Levator Labii (gummy smile) Botox. Can it be reversed? (Photo)

Dear Lilly2891:So sorry for your troubles! Thanks for the photos and yes, you have a great smile. There is not a lot you can do to reverse a Botox result you are not happy with as it takes the body about 3 months to develop the nerve end receptor sites required to regain muscle stimulation. I do believe that "mindful" or intentional exercising of the zygomaticus muscle may help stimulate return of function. Press the lip in against the teeth on the outer upper lip and attempt to lift the central lip upward 6 times a day for 5 to 10 seconds until you see improvement.Should there be further concern, there are "home" TENS-units which electrically stimulate muscle activity which I believe creates a positive feedback mechanism to accelerate return of nerve function. You may wish to consult with your injector or Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, ENT, Physical Medicine Physician or Physical Therapist for this option.A third option is a minute amount of filler along the upper "white roll" and philtrum to create the illusion of a up-turned lip. I hope this is helpful! All the best!

Thank you for your question. Botox injections cannot be reversed, however, they are temporary. The injection can last 3 to 4 months and then your smile will start to look like it did before. 

Botox effects cannot be reversed. It stays for 3-4 months and wears off. In few months, the muscles will start to gain strength and your smile will improve. 

This is one of the biggest reasons I don't do this injection much. I does change the way we smile. There is nothing to be done at this point but it shouldn't last longer than 3-4 months. Usually the lower the dose of Botox, the less time it lasts and this is usually a small dose. It's possible it could be just 2 months.

Hello Lilly2891,The problem with treating a gummy smile with Botox is that it changes the smile.  This is the goal of the treatment, but since you have never seen yourself smile like this, you cannot know quite what it will look like after the treatment.  Sine the upper lip is no longer elevating when you smile, you don't have a gummy smile (and your before picture doesn't really show any gums) but you have a longer appearing upper lip.  Unfortunately, other than time nothing can be done to speed up the process if the result going away.  For most it will be gone in about 3 months, sometimes a little faster and sometimes a little slower.  In the future, you can consider a smaller dose of Botox but you may still end up with a longer upper lip than you like.I hope this helps and good luck.  

It will take about 2-3 months before it wears off. I know because I have had this done to myself by a colleague of mine 7 years ago- and I don't do it to patients! Sure it can help decrease the show of gums, but I can relate to the feeling- I was dribbling for 3 days before other muscles 'recruit' to help assist with puckering, drinking, and even articulation. Even small units 2-3 units can cause this drop.... be patient and your other muscles will take over, the effect will wear off in 2-3 months time- that's the upside of BOTOXAll the bestDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane,Australia. 

When you have a botox result you don't like that is unfortunate but it is temporary.     Botox effect will be gone or significantly reduced in 4 to 5 months,  occasionally a little longer on the average.   My Best,  Dr Commons