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I have a gummy smile. How long do I need to notice any change?

I have a gummy smile, yesterday I took the first Botox injections in my upper lips, after 12 hours I did not notice any change how long do I need to notice any change?

Doctor Answers 18

November 12th, 2015

BOTOX Results Take a Few Days

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As effective as BOTOX is for a number of conditions, including a gummy smile, it does take a bit of time for the results to appear. In most cases, my patients start seeing changes about 5 days after their treatment. If you haven't noticed any results more than 7 to 10 after your treatment, get in touch with your injector. Thanks for your question!


San Diego Dermatologist

October 8th, 2015

Ditto

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Ditto to what the other surgeons have said.  Give Botox at least 2-3 days for any effect, and up to a week for a strong noticeable effect.  The dose that I typically give for a gummy smile is very small because I don't want to completely paralyze the lip elevator muscles, I just want to weaken them.  Because of this, sometimes the dose may not be enough and a touch up might need to be done a week or two after the initial injection.  I would wait a week and if you still have no difference, contact your surgeon.  

hope this helps, and good luck
Brian Arslanian, MD
October 8th, 2015

Onset of Botox

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 It will likely take 5 to 7 days before your Botox starts working, don't pass any judgment on its final effect until at least 14 days. 
Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Spokane Dermatologic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 123 reviews

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October 8th, 2015

Botox and action

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Botox will take at least 4 days to start showing it's effect after injection. It could take 10 days for it to be working fully. You are a little anxious to see the results. They will come.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Gus Diaz

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD
Charlotte Facial Plastic Surgeon

October 8th, 2015

Gummy smile

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Botox works for treatment of the gummy smile by weakening the muscles of the upper lip and therefore making it a little longer to come down over the teeth a little and this should occur within 5 days
Melvin Elson, MD

Melvin Elson, MD
Nashville Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

October 8th, 2015

10 days for full effect of botox

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Hi. 
I tell all my patients it takes 10 days to get the full effect of botox. If you need more, wait until after the 10th day for a touch up. 

Renee Snyder, MD
Austin Dermatologist

October 8th, 2015

Gummy Smile and Botox

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Thanks for your question. Botox takes between 4-7 days to see the full effect so what you are experiencing is normal. If you don't see any change by 10 days, you can contact your injector and get a few extra units. Good luck
Satyen Undavia, MD

Satyen Undavia, MD
Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

July 3rd, 2017

It depends on how it is treated!

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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.


Botox can take up to 2 weeks for full effect. Fillers on the other hand are immediate in their effect but can temporarily get "swollen" and go back down to normal volume!

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!

Tanya Kormeili, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologist

October 15th, 2015

Botox and Time to see Results

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Botox takes 7 to 14 days to see the full effect.  Your physician should have explained that the results are not immediate. Keep us posted on your results.  Best, Dr.  Green

Learn more: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/botox-cosmetic

Michele S. Green, MD

Michele S. Green, MD
New York Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 87 reviews

October 12th, 2015

Botox for gummy smile

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Hi Naser78
Thank you for your question.  Botox usually takes effect between 5-7 days.  Give it time to settle in.  Hope this helps.  Best regards
Sugene Kim, MD, FACS

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.