Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment Singapore | Reduce Excessive Gum Show

What Is a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile—also known medically as excessive gingival display—occurs when more than 3mm of upper gum tissue is visible when smiling. This happens when the upper lip lifts higher than usual, exposing more of the gums and sometimes making the teeth appear shorter or disproportionate.

It is estimated that up to 10% of the population has a gummy smile. While this is a harmless condition, many individuals may feel self-conscious or desire a more balanced smile.

Fortunately, botulinum toxin treatment offers a safe and effective non-surgical solution. By relaxing the overactive muscles that lift the upper lip, botulinum toxin helps reduce excessive gum show and create a more balanced, natural-looking smile.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile can be caused by a combination of muscular, dental, and skeletal factors. Common causes include:

• Overactive Upper Lip Elevator Muscles: Excessive activity of muscles such as the levator labii superioris can cause the upper lip to lift too high during smiling, revealing more gum tissue.
• Gingival Hypertrophy: Enlarged or thickened gum tissue can extend over the teeth, making the smile appear gummy.
• Vertical Maxillary Excess: An overgrowth of the upper jaw (maxilla) can push the gums downward, increasing gum visibility during smiling.
• Thin Upper Lips: A naturally thin upper lip may provide less coverage over the gums, resulting in more gum show when smiling.

Identifying the root cause of a gummy smile is essential in selecting the most suitable treatment—whether it's botulinum toxin for muscle overactivity or referral for dental or surgical options in more complex cases.

How Botulinum Toxin Treats Gummy Smile

When a gummy smile is caused by overactive upper lip elevator muscles, botulinum toxin offers an effective, non-surgical treatment. It works by temporarily relaxing specific muscles—primarily the levator labii superioris and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi—which are responsible for excessive upper lip elevation during smiling.

By reducing muscle contraction, the upper lip no longer rises as high. This results in less gum exposure and a more proportionate, natural-looking smile.

Botulinum toxin is a purified neurotoxin commonly used in aesthetic medicine to weaken overactive muscles. It works by blocking nerve signals to the targeted muscles, reducing their activity for several months. While often associated with wrinkle reduction, it is also highly effective for treating muscle-related concerns such as gummy smile.

This approach is:

• Quick – treatments take less than 15 minutes
• Minimally invasive – requiring only a few precise injections
• Well-tolerated – most patients experience minimal discomfort
• Low downtime – normal activities can be resumed immediately
• Effective – results are typically seen within 1 week and last 3 to 6 months

Botulinum toxin treatment is ideal for patients seeking a safe, reversible option to improve smile aesthetics without undergoing surgery.

Who Is Suitable for Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment?

Botulinum toxin treatment is most suitable for individuals whose gummy smile is caused by muscle-related factors, such as overactive upper lip elevator muscles. If your upper lip lifts too high when smiling and reveals excessive gum tissue, you may benefit from this minimally invasive option.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Show more than 3mm of upper gum when smiling
• Have no underlying skeletal or dental abnormalities requiring surgical correction
• Prefer a non-surgical, low-downtime solution
• Are in good general health with no neuromuscular conditions
• Are looking for a temporary aesthetic improvement that can be maintained periodically

A proper medical consultation is essential to determine the underlying cause of your gummy smile. In some cases—such as when the issue is due to vertical maxillary excess or severe gum overgrowth—alternative dental or surgical treatments may be more appropriate.

Benefits of Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment

Botulinum toxin offers a targeted, non-surgical solution for patients who want to improve excessive gum show caused by overactive lip muscles.

Why patients choose this treatment:

• Achieves a more proportionate, aesthetically pleasing smile
• Enhances smile confidence without altering facial features
• Suitable for those seeking a reversible and low-risk option
• Avoids the need for surgery or recovery downtime
• Can be repeated safely for long-term smile maintenance

When administered by a trained aesthetic doctor, the results are subtle, natural-looking, and tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.

Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment Experience in Singapore

The gummy smile treatment with botulinum toxin is a quick and straightforward procedure that typically involves just two small injections—one on each side of the upper lip.

During the session, Dr Edwin will first assess your smile and mark the injection points, usually located about 1 to 2 cm from the base of each nostril, near the nasolabial fold. This is where the upper lip elevator muscles converge, making it the ideal target for treatment.

