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What is a Gummy Smile

Your smile is how you greet the world. A gummy smile, is when your upper lip shows too much of your gums, which can affect how you see yourself and approach others. Thankfully, there are surgical and non-surgical treatments to minimize the appearance of a gummy smile, including BOTOX® injections, dermal fillers, and surgical correction of the upper lip muscles.

Summary

Procedure time
Varies by procedure
8062749
Overnight stay
No
Anesthetic
Anesthetic
Varies by procedure
Recovery time
Recovery time
Varies by procedure

Gummy Smile Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild to moderate cases of gummy lips, minimally invasive procedures such as BOTOX® and injectables may be used. BOTOX® injections paralyze the upper lip muscles, preventing the lip from lifting too high when you smile. For someone with a small upper lip, injectables add volume and length to help cover the gums. These procedures achieve temporary results and can be repeated as needed.

black woman smiling hand under chin
Surgical Treatments

Your physician may recommend a surgical approach if you're seeking a permanent solution for gummy lip correction. Upper lip muscles that are over-functioning can cause too much of the gums to be exposed. A plastic surgeon can resolve a hyperfunctioning upper lip by making incisions in the muscle to reduce tightness or pulling. 

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Am I a

Candidate for Gummy Smile Correction?

Gummy smile correction, both surgical and non-surgical, is recommended for adults in good health who do not smoke. If you are considering treatment, the recommended approach will depend on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. Gummy smile correction is the recommended treatment for the following conditions:

  • Short upper teeth that developed abnormally
  • Hyperfunction pulling the upper lip muscles
  • Large upper jaw bone that causes bulging gums
  • Gums that are long or enlarged
  • Teeth that are small in comparison to the gums
  • An upper lip that is too short
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Consultation

Our board-certified plastic surgeons are available for gummy smile correction consultations, both surgical and non-surgical, at all Plastic Surgery Center locations. During your initial visit, one of our highly-skilled specialists will review your medical history, discuss your ideal outcomes, answer questions, and make treatment recommendations. 

Questions
about this procedure?

What to Expect

Before your gummy smile correction, our expert staff and physicians will provide detailed information about what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. The specific approach used to resolve a gummy smile varies widely based on the underlying cause and your desired results. 

 

In most cases, local anesthesia is sufficient to manage discomfort. Multiple procedures and surgical specialties may be combined to create the most aesthetically pleasing result, each with benefits and risks. 

Recovery &
Results

Each person's response to surgery and the healing process is unique. Non-invasive procedures like BOTOX® and other injectable filler treatments such as lip injections may result in some discomfort. These symptoms should resolve within 24 to 48 hours, though it may take a week. If you want to have injectables before a big event, we recommend scheduling the procedure ahead by two weeks or more to ensure complete recovery.

Our

Surgeons

Our board-certified plastic surgeons are expertly qualified in both surgical and non-surgical gummy smile correction. A combination of extensive, specialized training and decades of experience ensures safety and satisfaction for each patient. We pride ourselves in world-class care and surgical outcomes that will exceed your expectations. 

Sean Herman
PHYSICIAN

Sean Herman

MD, FACS

Financing & Insurance

Gummy smile correction is generally considered a cosmetic dental procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, if a gummy smile is caused by a medical condition or injury, it may be covered under medical insurance. If you want to learn more about estimated costs and coverage, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support staff at 833-615-2621.

Our Process

01
schedule
Schedule a Consultation

During your consultation, our expert surgeons will listen and work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve.

02
explore-options
Explore
Your Options

We will review and explain all of your cosmetic options and identify which procedure is right for you.

03
transforamation
Start Your Transformation

Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.

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Map of Locations

Find Gummy Smile Correction in NJ & PA

New York City 635 Madison Ave, 14th Floor New York City , NY 10022

Financing & Insurance

Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.

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Let Your Natural Beauty Flourish

Our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in procedures that can help you greet the world with your best face forward. Contact us today to learn more about gummy smile correction treatments.

Stop hiding your smile.