What People Who Received Gummy Smile Botox Asked Most Often

Hello.

I’m Kim Tae-hyung, director of Blanche Dental Clinic.

When people come in for a consultation about a gummy smile, they often ask similar questions about Botox.

“Doctor, how long do the effects last?”

“Will my expression look unnatural when I smile?”

“Does the procedure hurt a lot?”

In particular, people who felt self-conscious about having their gums show prominently whenever they smiled or had their picture taken often have questions about these aspects just as much as they do about the results. ^^

The causes of a gummy smile vary from person to person.

The movement of the muscles that lift the upper lip, as well as the shape of the teeth and gums, can have an effect. Haha.

When excessive movement of the muscles that lift the upper lip is the primary cause, Botox may be considered.

So today, I’ll go through the answers to the three questions most frequently asked by people who have received gummy smile Botox. ^^

1. How long do the effects of gummy smile Botox last?

The question I’m asked most often is how long the effects last.

Gummy smile Botox works by temporarily reducing the movement of the muscles that lift the upper lip. ^^

The effects appear between three days and one week after the procedure, and you can see the maximum effect at around two weeks.

Although the duration varies from person to person, it generally lasts about three to six months. Haha.

The fact that the effects wear off may sound like a disadvantage, but that is also why this treatment can be started with greater peace of mind.

Even if the improvement is not exactly what you wanted or you do not like how it feels,

your appearance naturally returns to its original state over time.

That is why we recommend returning for a simple repeat procedure when the effects begin to fade. ^^

2. If you are worried that your smile may look unnatural

The second most common question is whether the procedure will make your facial expressions look unnatural.

Gummy smile Botox is not injected into all the muscles of the face. Instead, a small amount is injected only into the levator labii superioris muscle beside the nostrils.

Since the amount is not large—about 4 units on each side—it has little effect on your usual facial expressions or the shape of your mouth when speaking.

The injection site is also set at a point 1 centimeter beside the nostril, so if you receive the procedure at an experienced clinic, there is generally little concern about the Botox spreading or diffusing. ^^

If you would like to check for yourself, gently press the sides of your nostrils while smiling in front of a mirror.

If less of your gums show when you smile in that state, it means you may be more likely to see results from Botox. Haha.

3. Does the procedure hurt a lot?

The third question is about pain.

After the area is disinfected and numbing cream is applied, a small amount is injected. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You may feel a slight prick when the needle enters, and immediately after the procedure, we apply a cold compress, so not many people find it particularly painful.

However, for about four hours after the procedure, it is best not to lie down or bend your head forward. On the same day, you should also avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol. ^^

As long as you follow these precautions, you can generally go about your usual routine from the next day without much difficulty.

There is one thing I would like to say honestly: Botox does not work equally well for every gummy smile.

If the teeth themselves are small and appear to be covered by an unusually large amount of gum,

I believe it is more honest to consider other treatments as well, such as gum contouring or orthodontic treatment.

In these cases, during the consultation, we examine photographs along with your oral condition and explain precisely which combination of treatments may be appropriate.

In closing

Because gummy smiles have more varied causes than is commonly known, some people can improve with Botox alone, while others may need additional treatment. ^^

You can determine which category your cause is closer to only through an in-person examination, so please feel free to come in for a consultation.

I hope today’s summary has answered some of your questions about the duration of the effects, natural-looking results, and pain.

This has been Gangnam Blanche Dental Clinic.

Thank you.

Q. How long do the effects of gummy smile Botox last?

A. The maximum effect appears at around two weeks after the procedure and usually lasts about three to six months.

Q. Will Botox make my facial expressions look unnatural?

A. Since a small amount is injected only into the levator labii superioris muscle, it has little effect on your usual facial expressions.

Q. Does gummy smile Botox hurt?

A. Numbing cream is applied before the procedure, which takes about 10–15 minutes and is performed without significant pain.

Q. Is there a way to check for myself whether Botox may be effective?

A. Press the sides of your nostrils while smiling. If less of your gums show, you may expect to see results from Botox.