Botox, gum contouring or both for gummy smile? (Photo)

Question

Which treatment would be most effective to get the best symmetry?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @bricali88! You would be a great candidate for Botox to correct your gummy smile. The results last for 3-4 months. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

This is a great question. You have a few options for treating a gummy smile, including Botox injections. Even minor injections in the left side can help improve the symmetry of your smile for a more balanced look. A surgical lip lift is another option if you’re hoping for a more permanent treatment. Dermal fillers in the upper lip may also help volumize your lips. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

Botox of the levator will help correct the gummy smile.  The options for symmetry include injecting only one side with Botox or different units on the two sides.  Lip filler while restoring lip volume may help with the gummy smile and asymmetry.

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Smiling, which pulls the upper lip up, reveals a large part of the gingival tissue, often called a "gummy smile".  I would recommend Botox to the levator labii superioris nasi muscle on the left side only to make your smile more symmetric.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I do a special procedure that I have named vertical expansion of the upper lip and philtrum with a special filler and a new injection technique. You could find before and after pictures on my Instagram page, BetterPlasticSurgery. I feel this is the best way to treat your condition. We could also improve your lip asymmetry.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

options for you are botox for the gummy smile, fillers for shaping and plumping, and a surgical lip lift for more pink lip show.  I would use daily hydration and plumping (see emeragecosmetics lip essentials kit).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have personally been injecting Botox for many years for improving gummy smiles. It only takes a couple of units or so into the little muscles responsible for pulling up the upper lip to improve this problem. In this case, there appears to be a bit of asymmetry with the left side elevated a trifle more than the right, so a bit more Botox will be needed to help establish greater smile symmetry. Make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist or other core aesthetic physician. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Botox would be the least invasive initial treatment you can try to maximize your lip and teeth appearance/symmetry.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox works very well for correcting a gummy smile.  I encourage you start with that.  The treatment is done in the office and the results last 3 to 4 months on average.  Final results are seen two weeks after injection.

Elizabeth Wick, MD · Answer

I recommend, based on limited photographic evaluation, starting with Botox alone to treat your smile. This is a temporary treatment with minimal side effects and would offer you an opportunity to see if this satisfies you. Other treatments for gummy smile are more invasive and require consulting a facial plastic surgeon like myself in your area. I would also make sure that they recognize it looks like you have some asymmetry in the muscles that lift your lip, which should prompt slightly more Botox on one side than the other.