Gummy Smile Botox in Seoul, Korea
Gummy smile Botox relaxes the muscles that lift the upper lip too high, so less gum shows when you smile — a quick, non-surgical way to a softer, more balanced smile at NEST Clinic, Gangnam.
- Treatment time About 5 min
- Downtime None
- Results start 3–7 days
- Lasts 3–4 months
🌸 Quick answer
Can Botox fix a gummy smile? Yes, when the gum shows because the upper lip lifts too high. A small dose of botulinum toxin into the lip-elevator muscles — mainly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi — relaxes that pull, so the lip rests a little lower and exposes less gum when you smile. It takes about five minutes, results appear within 3–7 days and last around 3–4 months, keeping your smile natural.
What is gummy smile Botox?
A gummy smile is when a large band of gum shows above the teeth when you smile, often because the upper-lip elevator muscles are strong and lift the lip very high. Gummy smile Botox places a small, precise dose into those muscles — typically the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and nearby muscles — so they relax and the upper lip rests lower.
The result is a softer, more proportionate smile that still looks like you. Because dosing is delicate, our doctors keep it low and balanced so the lips move naturally. For lip shape or volume concerns, lip flip Botox or lip fillers may be discussed.
How it works
- Relaxes the upper-lip elevator muscles
- Lets the lip rest a little lower
- Shows less gum when smiling
- Keeps the smile natural and symmetric
What it helps
- Excessive gum visibility when smiling
- A high-rising upper lip
- Strong lip-elevator muscles
- Asymmetric smiles
Before & after: what changes
The change is subtle — the smile looks more balanced with less gum on show, while still moving naturally.
Who is a good candidate?
Usually a good fit
- Visible gums when smiling
- A short or high-lifting upper lip
- Hyperactive lip-elevator muscles
- Asymmetry when smiling
- A wish for natural improvement without surgery
Not the right choice for
- Gum show caused mainly by tooth or jaw structure (a dental assessment may be needed)
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or certain neuromuscular conditions
- Active infection or inflammation around the mouth
The gummy smile Botox procedure, step by step
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Smile evaluation
The doctor watches how high your lip lifts and identifies which muscles are overactive.
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Precision injection
A small, carefully measured dose is placed into the target muscles on each side.
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Quick finish
Most treatments take about 5 minutes with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Recovery and results timeline
There is almost no downtime. Mild swelling, tiny injection bumps that fade in minutes, or slight temporary tightness when smiling may occur, and you can return to normal activities right away.
- Day 0 Normal activities right away
- Day 3–4 Early changes
- Day 7–10 Full improvement
- Week 2 Smile looks natural; lasts 3–4 months
Gummy smile Botox at a glance
| Target muscles | Upper-lip elevators (LLSAN and related) |
|---|---|
| Treatment time | About 5 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Usually none; numbing cream on request |
| Downtime | None |
| Results start | 3–7 days; full effect by 7–10 days |
| Duration | About 3–4 months for most people |
| Cost | Confirmed at consultation by dose and product. International patients pay the same local price. |
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Sohee Joo · Chief Executive Doctor, NEST Clinic
Medytox Best Doctor · Restylane (Galderma) Medical Advisor · Key Doctor for several injectable brands. M.Sc., Dongguk University College of Medicine; specialist training at Dongguk University Medical Center.
Gummy Smile Botox FAQ
How long does gummy smile Botox last?
Most people keep results for about 3–4 months. Consistent sessions can gradually soften the muscle activity, so results may last a little longer over time.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is minimal — a couple of quick pinches near the base of the nose and lip. Numbing cream can be applied if you are sensitive.
Will my smile still look natural?
Yes. The dose is kept small and balanced so you show less gum while your smile still looks like you and moves naturally.
When will I see results?
Early changes appear around day 3–4, with the full effect by day 7–10.
What if my gummy smile is from my teeth or jaw?
Botox helps when a high-lifting lip is the cause. If tooth or jaw structure is the main factor, a dental assessment may be recommended instead or as well.
Can I combine it with lip treatments?
Yes. Some people pair it with a lip flip or lip fillers for overall lip and smile balance.
Often considered with gummy smile Botox
Self-conscious about a gummy smile?
Send a natural smiling photo on WhatsApp — our English-speaking team and doctors will confirm whether gummy smile Botox suits you and how subtle we can keep it.