert for a consultation. Best, Dr. Emer.
Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa6C2fuS-AgOnvBjr6_VSQg
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Learn more: https://stevenfweinermd.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/all-botox-providers-are-not-the-same-choose-carefully/
Learn more: Http://www.dkhoffmanmd@aol.com
To treat gummy smile Botox is placed just to the side of each nostril to relax the muscle that is pulling up the lip. Injections in the upper lip itself are used to treat vertical lip lines like "lipstick lines" and "smoker's lines". They have the unfortunate effect, sometimes, of making it hard to pucker the lip or use a straw. You can still have the appropriate injections performed, however, while you wait for the lip effects to wear off. Good luck!
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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