Gummy Smile Botox

What is Gummy Smile Botox?

Gummy Smile Botox — also known as gummy smile correction, lip lowering Botox, or the lip flip for high smile line — is a non-surgical treatment for patients whose upper lip rises too high when they smile, exposing more than a few millimetres of gum tissue. By placing a tiny amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles that lift the upper lip, your doctor can gently relax them so that the lip sits lower during a full smile, creating a more balanced ratio between lip, teeth, and gum.

It is one of the smallest and most precise Botox treatments we offer — typically just 4 to 8 units total — but the impact on how a smile looks in photos, conversations, and daily life is significant. Patients who have spent years learning to smile “with their mouth closed” often describe it as the treatment they wish they’d known about sooner.

At Dr. Cigdem Ozden Clinic, we use exclusively FDA-approved Botox (Allergan) and Dysport for gummy smile correction. Because the dosing is extremely small and the muscles involved affect the entire upper lip, this treatment should only be performed by a board-certified doctor with detailed knowledge of perioral anatomy.

How Gummy Smile Botox Works

A gummy smile — clinically known as excessive gingival display — occurs when more than 3-4 millimetres of gum is visible above the upper teeth during a full smile. There are several possible causes: a short or hypermobile upper lip, overactive lip-elevator muscles, excess gum tissue, or the vertical position of the upper jaw. For the most common cause — an overactive muscle group — Botox is the simplest, safest, and least invasive solution.

The key muscle involved is the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), together with adjacent lip elevators. When these muscles contract, they pull the upper lip upwards. In patients with a gummy smile, they pull it too far. By placing a very small amount of Botox at a precise point known as Yonsei point (a well-defined anatomical landmark), your doctor can partially relax these muscles so the upper lip moves a few millimetres less during a smile — just enough to cover the excess gum while preserving full natural expression.

Step-by-Step: What Happens After Injection

1. Injection: 2-4 units of Botox are placed at the Yonsei point on each side of the nose
2. Binding: The toxin binds to nerve endings on the LLSAN and adjacent lip elevator muscles
3. Relaxation: The muscles that lift the upper lip become partially relaxed within 3-7 days
4. Smile rebalancing: The upper lip travels slightly less during a full smile, reducing gum exposure
5. Full effect: Optimal results are visible at 2 weeks and last 3-4 months
6. Natural wear-off: The muscle regains its original strength gradually as the Botox resolves

Am I a Good Candidate?

Gummy smile Botox is suitable for most adults whose gummy smile is caused by muscular hyperactivity — the most common cause. You may be an ideal candidate if:

• More than 3-4 mm of gum tissue is visible when you smile fully
• Your gummy smile is visible in photos or videos and affects your confidence
• You have avoided smiling openly, laughing, or posing for photos because of it
• You want a non-surgical alternative to gingivectomy, crown lengthening, or orthognathic (jaw) surgery
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• You do not have a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis
• You have realistic expectations — Botox corrects muscular gummy smiles, not skeletal ones

Muscular vs. Skeletal vs. Dental Causes

Gummy smile correction depends on identifying the true cause, and this is where consultation matters most. A quick assessment by an experienced doctor will determine whether Botox will work well for you:

Muscular gummy smile is the most common cause and responds excellently to Botox. If your upper lip moves significantly when you smile (a highly mobile lip), Botox will likely deliver a dramatic improvement.

Dentoalveolar gummy smile — excess gum tissue covering the teeth — is typically corrected by a dentist through gingivectomy or crown lengthening, not Botox. However, combining the two can be appropriate in some cases.

Skeletal gummy smile — caused by the upper jaw being positioned too low — generally requires orthognathic surgery for full correction. Botox can still offer partial improvement for mild cases, but it is not a replacement for surgical correction in severe skeletal cases.

During consultation, Dr. Cigdem Ozden will assess the mobility of your upper lip, the amount of gum exposure, and the likely cause — and advise honestly whether Botox is the right treatment for you or whether a dental or surgical referral is more appropriate.

Gummy Smile Botox for Men

While gummy smile correction is more commonly requested by women, male patients also benefit from the treatment — especially those in client-facing professions, public speaking, or performing arts. The dosing and technique are identical for men and women; the goal is always a balanced, natural smile that looks like you, not a frozen or restricted one.

Not sure whether your gummy smile is muscular, dental, or skeletal? Send a photo of your full smile on WhatsApp for a free virtual consultation. Dr. Cigdem Ozden will review your case and recommend the right approach.

The Treatment Process

The entire procedure takes just 5-10 minutes from start to finish — making it one of the quickest treatments we offer. Here’s exactly what to expect at Dr. Cigdem Ozden Clinic:

Consultation

Your doctor will ask you to smile naturally, then fully, so they can assess how much gum tissue is exposed and how mobile your upper lip is. They may take clinical photos for comparison with your post-treatment results. Your medical history is reviewed to confirm Botox is appropriate, and the Yonsei point is identified on each side for precise placement.

