Could frenectomy create a hypermobile lip? Didn’t have gummy smile until after surgery. Would lip repositioning fix it? (photos)

Question

Can labial frenectomy create gummy smile with hypermobile lip? I showed 2mm of gum before frenectomy and 8mm within a year of frenectomy. Had Leforte 1 to fix gummy smile, impacted 4mm & 1 mm gingivectomy, however still showing too much gum. Did they not impact enough or do I have a hypermobile lip? Lip at repose is normal. Leforte surgery caused flared nostrils. Read they should have used alar or v y stick to prevent flare. Can this be fixed at time of lip repositioning, without major surgery?

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs. Though nothing replaces an in-person examination, your photographs unfortunately do not accurately show a gummy smile or frenulum issue.  I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who can see how your lips and smile appear in repose as well as when animating.  A clear diagnosis should then be identified that can help guide treatment options. Best of luck!

Could frenectomy create a hypermobile lip? Didn’t have gummy smile until after surgery. Would lip repositioning fix it? (photos)

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