Treat your gummy smile with botox and/or filler in Parksville, Nanaimo and Langley, BC.
As someone with a naturally gummy smile, I can speak firsthand on how transformational opting for botox (a lip flip) and lip filler has been for my confidence.
Admittedly, this personal transformation photo spans several years, but I love this comparison of my smile because you can really notice the significant, yet subtle, difference in the amount of my gum tissue that shows above my upper teeth when I smile. There are two ways to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile (an excessive gingival display,) and depending on the nature of your lips, one method may be better suited for you over the other. Or, like was the case with me, combining both methods may be the best solution.
What is a gummy smile and what causes it?
There are a few reasons why you may have a gummy smile, which essentially means a large portion of your gums show when you smile. You could have overactive muscles above your upper lip (the Yonsei point), your Orbicularis oris muscle may be causing your upper lip to curl underneath itself or you may naturally just have a thin upper lip. Oftentimes, gummy smiles are hereditary and the result of an overactive upper lip.
How can I treat my gummy smile?
Because there are different causes of a gummy smile, there are different solutions. Both botox (lip flip) and lip filler can help your top lip remain looking full all the time—even when smiling. We can target the overactive muscles (Orbicularis oris) with a neuromodulator (Dysport, Botox, Nuceiva) to prevent them from contracting (helping the upper lip flip open instead of under); or increase volume in the upper lip with a dermal filler (I typically use a few different types but usually Revanesse® Kiss) to help cover more of the upper gums/teeth. For those of you who need a quick refresher, botox works by temporarily preventing muscles from contracting whereas filler adds volume (HA).
How much does botox for gummy smile cost?
Treating a gummy smile with botox typically requires four to eight units of botox. They are administered to an area called the Yonsei Point, where the levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and zygomaticus minor muscles intersect. When first treating a gummy smile, we tend to start conservatively—depending on how strong your muscles are and the nature of your gummy smile, more or less units may be required. Lip flips/gummy smile treatments start at $150.
How much does filler for gummy smile cost?
If your gummy smile is a result of a thin upper lip, lip filler may be the right solution for you. I personally charge lip filler by syringe starting at $325 for a half syringe (0.6ml) and $600 for a full syringe (1.2ml). During your consultation with me, I can help determine the right treatment plan for your desired results.
How long do gummy smile treatment results last?
You should begin to see visible results of your gummy smile botox in three to four days post treatment with full results being evident by 14 days. In general, botox (neuromodulators) last three to four months. If you opt for lip fillers, results can last between four and six months. Since this area is prone to more movement (eating, talking, smiling, etc.), the effects may wear off sooner than other areas. The length of results varies for each individual.
How much downtime is required post gummy smile treatment?
Like with most botox and filler injections, downtime is very minimal and you can resume most of your normal daily activities immediately. It’s important to avoid exercising, alcohol, touching the treatment area and sleeping face down for the first 24 hours.
What are the side effects of treating gummy smile with botox?
There are several minor, immediate side effects that may occur when treating a gummy smile with botox injections such as discomfort at the injection site and bruising. The most common side effects that I personally noticed when trying a lip flip for the first time was in the first week post-treatment. I had difficulty with normal tasks such as brushing my teeth, applying chapstick and drinking out of a straw. Because lip flips work by temporarily relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle (specifically the portion over the upper lip), it can be extremely difficult to move your lips in the way we are used to (there’s a secret society of us struggling to sip our drinks). By week two, the magic really kicked in and I was finally able to wrap my lips around a straw again (still use caution!) and my upper lip appeared a lot fuller.
What are the side effects of treating gummy smile with lip filler?
Like with any treatment, there are risks involved when getting lip filler. Bruising, bumps/lumps, filler migration and the reactivation of cold sores are all possible reactions post treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects post filler (and botox), it’s vital you follow your aftercare instructions thoroughly.
Gummy Smile Treatment on Vancouver Island
The right solution for gummy smiles differs for everyone. To learn more about who is the right candidate for lip flips, click here and for everything you need to know about lip filler, click here. For more personalized recommendations, book your consultation at one of my three locations: Xpose Salon in Nanaimo, Elegance Sculpting in Parksville, or Avenue 42 in Langley, BC.
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