Posted by Barb N.P. Team
on January 01, 2026
When your smile shows more gum than you’d like, it can make you feel a little self-conscious. You might find yourself smiling with your lips closed or trying to hide your mouth when you laugh. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and there's a remarkably simple, non-surgical solution: Gummy Smile Botox.
This treatment uses a purified neurotoxin to gently relax the muscles that pull your upper lip too high when you smile. The result? A beautifully balanced grin where your teeth are the main event, not your gums.
Your Quick Guide to Gummy Smile Botox
For years, the options for correcting a gummy smile were pretty invasive and expensive. Think jaw surgery or complex dental work. But now, Botox offers an elegant and effective alternative that’s changing the game for so many of my clients.
The treatment is incredibly fast—we're talking just a few minutes in the chair with virtually zero downtime. You can literally pop in on your lunch break and head right back to your day. The magic is in its precision. I target the very specific muscles that are over-pulling your lip, causing that "gummy" look.
With just a tiny, controlled amount of product (like the BARB N.P. brand neurotoxin we trust), we can soften the muscle's activity just enough to let your lip settle into a more natural, aesthetically pleasing position. Your smile still looks completely like you—just with a little less gum showing. And since the results are temporary, lasting about 3-6 months, it’s a perfect, low-commitment way to see if you love the change.
Key Treatment Details
To give you a clear, at-a-glance overview, I’ve put together a simple table with the key details of a typical gummy smile treatment. This is a great starting point before we dive deeper into each part of the process.
| Gummy Smile Botox at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Treatment Aspect | Typical Details |
| Targeted Muscles | Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (LLSAN) |
| Units Required | 2-4 units per side (4-8 units total) |
| Longevity of Results | 3-6 months |
| Average Cost | $100 - $500 per session |
While this table offers a handy reference, remember that every face is unique. The exact dosage and injection plan will always be tailored to your specific anatomy and muscle strength during our consultation.
Gummy Smile Botox is just one of the many ways we can enhance your natural features. If you're exploring different ways to perfect your smile, it can be helpful to look into comprehensive cosmetic dental services to understand the full spectrum of options out there. This knowledge empowers you to make the best decisions for your aesthetic goals.
So, What Exactly Causes a Gummy Smile?
First things first, a gummy smile isn't a medical problem. It's simply a cosmetic trait, but for a lot of women, it can feel like a source of self-consciousness when they see more gum than they'd like in photos or in the mirror.
The reason behind it is usually pretty straightforward and often boils down to one simple thing: overactive muscles.
More often than not, the culprit is a hyperactive muscle in the upper lip. There's a specific muscle with a very long name—the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (or LLSAN for short)—that tends to be the main offender. Think of this muscle as an overly dramatic stage curtain. When you smile, it yanks your upper lip way too high, revealing more of your gums than you intended.
Of course, that’s not the only possible reason. A few other factors can play a part:
- A shorter upper lip: Some people are just born with a naturally shorter upper lip, which means more gum tissue shows even with totally normal muscle movement.
- Vertical maxillary excess: This is a fancy term for a skeletal trait where the upper jaw has grown a bit longer than average, making the gums more prominent.
- A hypermobile lip: This just means the lip itself moves a lot, traveling significantly upward whenever you smile.
Botox is such a game-changer for a gummy smile because it directly targets that overactive LLSAN muscle—the most common cause. The goal isn't to freeze your smile or make you look unnatural. Not at all.
A skilled injector uses Botox like a "dimmer switch," not an off switch. It gently tells that overeager muscle to relax its strong upward pull, letting your lip settle into a more natural, balanced position when you smile.
This precise, delicate touch is what ensures your expressions stay completely authentic while creating a more harmonious look. Understanding the 'why' behind the treatment really helps you appreciate the artistry involved.
Why Anatomy Makes This Treatment So Effective
Because the root cause is muscular, a neurotoxin treatment like the BARB N.P. brand of product we use is incredibly effective. The goal is to weaken the target muscle just enough to lower the lip by a few millimeters. It’s a tiny adjustment that makes a huge aesthetic difference, shifting the focus from your gums to your beautiful teeth.
And if you've ever felt self-conscious about it, you are far from alone.
A gummy smile, which is defined as showing more than 3-4 mm of gum tissue, actually affects between 10.5% and 29% of the population, and it's even more common in women. This has led to a huge number of people looking for simple, effective fixes. In fact, global searches for 'Botox' have jumped by 98% across 38 countries, showing just how much people are turning to these kinds of minimally invasive solutions. You can read the full research about these findings to see just how big this trend is.
What to Expect During Your Botox Appointment
Walking into a Botox appointment for a gummy smile is a quick, simple, and surprisingly comfortable experience. It's not a long, drawn-out process.
First, we’ll start with a personal consultation. This is where we sit down and chat about your goals, take a close look at your unique smile, and make sure this is the perfect treatment for you. This initial step is all about making a plan together that you're excited about.