Preparation

The treatment area is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. No numbing is typically required because only 1-2 injections per side are needed and the needle is ultra-fine. If you are particularly sensitive, topical numbing cream is available on request.

Injection

Using an ultra-fine 32-gauge needle, your doctor places 2-4 units of Botox at the Yonsei point on each side — 1 to 2 small injections in total per side. The entire injection sequence takes less than a minute. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief, mild pinprick.

Aftercare

You can return to all normal activities immediately. There’s no visible sign of treatment and no need to avoid talking, eating, or drinking. You’ll receive written post-treatment instructions before you leave.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Botox

• Corrects gum exposure within 3-7 days without surgery
• Extremely quick procedure — under 10 minutes from start to finish
• Minimal dosing — just 4-8 units total, lower cost than most Botox treatments
• Preserves natural expression — you can still smile, laugh, and speak freely
• Zero downtime — return to work or social plans immediately
• Completely reversible — effects wear off naturally in 3-4 months
• Non-invasive alternative to gingivectomy, crown lengthening, or jaw surgery
• FDA-approved products used for the treatment
• Dramatic confidence boost for patients who have hidden their smile for years
• Significantly more affordable in Istanbul than in the UK, US, or EU

Risks and Side Effects

Gummy smile Botox is a safe, low-risk treatment when performed by an experienced injector who understands perioral anatomy. Because the dose is so small and the muscle group sits close to other important facial muscles, precision matters more than volume here — which is why we only perform this treatment with board-certified doctors.

Common (Mild, Temporary)

• Redness or small bumps at injection sites: resolve within 30-60 minutes
• Mild bruising at injection points: rare, resolves within 5-7 days
• Tightness or slight heaviness in the upper lip during the first week: uncommon, resolves as the muscle settles

Less Common

• Asymmetry: if one side of the lip elevates more than the other after treatment, it can be corrected at your free touch-up. Asymmetry is usually mild and resolves quickly.
• Overcorrection: if too much Botox is placed, the upper lip can feel slightly restricted when speaking or smiling. This is temporary, rare with correct dosing, and fully resolves as the Botox wears off.
• Lip weakness while drinking or pronouncing certain sounds: very rare and almost always associated with doses above recommended levels. At our standard 4-8 unit dosing, this is essentially not a concern.

Rare

Serious side effects from gummy smile Botox are extremely rare at the doses used (4-8 units total). This is one of the lowest-dose Botox treatments in cosmetic medicine, and it has a strong safety track record worldwide when performed correctly.

Before & After Care

Before Your Treatment

• Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) for 3 days prior if safe to do so
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
• Come with a clean face, free of heavy makeup around the mouth and nose
• Bring photos of yourself smiling fully (optional but helpful for comparison)
• Inform your doctor of any medications, supplements, or previous lip treatments

After Your Treatment

• Do not massage or press on the injection sites for 24 hours
• Stay upright for 4 hours after injection
• Avoid intense exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24 hours
• You can eat, drink, and talk normally immediately after treatment
• Results begin appearing within 3-7 days, with the full effect visible at 2 weeks
• Effects last 3-4 months on average

Your free touch-up is available 2-3 weeks after your initial treatment. If the correction needs to be slightly stronger or adjusted for symmetry, we refine it at no additional cost.

Gummy Smile Botox Cost in Istanbul

Gummy smile Botox is one of the most cost-effective treatments in aesthetic medicine because it uses very few units (4-8 total) while delivering a highly visible result. Even so, many Western clinics price it as a full Botox session regardless of dose. At Dr. Cigdem Ozden Clinic, you pay for the treatment itself — not the postcode — using the same FDA-approved products as top clinics in the US and UK.

Why Istanbul?

Istanbul has established itself as a world-leading destination for aesthetic medicine, and gummy smile correction is one of the small-but-impactful treatments that international patients frequently add to their visit. It is quick, affordable, and produces a visible change within days — perfect for travellers who want to walk away with a real result from a short appointment.

At Dr. Cigdem Ozden Clinic specifically:

• Same products: Genuine Allergan Botox and Dysport, sourced from authorised distributors with batch verification available on request
• Board-certified doctors only: Every treatment is performed by an experienced physician who knows perioral anatomy in detail, not a nurse or technician
• Honest assessment: If your gummy smile is dental or skeletal rather than muscular, we’ll tell you — we don’t treat patients who won’t benefit
• Transparent pricing: $100, identical for local and international patients, no hidden fees
• Free touch-up included: If symmetry or dose needs fine-tuning, we refine it at no charge
• Combine with travel: A 10-minute appointment leaves the rest of your day free to enjoy Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units of Botox are needed for a gummy smile?

