Can a lip lift cause a gummy smile? (Photo)

Your present one of those situations where the upper lip (philtrum) is too long, but the teeth are even longer and lower. In your case one has to be extremely careful not to increase the incisor show excessively. The gummy smile usually doesn't happen after an appropriate lip lift, if it wasn't there before.

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy.
Your situation is particularly challenging as just the right amount of philtrum needs to be shortened without causing gum show. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

You can get a lip lift to increase the fullness but the surgeon shouldn't try to shorten the length too much.  This is where experience will make a big difference. Make sure your surgeon does this procedure often.  We do up to 6-7 in a week and can help guide you.

Thank you for your question. A gummy smile is caused by a certain muscle pulling too strong on your upper lip when smiling. The surgery will not have an impact on the activity of this muscle, however too much lifting can result in too much dental show/ show of the gum. It is advisable to see an experienced lip lift surgeon in person. during your consultation he or she will be able to analyse your smiling pattern and advise you what result will be realistic. Overcorrection would result in permanent dental show. 
Good luck and kind regards, 
GB