Once we've got a plan, the treatment itself is over in just a few minutes. Seriously. It involves just a couple of very precise, shallow injections. We place them strategically to gently relax the specific muscles that are pulling your upper lip a bit too high when you smile.
This little diagram breaks down exactly what's happening and what the Botox is fixing.
As you can see, it’s a simple chain reaction: an overactive muscle causes an extra-high lip lift, which then reveals more gum. Botox just steps in to calm that initial muscle pull, solving the entire issue.
Injection Sites And Technique
Getting a natural-looking, beautiful result is all about precision. For a gummy smile, the injections are typically placed on either side of the nose, targeting the muscle that runs from the side of your nostril down to your upper lip.
One of the most effective and well-known injection sites for this is called the "Yonsei point."
This specific spot is an anatomical landmark where several of the upper lip elevator muscles meet up. By targeting this exact point, an experienced injector can achieve a really noticeable—but still subtle—drop in the lip line with a minimal amount of product. We use a very fine needle and a gentle touch, so the whole thing feels like a tiny pinch that’s over in seconds. If you're curious about the art of placement, you can dive deeper into a full guide on Botox injection sites and face diagrams.
The entire procedure is designed for your comfort and confidence. We use a gentle approach to minimize any discomfort, ensuring the experience is smooth, quick, and stress-free from start to finish.
Results Timeline
The best part? You can head right back to your daily routine immediately after the injections. There is virtually no downtime. The effects aren't instant, but you won't have to wait long to see them kick in.
Here’s the typical timeline you can expect:
- Initial Changes: You’ll probably start to notice a subtle relaxation in your upper lip within 3-5 days.
- Full Effect: The final, gorgeous results will be fully visible at the two-week mark.
Your new, more balanced smile will typically last for three to four months. After that, a quick maintenance appointment is all it takes to keep the look going. This timeline lets you enjoy your confident new smile with almost no interruption to your life.
Aftercare Tips to Maximize Your Results
Getting your gummy smile Botox is the first exciting step, but what you do afterward is what truly protects that gorgeous new look. Once the neurotoxin works its magic, the overactive muscle pulling up your lip gently relaxes. Your lip settles into a more natural, balanced position, shifting the focus to your beautiful teeth instead of your gums.
It’s a subtle tweak that makes a huge difference in your overall facial harmony and confidence. The best part? Keeping up with it is incredibly simple.
On average, the effects of your gummy smile Botox will last anywhere from three to six months. As your body naturally metabolizes the product, you can pop in for a quick touch-up appointment to maintain that flawless, confident smile year-round.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Following a few simple rules right after your appointment is non-negotiable. This ensures the Botox settles perfectly into the targeted muscle without migrating to other areas, giving you the precise result you came for.
For the first 24 hours, stick to these guidelines:
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Hold off on that intense spin class, heavy lifting, or anything that gets your heart pumping and blood rushing to your face.
- Stay Upright: For the first four hours, avoid lying down flat or bending over for long periods. This little precaution helps the product stay exactly where I placed it.
- Don't Touch the Area: It can be tempting, but please avoid rubbing, massaging, or putting any pressure on the injection sites around your nose and upper lip.
These instructions might seem minor, but they are critical for a perfect outcome. For a complete rundown, you can always check out my detailed Botox aftercare instructions to make sure you’re covering all your bases.
Elevate Your Glow with Advanced Skincare
While Botox is busy working on the muscle, you can take your results to the next level by focusing on your overall skin health. Pairing your aesthetic treatments with a smart skincare routine doesn’t just support the treatment—it amplifies your natural radiance. One of the best ways to support your skin post-treatment is with advanced light therapy.
We recommend the BARB N.P. LED Facial Mask as the perfect at-home device to complement your treatments. It’s completely wireless and designed for the utmost comfort, allowing you to relax while it works its magic. The mask also features 3 lighting settings for different treatments:
- Red Light: Fires up collagen production to help improve your skin’s firmness and soften fine lines.
- Blue Light: A powerhouse against acne-causing bacteria, helping you achieve a clearer, calmer complexion.
- Amber Light: My favorite for post-treatment care. It helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing, calming the skin beautifully.
Making this mask a part of your regular routine helps ensure your skin looks just as healthy and vibrant as your smile feels. When you nail the aftercare and support your skin’s health, you maximize the longevity and impact of your results every single time.
Comparing Botox with Surgical Alternatives
When you're looking to correct a gummy smile, Botox isn't your only path forward. For years, the main solution was a surgical procedure like lip repositioning. Making the right choice for you is what matters most, so let’s break down how gummy smile Botox compares to these more permanent, invasive options.
The biggest difference comes down to commitment. A surgical lip repositioning is permanent. While that might sound great on the surface, it comes with a heavier price tag, a much longer and more uncomfortable recovery, and greater risks.
Botox, on the other hand, is temporary. It’s a low-commitment way to see if you love the results, and it’s significantly more affordable, making it the perfect starting point for most people.
