Gummy Smile Sydney

What Causes A Gummy Smile?

Before we can treat a gummy smile, we must know the cause. Often, a combination of factors is contributing, which is why a thorough assessment is required first. Your gummy smile may be due to issues such as:

• Short upper lip: There is a short distance between their nose and upper lip, naturally resulting in less gum coverage.
• Excess gum tissue: A larger-than-usual amount of gum tissue is covering the teeth.
• Skeletal factors: The jawbone or facial structure may cause more gum to show.
• Smile dynamics: This includes lip movement patterns and muscle coordination.
• Overactive upper lip muscles: Excessive muscle contraction can cause the lip to lift higher than usual.
• Hypermobile upper lip: Some lips move more easily than others, revealing more gum.

Options For Treating A Gummy Smile

Once we have determined the causes of your gummy smile, we can commence treatment, which may involve one or more of the following options.

Muscle-Relaxant Treatment: By relaxing the muscles that lift the upper lip, the lip stays lower when smiling, reducing the amount of gum revealed. One of the more popular treatments for a gummy smile, it involves carefully targeting specific points of the muscle, based on your smile pattern and muscle movement.

Volumising Treatment: Some individuals don’t have concerns related to muscle movement. Instead, they may have concerns about the upper lip rolling inward or sitting high when smiling. To address these issues and improve gum coverage, we can support the upper lip with a volumising treatment.

At Bella Plastic Surgery, we use the Kiss Me Lip Augmentation Technique, which involves placing product on the inner side of the upper lip to support the lip from within. This technique can help reduce the amount that the lip curls under when smiling. It can also add a touch of volume and extend the upper lip arches to address balance in the smile.

Combining Muscle Relaxant & Volumising Treatment: Some individuals may choose both the above treatments. By relaxing the upper lip muscles, we can help reduce the amount that the lip lifts when smiling, and by adding a volumiser, we can help support the lip, altering the way it sits during movement.

Gummy Smile Treatment Cost

All gummy smile treatments are tailored to the individual. To determine the cost, patients first need an individual consultation to determine which treatments are required. During this time, a treatment plan will be created and all costs presented.

Treatment Longevity

How long the results last depends on the type of treatment required and whether you need one or more types of treatment. Your anatomy, the amount of muscle movement and your treatment plan all influence the longevity of the results.

Comfort

Most people tolerate gummy smile treatments well. However, if required, we can apply a topical anaesthetic to the area beforehand to make the treatment more comfortable. We ask all patients who prefer this option to let the treating cosmetic nurse know as soon as they arrive.

Downtime

The need for downtime will depend on the type of treatment you have and how your body responds to it. Some individuals can return to their everyday activities shortly after treatment, while others may need a little downtime to cope with swelling or bruising.

Aftercare Instructions

Aftercare instructions are discussed with patients during their initial consultation. They will also receive written instructions at the end of their treatment. The type of aftercare required will depend on the treatment/s you receive.

Possible Side Effects

Gummy Smile FAQs

What causes a gummy smile?

There are several causes of a gummy smile, with many individuals having more than one. It can be caused by your facial structure, lip shape, gum tissue or by strong upper lip muscle movement.

Do I need a consultation before my first treatment?

Yes. All patients require a consultation before treatment to examine their smile, determine suitability for treatment and recommend the most appropriate treatments.

What treatment options are available for a gummy smile?

Muscle Relaxant treatments are commonly recommended for a gummy smile. Volumising Treatments are also sometimes recommended. Sometimes, we may recommend a combination of both these treatments where suitable.

Do you ever recommend more than one treatment?

Yes. Sometimes, we recommend combining treatments to optimise the results.

Is there any downtime required?

Downtime will be determined by the treatment required and how your body responds. Some individuals experience few side effects and require no downtime, while others may experience some bruising and swelling.

How long do treatments last?

The longevity of your treatment results will depend on the type of treatment you receive. We will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.

How long does it take to see results?

This depends on the type of treatment you’ve had and will be explained to you carefully during your consultation. Typically, Volumising Treatment results are seen immediately, but the swelling may take several days to subside. Muscle Relaxant treatment may become noticeable three or four days after treatment, with full results appearing after two weeks.

Are there any risks?

All cosmetic treatments carry an element of risk and vary depending on the treatment received. All potential risks will be discussed with you before your treatment.

Is it painful?

Most people tolerate gummy smile treatment extremely well. However, if preferred, we can discuss comfort options during your consultation