top of page

Gummy Smile

A “gummy smile,” or excessive gingival display, occurs when too much of the upper gum shows when smiling. It’s often a result of overactive lip muscles, short upper lips, or altered tooth and gum proportions. While completely harmless, it can make some people feel self-conscious or hesitant to smile. 


At Haus of Ästhetik, we treat gummy smiles through precise neuromodulator techniques to balance muscle movement, softening the smile line while preserving natural expression and warmth.

Overview

A “gummy smile,” or excessive gingival display, occurs when too much of the upper gum shows when smiling. It’s often a result of overactive lip muscles, short upper lips, or altered tooth and gum proportions. While completely harmless, it can make some people feel self-conscious or hesitant to smile. 


At Haus of Ästhetik, we treat gummy smiles through precise neuromodulator techniques to balance muscle movement, softening the smile line while preserving natural expression and warmth.

  • Anyone may experience a gummy smile, but it is most common in individuals with a high smile line or naturally strong lip elevator muscles. It often becomes more noticeable with age as soft tissues thin and lip length shortens. Both men and women seek treatment, typically between their 20s and 50s.

    • Excessive gum visibility above the upper teeth when smiling

    • Uneven smile height between left and right sides

    • Overactive upper lip elevation

    • In some, accompanying fine perioral lines or downturned mouth corners

  • No NICE guideline exists for neuromodulator correction of excessive gingival display. The BNF addresses botulinum toxin broadly, but does not include specific advice for gummy smile correction.

  • 1. Botulinum Toxin (Anti-Wrinkle Injections)

    • Small, precise doses are placed into the upper lip elevator muscles (LLSAN and levator labii superioris).

    • Reduces excessive upward pull, lowering the upper lip slightly when smiling.

    • Results last around 3–4 months, with full effect visible within 10–14 days.

    • Fully compliant with MHRA and BNF prescribing standards as a POM procedure.

    2. Teoxane RHA Kiss or RHA 2 Filler (Lip Balance & Support)

    • For cases involving lip volume loss or asymmetry.

    • Adds gentle support to the upper lip border, improving proportion and softening gum exposure.

    • Cross-linked HA maintains flexibility for natural movement during speech and smiling.

    3. mesoestetic Perioral Skin Conditioning

    • mesopeel lactic or mandelic peels refine skin texture and balance hydration, supporting healthy perioral tone.

    • Complements injectable correction in patients with surface irregularity or fine lines.

    4. Combined Smile Balance Protocol

    • Where required, small amounts of toxin are combined with subtle filler to achieve balanced, natural proportion between lips and gums.

    All procedures are performed by medically trained practitioners under CQC-aligned governance with informed consent and product traceability.

  • Treatment is suitable for adults with excessive gingival display due to muscular overactivity or proportion imbalance. It is not appropriate for cases caused by significant skeletal discrepancies (which may require referral for surgical consultation). 


    Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection, or neuromuscular conditions. All injectable procedures are delivered under CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment, following full consultation and consent.

    • Botulinum toxin: visible improvement within 7–10 days, lasting around 3–4 months.

    • Filler combination: immediate balance and proportion enhancement, lasting 6–12 months.

    • Smile remains natural — simply less “gummy” and more harmonious with facial features.Patients often describe the change as subtle yet confidence-transforming.

    • Avoid massaging or touching the area for 24 hours.

    • Do not lie flat or exercise for 4 hours post-treatment.

    • Avoid excessive facial movements for the first day.

    • Results can be reviewed and refined after 2 weeks for precise symmetry.

    • Maintain hydration, healthy oral hygiene, and SPF protection around the perioral area.

  • Book a gummy smile consultation at Haus of Ästhetik to assess facial muscle movement and lip dynamics. We will determine whether your presentation is muscular, structural, or proportional and design a bespoke plan using the safest, most effective methods. 


    All treatments are performed under medical prescription in compliance with MHRA, BNF, and CQC Regulation 12. You’ll receive a detailed consent form, aftercare guide, and review appointment to ensure results are refined, balanced, and naturally expressive.

bottom of page