To enhance comfort and reduce the risk of bruising, each injection site is cooled with ice beforehand. The actual injections take only a few seconds to perform.

Each injection point typically contains 2 to 6 units of botulinum toxin, amounting to a total of 4 to 12 units for most patients—depending on individual muscle strength and anatomy.

Following the procedure, mild swelling or, less commonly, light bruising may occur at the injection site. Dr Edwin may recommend applying a soothing post-treatment recovery cream to minimise these effects and support skin healing.

Is Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment Painful?

The procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. A very fine needle is used, and most patients describe the sensation as a quick ant bite or small pinch. To further reduce any discomfort and prevent bruising, the injection sites are pre-cooled with ice.

How Long Does Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment Take?

The entire process typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, including facial assessment, marking, and the actual injections. The procedure is quick, efficient, and can be completed in a single clinic visit.

When Will I See Results From Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin?

Most patients begin to notice results within 5 to 7 days after treatment, with the full effect visible by 1 to 2 weeks. The upper lip elevation is reduced gradually, resulting in less gum exposure during smiling.

How Long Do Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Results Last?

Results usually last between 3 to 6 months, depending on individual muscle activity and dosage used. Repeat treatments can help maintain results consistently over time.

How Many Units of Botulinum Toxin Are Needed for Gummy Smile?

Most patients require 4 to 12 units of botulinum toxin to correct a gummy smile, typically split evenly between both sides of the upper lip.

However, the exact dosage is not one-size-fits-all. Factors such as individual muscle activity, upper lip anatomy, and degree of gum exposure influence the recommended units.

An experienced injector will assess your facial dynamics in detail before determining the precise dosage. Accurate dosing ensures:

• Natural results
• Symmetrical smile correction
• Reduced risk of overtreatment or asymmetry

This customised approach is key to achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes safely and effectively.

Is Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment Safe? What Are the Side Effects?

Botulinum toxin treatment for gummy smile is generally very safe when administered by an experienced medical doctor. The safety profile of botulinum toxin has been well-established through decades of clinical use in both medical and aesthetic treatments.

As with any injectable treatment, there are some potential side effects. These may include:

• Mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites
• Temporary asymmetry in the smile if one side of the upper lip is more affected than the other

In rare cases of asymmetry, this can be corrected by administering a small additional dose of botulinum toxin to the side with stronger upper lip movement, balancing the overall smile appearance.

Choosing a trained and experienced injector is key to minimising risks and ensuring precise, symmetrical results.

Can Gummy Smile Be Permanently Fixed?

Botulinum toxin provides a temporary solution for gummy smile caused by overactive lip muscles. Results generally last between 3 to 6 months, after which repeat treatments can help maintain the improved smile.

For patients seeking a permanent fix, alternative procedures such as orthognathic jaw surgery, lip repositioning surgery, or laser gum contouring may be considered—especially when the gummy smile is caused by skeletal or dental factors rather than muscle hyperactivity.

Your doctor will advise on the most appropriate treatment option based on the root cause of your gummy smile.

Who Should Avoid Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Treatment?

While botulinum toxin is safe for most people, there are some conditions where treatment may not be advisable. Individuals who should avoid this procedure include:

• Those with active skin infections at the injection site
• Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis
• Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with a known allergy to botulinum toxin ingredients

Additionally, patients whose gummy smile is primarily caused by jawbone overgrowth or dental alignment issues may not benefit from botulinum toxin and should be referred for other treatment modalities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Find the Best Gummy Smile Botulinum Toxin Clinic in Singapore?

Choosing the right clinic is essential to ensure safe, natural-looking, and effective results from gummy smile treatment. While many clinics offer botulinum toxin injections, not all have the same level of experience or understanding of facial anatomy and smile dynamics.

Look for a clinic that:

• Is doctor-led and experienced in facial injectables
• Provides a thorough consultation to assess your smile and muscle activity
• Uses MOH-approved botulinum toxin brands
• Offers clear explanations about the type of product used, dosage, and expected results
• Has a strong track record in treating gummy smile cases specifically

Botulinum toxin treatment may appear simple, but precision is key to avoiding overcorrection or asymmetry. Selecting an experienced practitioner ensures both safety and the most aesthetically pleasing outcome.