Gummy Smile Botox: Reduce Visible Gum When You Smile
A gummy smile, where more than 2-3mm of gum tissue is visible when smiling, can be significantly improved with small, precise Botox injections into the levator labii muscles. No surgery, no orthodontics, no downtime.
Gummy Smile: A Surprisingly Simple Fix
A gummy smile occurs when the upper lip elevates excessively on smiling, exposing more gum tissue than the patient is comfortable with. The primary cause is hyperactivity of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and related elevator muscles — muscles that pull the upper lip upward during smiling. When these muscles are overactive, the lip rises higher than average and reveals more gingiva.
Botox injected into the LLSAN in small, precise doses (2-4 units per side) reduces the range of upper lip elevation, creating a more balanced smile that shows less gum. The effect is subtle from a movement standpoint — the smile looks completely natural — but the reduction in gingival display is often transformative for patients who have been self-conscious about their smile for years.
The LLSAN is a narrow muscle running alongside the nose. Injecting even slightly too low or too medially risks spreading to the orbicularis oris and affecting the symmetry of the smile or lip movement. This is not a high-volume treatment — it requires close anatomy assessment, conservative dosing, and a two-week follow-up to evaluate the result before any adjustment. This is one of the treatments where provider experience and clinical conservatism matter most. Dr. Ashar assesses your specific anatomy in person before placing any units.
All Botox treatments at Tactus Health are performed by Dr. Ashar N., DNP, APRN, FNP-C, not a technician. Every treatment includes a two-week follow-up assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When dosed correctly, the smile looks completely natural. The only visible difference is a reduction in gum tissue showing above the teeth. The shape and warmth of the smile are unchanged. Dr. Ashar uses conservative dosing and the two-week follow-up to assess results and make any adjustments needed.
Asymmetric gummy smile is common and is addressed with asymmetric dosing — placing more units on the side with greater elevation. Many patients have some degree of asymmetry without being aware of it until Dr. Ashar assesses them in person. This is one reason the in-person anatomy assessment before treatment matters.
No. Results last 3-4 months. Some patients maintain the treatment on an ongoing cycle; others treat seasonally. There is no permanent non-surgical equivalent — surgical lip repositioning is the permanent option. Many patients are satisfied with the Botox approach as a long-term maintenance treatment and do not pursue surgery.
If the injection is placed too low or too far from the LLSAN, the Botox can spread to the orbicularis oris (the muscle controlling lip movement) and cause asymmetry, drooping of one corner of the mouth, or difficulty with speech and eating. These effects are temporary and wear off as the Botox clears, but they are avoidable with proper anatomy assessment and conservative dosing. This is not a treatment to seek from a provider who does not specialize in facial anatomy.
They address different concerns using adjacent muscles. Gummy smile Botox targets the LLSAN to reduce how high the upper lip rises on smiling. A lip flip targets the orbicularis oris at the vermilion border to curl the upper lip slightly outward, creating the appearance of a fuller lip without adding volume. Some patients benefit from both. Dr. Ashar will clarify which is appropriate for your specific presentation during consultation.
Ready to Book Gummy Smile Botox?
Free consultation with Dr. Ashar. In-person at our Sugar Hill, GA clinic.