Hey, I’m Dr Vishal Patel from Dental & Wellness London in Islington (near Angel and Essex Road). If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of a gummy smile, you’re not alone — I see it every week.
This guide covers gummy smile Botox, how we use a botulinum toxin injection (often described as toxin injections) to reduce excessive gum show, what results feel like, how long it lasts, and what the alternatives are — including orthodontics, gum contouring, and surgery.
If you’re looking for a calm, medically-led gummy smile treatment in London, you can also book for a free consultation directly here:
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What is a gummy smile and what causes gummy smiles?
A gummy smile usually means you can see more gum than you’d like when you smile — sometimes called excessive gingival or excessive gingival display.
The cause of gummy smiles can be different from person to person. Common reasons include:
- A short upper lip or a naturally thin upper lip
- Strong lip elevator muscles (a hyperactive muscle pattern)
- The muscle of the upper lip lifting too far (the elevation of the upper lip)
- Tooth position, bite, or gum level creating the amount of gum that shows
- The way your upper lip muscles and orbicularis oris muscle coordinate during expression
- A strong lip muscle pull (especially the lip elevator / elevator muscle)
In simple terms: your top lip moves like a curtain. If it lifts too high when you smile — you’ll see more gum when you smile.
Gummy smile with Botox: how gummy smile Botox works
Gummy smile with Botox is one of the most popular options because it’s minimally invasive, quick, and reversible.
Here’s what we’re doing when we use Botox for gummy smile:
- We place a small amount of botulinum toxin type (Botox is one of the most recognised brands) into the upper lip muscles that pull the lip upwards
- This helps relax the muscles and reduce over-lifting
- The aim is gummy smile reduction — not changing who you are
- You keep a natural smile, just with less gum show and a more balanced smile
This is why many people call it gummy smile correction or correcting a gummy smile — it’s a subtle adjustment in muscle pull and lip movement.
If you want to explore our approach to Botox in general, click below.
Botox treatments in Islington
Botox gummy smile vs lip flip: which is right for you?
This is a common question: lip flip vs gummy smile Botox.
They can overlap, but they’re not identical.
Lip flip
A lip flip aims to roll the top lip slightly outward, so it looks a little fuller at rest and when you talk. It’s often chosen for cosmetic refinement or lip enhancement.
Botox for a gummy smile
Botox for a gummy (or Botox for a gummy smile) is focused on reducing gum show by calming a hyperactive upper lip lift.
Botox for gummy smile can be ideal if the main issue is the lip lifting too high and showing excessive gum.
In clinic, I’ll look at your smile dynamics and explain what’s driving it — because the best option depends on your muscle pattern, gum level, and what you want your smile to look like.
Gummy smile Botox treatment: what happens at your appointment
A gummy smile botox treatment is usually quick.
Here’s what we do at Dental & Wellness London:
- We assess your smile at rest and in motion (how the muscle activity behaves)
- We agree on a treatment plan based on your goals
- We map the safest, most effective injection sites
- We perform the Botox injection using tiny needles
The treatment involves injecting botox into specific points. This is often described as using botox to reduce lift.
The aim is an effective treatment that looks natural, not artificial.
Where do you inject, and how many units of Botox?
Every face is different, so I always tailor placement. But for many people, the key target is the levator labii region (you may see it written as levator labii or levator labii superioris). This area influences the lip elevator action.
Typical approach:
- 2–4 carefully selected points near the upper lip/nasal base
- usually a small dose — the units of botox vary depending on strength and movement
- we use the minimum needed amount of botox to achieve a natural result
- often a small amount of botulinum toxin is enough
You’ll sometimes see it described as a botulinum toxin treatments strategy — because the goal is precision, not volume.
Results: when you’ll see the full result and how it feels
Most people notice early changes within a few days. The full result is usually clearer at about 10–14 days.
What it feels like:
- your lip lifts slightly less when you smile
- your smile looks more balanced
- you still look like you — just less gum show
In other words, it should still feel like a natural smile.
How long does gummy smile Botox last?
For many patients, the effects of botox for a gummy smile last around three to four months. Some people find it lasts longer, depending on muscle strength and how expressive they are.
This is where the effect of botulinum toxin varies slightly between individuals.
If you like the result, we can keep it consistent with a maintenance plan. If you decide it’s not for you, it simply wears off — which many people find reassuring.
Is gummy smile Botox safe?
In suitable patients, gummy smile Botox is considered safe when performed by a properly trained clinician.
It’s a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, and most people get back to normal immediately.
Common short-term effects can include mild tenderness, small bruising, or a tiny bump at the injection points, but these usually settle quickly.
Can you reverse gummy smile Botox?
There’s no “off switch” that instantly reverses Botox — but the good news is it’s temporary.
If you don’t love the effect, your muscle function gradually returns as the product wears off. That’s why I often recommend it as a first-line option before more invasive choices.
Treatment for gummy smile: what else can help (and when Botox isn’t enough)
Sometimes Botox isn’t the only answer — and a good treatment plan should consider the full picture.
Dermal filler and lip fillers
If part of the issue is a thin upper lip or lack of lip support, lip fillers or dermal filler may complement treatment. This is more about shape and support than muscle pull.
- dermal filler can improve lip support and balance
- it can be combined with Botox to refine results
- a careful combination helps overall harmony
Click here to understand more about Dermal fillers in Islington
Orthodontics and tooth position
If tooth position contributes to gum display, orthodontics may help long-term. Clear aligners can improve the relationship between teeth, gumline, and lip posture.
It is vital to consider invisalign or clear aligner treatment as an option; Orthodontist in Islington
Gum contouring (laser)
If there’s genuinely extra gum tissue, contouring can change the gum-to-tooth ratio. This can be permanent and can work beautifully with Botox.
Lip repositioning or surgery
For severe cases, a surgical approach such as lip repositioning may be discussed. I generally suggest starting with the least invasive option first — especially when Botox can deliver a meaningful improvement.
“Is it unattractive?” and “why do only girls have a gummy smile?”
Two quick points:
- Some people love their gummy smile, others feel self-conscious. There’s no “right” answer — it’s personal.
- It’s not gender-specific. Everyone can have one. I treat all genders at our London clinic.
Key takeaways: fixing a gummy smile in London
If you want to fix a gummy smile without surgery, botox gummy smile treatment can be a very effective option. It’s quick, targeted, and reversible.
- Great for a hyperactive lip / hyperactive lip muscles pattern
- Uses a small amount of product and precise injection points
- Helps reduce excessive gingival display and create a more balanced smile
- Maintains natural expressions and a natural smile
If you’d like a personalised plan at Dental & Wellness London (Islington / Angel / Essex Road), you can book here:
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FAQs: gummy smile Botox
How often should I repeat gummy smile Botox?
Most people repeat treatment every 3–4 months, depending on how strong the lip elevator muscles are.
Is gummy smile Botox the same as a lip flip?
Not always. A lip flip focuses on lip appearance and roll; Botox for a gummy smile targets gum show caused by lift.
Will it change my smile?
You’ll still smile normally — just with reduced gum show and more balanced proportions.
Can I combine Botox with fillers?
Yes — lip fillers or dermal filler may be used alongside Botox in certain cases, depending on lip shape and support.
What if I stop?
Your smile gradually returns to how it was before as the Botox wears off.
Dr. Vishal Patel
Dr Vishal Patel has been transforming smiles and confidence since 2006. Trained by the AACD in the USA and holding an MSc from Manchester, he blends advanced dentistry with facial aesthetics, including Botox and dermal fillers. Having cared for patients across London, Essex and Melbourne, his calm, holistic approach builds trust and results that feel beautifully natural.