Gummy Smile
Visit Dr. Hanson to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile
Ideal For
Reduce a gummy smile
Treatment Areas
The mouth area
Treatment Time
10-15 Minutes
Downtime
None
Gummy Smile
Visit Dr. Hanson to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile
Ideal For
Reduce a gummy smile
Treatment Areas
The mouth area
Treatment Time
10-15 Minutes
Downtime
None
A “gummy smile” refers to the excessive display of gum tissue above the upper teeth when smiling.
While this is considered aesthetically pleasing in some cultures, some individuals feel self-conscious about it and seek treatment to reduce its prominence.mBotulinum toxin has emerged as an effective, non-surgical option to address this concern.
Botulinum toxin offers a minimally invasive alternative for individuals seeking to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. It provides quick results with minimal downtime, making it a preferred choice for many. As always, consultation with a knowledgeable and experienced professional is paramount to ensure safe and satisfying outcomes.
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When introduced in precise amounts into the body, it can temporarily block nerve signals to muscles, leading to a relaxation of the targeted muscle.
The elevation of the upper lip when smiling is primarily controlled by the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) muscle. A hyperactive LLSAN can cause the upper lip to rise higher than desired, exposing an excessive amount of gum.
By introducing botulinum toxin into this muscle, its activity is reduced, leading to a more restrained elevation of the upper lip during smiling, thus showing less gum.
Effects typically last 3-6 months, varying depending on factors like individual age, metabolism, and injection site.
“It’s more than just a procedure - it’s an art form.”
– Dr. Hanson Yu, MBBS MSc MBCAM, qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council
THE PROCEDURE
A thorough consultation with a trained practitioner is crucial. The professional will evaluate the patient’s smile dynamics, the degree of gum exposure, and decide the amount and placement of botulinum toxin required.
The targeted area is cleaned. Though the injections cause minimal discomfort, a topical anaesthetic can be applied if the patient is apprehensive.
Using a fine needle, the practitioner injects a small amount of botulinum toxin into the LLSAN muscle or related muscles contributing to the elevated lip.
The treatment is quick, typically taking less than 15 minutes.
POST-TREATMENT
Patients can continue with their daily activities almost immediately after the procedure.
As with other botulinum toxin treatments, it’s advised to avoid massaging the treated area.
The reduction in gum display usually becomes noticeable within 3-5 days, with optimal results seen after about 2 weeks. The effects last approximately 3-4 months, varying from individual to individual. Periodic touch-ups can maintain the desired appearance.
When performed by an experienced practitioner, botulinum toxin injections for a gummy smile are generally safe. Potential side effects, though rare, include bruising at the injection site or an asymmetrical smile if the toxin affects one side more than the other. Such risks emphasise the importance of seeking treatment from a qualified professional.
Start your journey
Contact Dr. Hanson
Dr. Hanson is a highly qualified and licensed doctor under the esteemed General Medical Council. With his careful and graceful approach, Dr. Hanson skilfully restores the natural arcs and convexities of the face and body, leaving his patients with beautiful and natural-looking results.
The clinic in Harley Street, London, offers non-surgical aesthetic treatments that not only preserve youthfulness but also reverse the signs of ageing.
