Gummy Smile Botox in Apgujeong, Gangnam Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Gummy Smile Botox · quick answer
What gummy smile Botox does, in one paragraph
Gummy smile Botox is a very small dose of botulinum toxin injected into the muscles that lift the upper lip, mainly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi near the side of the nose. Relaxing them slightly stops the lip rising as high when you smile, so less gum shows. It works best when the gummy smile is caused by an overactive lip, not by tooth or jaw structure. At Ever Skin Clinic, a board-certified dermatologist studies your smile first and starts with a conservative dose.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D. Founder & Director, board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology residency at Hanyang University Hospital; adjunct professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine. Meet our dermatologists Last reviewed October 2026
- Target
- Upper-lip elevator muscles beside the nose
- Best for
- Excess gum show caused by a strong upper-lip lift
- Treatment time
- About 5 to 10 minutes
- Onset
- About 3 to 7 days, settling by 2 weeks
- Duration
- Typically around 3 to 4 months
The treatment
What is gummy smile Botox?
A gummy smile means more gum than usual shows above the upper teeth when you smile. It has several possible causes: a hyperactive upper lip, a short upper lip, excess gum tissue, teeth that have not fully erupted, or vertical growth of the upper jaw. Botox only helps the muscular cause, by reducing how far the lip is pulled up.
Because tiny doses are used close to the muscles of expression, placement matters. Gummy smile Botox is sometimes combined with a lip flip or lip filler when lip shape is also a concern. If the cause is dental or skeletal, we will suggest seeing a dentist or orthodontist.
What gummy smile Botox can and cannot do
- Can reduce gum show caused by a strong upper-lip lift
- Can soften an uneven gummy smile on one side
- Cannot change excess gum tissue or tooth length
- Cannot correct a jaw that has grown long vertically
- Works temporarily , so it is a low-commitment option to try
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
The best candidates show about 3 to 4 mm or more of gum when they smile fully, mainly because the upper lip rises strongly. Your dermatologist will watch your smile at rest and in motion, and may photograph it, to judge how much comes from muscle. A mainly dental or bony cause is better treated by a dentist or orthodontist.
Gummy smile Botox may suit you if you
- Feel you show too much gum in photos
- Notice your upper lip rises high when you laugh
- Have one side that lifts higher than the other
- Want a non-surgical option before considering surgery
- Prefer a subtle change that keeps your smile natural
Your visit
What happens during treatment
The injection itself takes a few minutes, with no numbing usually needed.
- Smile analysis Your dermatologist assesses your smile, gum show and symmetry, sometimes with photos.
- Marking One small point is usually marked on each side, near the groove beside the nose.
- Injection A tiny dose is placed in each point with a very fine needle, often slightly different on each side.
- Review We check your smile at about 2 weeks and can add a small top-up if needed.
Real patient · before & after
An example of mid-face treatment
This case shows work around the mouth and mid-face: previous nasolabial filler was dissolved and re-treated, and front-cheek filler was added. It is not a gummy smile Botox result and is shown only as an example of our careful approach to this area.
Gummy smile changes are best seen in smiling photos, and your dermatologist can show relevant examples at consultation.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Small marks at the injection points fade quickly. In the first weeks some patients feel the smile is slightly different or that the upper lip looks a little longer. Too much relaxation can flatten the smile or cause asymmetry, which is why we start conservatively and adjust at review. Effects are temporary and wear off over months.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, take blood thinners or aminoglycoside antibiotics, or play a wind instrument or speak professionally.
Aftercare tips
- Stay upright for about 4 hours after treatment
- Do not rub or massage the area beside the nose that day
- Skip saunas and strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
- Avoid facials or face massage for about a week
- Take a smile photo at 2 weeks to compare with your before photo
Questions we hear every day
Gummy Smile Botox FAQ
Is gummy smile Botox painful?
Most people feel only a brief sting at each of the one or two injection points per side. The needle is very fine and the treatment is over in minutes. Ice can be applied beforehand if the area near the nose feels sensitive to you.
How long do gummy smile Botox results last?
Results typically last about three to four months. The lip muscles are small and used constantly, so the effect can wear off a little sooner than in some other areas. Many patients repeat treatment two to four times a year if they like the result.
Will my smile look unnatural?
The aim is to reduce gum show, not to stop smiling. We start with a small dose and review at about two weeks, so changes can be adjusted. In the first days the lip may feel slightly different, which usually settles as you get used to it.
Is Botox better than surgery for a gummy smile?
Botox is temporary, needs no recovery and is a good way to see whether a lower lip position suits you. Surgical options, such as lip repositioning or orthodontic and jaw treatment, can be longer lasting but involve more downtime and depend on the cause.
Can I have gummy smile Botox on a short trip?
Yes. The treatment is quick with little downtime. The effect appears within about a week, so on a longer stay you can attend a review. On a short visit we usually choose a conservative dose, as it is easier to add later than to reverse.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