Most patients require just 4-8 units total — typically 2-4 units per side, placed at the Yonsei point near the base of the nose. This is one of the smallest dosages in cosmetic Botox. Your doctor will determine the exact dose based on how mobile your upper lip is and how much gum exposure you’d like to reduce. We typically start conservative and refine at the touch-up.

How much does gummy smile Botox cost in Istanbul?

At Dr. Cigdem Ozden Clinic, the price is $100 for the full treatment. This includes your consultation, the injections, and a free touch-up 2-3 weeks later. The same treatment typically costs $400-$700 in London, $500-$900 in New York, and $350-$600 in Western Europe.

Does gummy smile Botox hurt?

Not significantly. The needles are ultra-fine (32-gauge), and only 1-2 injections per side are required. Most patients rate the discomfort at 1 out of 10 — a brief pinprick sensation per injection. The entire procedure is over in minutes. Topical numbing cream is available on request but is rarely needed.

How long does gummy smile Botox last?

Effects typically last 3-4 months, similar to other facial Botox treatments. With regular maintenance, many patients find the muscle gradually weakens and they need fewer units or less frequent treatments over time. The effects wear off gradually rather than all at once, so you have time to book your next session before the gummy smile fully returns.

Will I still be able to smile normally?

Yes — absolutely. Gummy smile Botox does not restrict your smile; it simply reduces how high your upper lip travels during a full smile by a few millimetres. You retain full natural expression, the ability to laugh, speak, and eat normally, and no one looking at you will see anything other than a more balanced smile. Correct dosing is key to preserving natural movement.

How soon will I see results?

You’ll typically start seeing results within 3-7 days, with the full effect visible at 2 weeks. Because the dose is small, the change is often gradual — patients and their friends and family usually notice a “more balanced smile” rather than a sudden dramatic shift.

Is gummy smile Botox safer than surgery?

For muscular gummy smiles, yes — by a significant margin. Surgical options like gingivectomy, crown lengthening, or Le Fort I osteotomy are effective but permanent, carry surgical risks, and involve recovery time. Botox is non-surgical, fully reversible, carries minimal risk at the doses used, and requires zero recovery. For patients whose gummy smile is caused by muscle overactivity, Botox is the clear first choice.

What is the Yonsei point?

The Yonsei point is a well-defined anatomical landmark in perioral aesthetics, located at the intersection of three key lip-elevator muscles (LLSAN, levator labii superioris, and zygomaticus minor). It was named after Yonsei University in South Korea, where the technique was formalised. Injecting the Yonsei point with a tiny amount of Botox allows a doctor to relax all three muscles simultaneously with a single injection per side — which is why this treatment is so quick and requires so few units.

Can Botox fix all types of gummy smile?

No — Botox fixes muscular gummy smiles (caused by overactive lip-elevator muscles), which is the most common type. It cannot correct dentoalveolar gummy smiles (excess gum tissue, which requires a dentist’s intervention) or skeletal gummy smiles (caused by jaw position, which may require orthognathic surgery). During consultation, your doctor will determine the cause and advise honestly on the right treatment path.

Can gummy smile Botox be combined with other treatments?

Yes, very commonly. Gummy smile Botox pairs well with lip fillers (for added lip volume and definition), forehead Botox (for a complete upper-face refresh), or dental work (for cases where the gummy smile has both muscular and dental components). Your doctor will advise on the optimal combination for your goals during consultation.

Will the gummy smile come back when the Botox wears off?

Yes — once the Botox fully wears off at around 3-4 months, the lip-elevator muscles regain their original strength and the gummy smile will gradually return to baseline. Regular maintenance treatments keep the result in place. Some long-term patients notice they need slightly fewer units after a year or two of consistent treatment.

Can gummy smile Botox cause a crooked smile?

Only if it is placed asymmetrically or overdosed — which is why technique matters. At correct dosing with precise Yonsei point placement, asymmetry is very rare and any minor imbalance can be corrected easily at your free touch-up. Always choose a doctor with specific experience in perioral Botox for this treatment.

Is gummy smile Botox permanent?

No. Like all Botox treatments, the effects are temporary and fully reversible. Effects last 3-4 months and wear off naturally as the muscles regain function. There are no permanent changes to your anatomy, which makes this one of the lowest-commitment cosmetic treatments available.

What happens if I don’t like the result?

If the correction is too subtle, we add a small amount at your free touch-up 2-3 weeks later. If the correction is too strong (extremely rare at correct dosing), the effect is temporary and will resolve naturally within a few months. Because Botox is fully reversible, there is no long-term risk of being “stuck” with an unwanted result.