Botox vs. Surgical Lip Repositioning
Choosing between a minimally invasive treatment and surgery really comes down to weighing factors like downtime, cost, and permanence. This table lays it all out, showing exactly why so many of our clients prefer to start with Botox.
| Feature | Botox Treatment | Surgical Lip Repositioning |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Non-surgical, in-office injections | Invasive surgery requiring incisions |
| Downtime | None; return to daily activities immediately | 1-2 weeks of swelling and recovery |
| Permanence | Temporary (lasts 3-6 months) | Permanent alteration |
| Cost | $100 - $500 per session | $3,000 - $5,000+ |
| Risks | Minor, temporary bruising or swelling | Infection, scarring, nerve damage, asymmetry |
As you can see, gummy smile Botox offers a sensible, patient-first approach. It’s a fantastic way to "try on" your new smile without committing to a permanent change. The same idea applies when comparing it to a lip flip, which you can read all about in our article on using a lip flip for a gummy smile.
The clinical data backs this up. A 2022 review showed Botox delivering better outcomes than surgery, safely achieving an impressive 75.09% average correction without the permanent risks of lip repositioning.
Studies also found that just a few small units of Botox delivered results in days, with the full effect visible by week two. That beautiful result held steady for about 12 weeks before a gentle return—still a huge improvement over where patients started.
Botox for a gummy smile empowers you to take control of your aesthetic goals with a safe, proven, and low-commitment treatment. It’s about achieving the smile you want on your own terms.
Ready to Perfect Your Smile? Here’s How to Get Started
Choosing the right person for your gummy smile Botox is the most important decision you'll make in this journey. This isn't just about appearances; it's a medical treatment that demands a deep, professional understanding of facial anatomy. Here at BotoxBarb, your treatments are personally handled by Barb N.P., a licensed Nurse Practitioner whose medical background is your assurance of safety and beautifully natural results.
Ready to see a smile you absolutely love in the mirror? Booking your one-on-one consultation is incredibly simple. Our online system makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule, so you can start your confidence-boosting journey without any fuss.
Your Path to a Radiant Smile
We see beauty and wellness as a complete picture. When you come in for your consultation, we won't just talk about your gummy smile—we'll listen to your overall aesthetic goals. This lets us build a plan that truly reflects the results you're hoping for.
Our expertise doesn't stop with neurotoxins. We also offer:
- Dermal Fillers to bring back volume and softly contour your features.
- PRP Treatments for powerful, natural rejuvenation from within.
- Medical-Grade Skincare to protect and support your skin’s health long-term.
The cost for a typical gummy smile Botox treatment is very accessible, usually ranging from $100 to $500 per session for such a significant change. And because we believe in supporting your glow at home, all our clients receive exclusive discounts on our premium skincare. If you're looking for some initial guidance from the comfort of your home, an online dentist consultation can also be a great starting point to learn more about your options.
Your confidence is our top priority. We combine specialized aesthetic expertise with a genuine commitment to your well-being, ensuring every treatment is safe, effective, and designed just for you.
To really elevate your results, we always recommend pairing your in-clinic treatments with the BARB N.P. brand of skincare, especially our at-home devices. When you invest in your skin's health, you amplify the results of any injectable and protect that investment.
Booking with us means you’re not just getting a treatment; you're gaining a partner dedicated to helping you feel your absolute best, inside and out.
Your Gummy Smile Botox Questions, Answered
Stepping into a new aesthetic treatment is exciting, but it's natural to have questions. Here are the honest, straightforward answers to the most common things people ask about Gummy Smile Botox, so you can feel completely confident and ready.
Is The Gummy Smile Botox Treatment Painful?
Honestly, most people describe it as a quick, tiny pinch that’s over in a flash. We use an incredibly fine needle, and the injections themselves take just a minute or two. The discomfort is minimal and gone almost immediately, making it one of the easiest injectable treatments out there.
How Many Units of Botox Will I Need?
This is always tailored to your specific facial muscles and smile. But generally speaking, a gummy smile treatment is very precise and requires a light touch—usually between 2 to 4 units of Botox on each side of the nose. It's just enough to relax the muscle for a beautiful, natural result without overdoing it.
Will This Affect My Ability to Smile Naturally?
When done by an experienced injector, absolutely not. The goal is never to freeze your smile! We’re just gently relaxing the specific overactive muscles that pull your lip up too high. You'll still smile, laugh, and express yourself just as you always have—your grin will simply reveal more of your gorgeous teeth and less gum.
What Happens if I Stop Getting Gummy Smile Botox?
No worries at all. If you decide to stop treatments, there are no long-term changes. Over three to six months, your body will naturally metabolize the Botox, and your upper lip muscle will slowly go back to its original strength. Your smile will simply return to the way it was before you started.
At BotoxBarb, our passion is enhancing your natural beauty with treatments that are safe, effective, and expertly performed. To keep your skin glowing between appointments, consider pairing your in-clinic results with our at-home devices. The BARB N.P. LED Facial Mask is the perfect partner for supporting radiant, healthy skin with its wireless design and multiple light settings.