Gummy Smile Correction for a Confident Smile
Here at Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center, we understand that having a gummy smile can cause feelings of self-consciousness.
A gummy smile is when more of the gums are visible due to a shorter upper lip or excessive gingival tissue. The good news is that injectable lip fillers can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons and licensed aestheticians have years of experience performing lip filler injections to enhance patients’ smiles. We use advanced techniques to carefully sculpt and define the lips, covering more of the gums for a more balanced smile.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
There are a few potential causes of a gummy smile:
- Short upper lip: Some people naturally have a shorter upper lip that reveals more gum tissue when smiling. This anatomical factor can run in families.
- Excess gingival tissue: An overgrowth of gum tissue, also called gingival hyperplasia, can contribute to a gummy appearance. Certain medications and medical conditions like pregnancy can cause the gums to become enlarged.
- Vertical maxillary excess: In some cases, a gummy smile is due to excessive growth of the upper jaw bone. This lengthens the space between the upper lip and nose, exposing more of the gums.
- Hyperactive upper lip: Overactive muscles in the upper lip can raise the upper lip too high when smiling. Botulinum toxin injections can relax these muscles.
Our providers will diagnose the specific cause during a comprehensive oral exam so we can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Benefits of Lip Fillers for Gummy Smiles
Lip filler injections offer an effective approach to minimize the appearance of a gummy smile without surgery. The main benefits include:
- Non-surgical: Lip fillers provide an easy injection-based treatment that avoids surgical procedures. There is minimal recovery time needed.
- Natural-looking results: When performed by an expert injector, lip fillers can look subtle yet enhance the lips beautifully.
- Long-lasting: With HA fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, results may last 6 months or more. Some fillers offer 1 year+ persistence.
- Customizable: Lip fillers can be carefully injected to target specific problem spots and create custom improvements.
- Quick treatment: Lip filler sessions only take about 30 minutes to complete.
- Minimally invasive: Only a small amount of filler is injected with a fine needle for a comfortable experience.
Benefits of Lip Fillers for Gummy Smiles
| Non-surgical | Minimal recovery time |
| Natural-looking results | When performed by an expert |
| Long-lasting | Up to 1 year+ with some fillers |
| Customizable | Targets specific problem spots |
| Quick treatment | Only about 30 minutes |
| Minimally invasive | Small amounts injected |
With lip fillers, we can recontour the lips to cover more of the gumline for a balanced, confident smile.
Lip Filler Procedure for Gummy Smile
Our expert aestheticians approach lip filler treatments with an artistic eye and advanced techniques. Here is an overview of what to expect during your appointment at Bellava MedAesthetics:
- Consultation: We’ll discuss your specific concerns and goals for treatment to develop a customized plan. Photos and digital imaging may be used to simulate potential results.
- Numbing: A topical numbing cream is applied to make the injections more comfortable.
- Injection: Using a fine needle, the filler is precisely injected into specific areas of the lips and around the mouth.
- Massage: After injections, the provider will massage the lips to smooth and evenly distribute the filler.
- Results: Noticeable improvement is seen right away. Final results become more visible after a few days as swelling subsides.
- Follow-ups: We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your results and determine if any touch-up injections are needed for optimal outcomes.
We utilize cutting-edge injection methods to maximize the aesthetic benefits of lip fillers for gummy smile patients. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Benefits of Seeing an Experienced Injector
When considering lip fillers to reduce a gummy smile, it’s essential to choose an injector with specialized training and a keen aesthetic eye. Our providers at Bellava MedAesthetics offer important benefits:
- Precise skill: We have performed thousands of successful lip filler injections to perfect our technique. Precision is key.
- Advanced training: Our aestheticians complete advanced education in facial anatomy and injection methods for optimal safety.
- Artistic vision: We have an expert eye for lip shaping and proportions to achieve beautiful, natural-looking enhancement.
- Custom plans: Each patient receives a tailored injection plan addressing their unique anatomy and goals.
- Quality products: We use FDA-approved dermal fillers from trusted brands like Juvederm and Restylane.
- Latest techniques: Our providers stay updated on the latest innovations in lip augmentation techniques and products.
You can trust our experienced team for safe, effective lip filler treatments to help soften the appearance of a gummy smile. We strive for the highest levels of patient care and satisfaction.
Which Lip Fillers Work Best?
There are a variety of FDA-cleared dermal filler products that can effectively enhance the lips and improve a gummy smile. Here at Bellava MedAesthetics, we use advanced fillers that provide safe, long-lasting, and natural-looking results.
Popular Lip Filler Options:
- Juvederm Volbella XC: Provides subtle lip augmentation and smoothing. Made of hyaluronic acid for a soft, flexible gel filler. Results may last up to 1 year.
- Restylane Silk: Specially designed for the lips and mouth area. Made of hyaluronic acid for smoothness and elasticity. May last 6 months or more.
- Restylane Kysse: Provides more volume and fullness. Made of hyaluronic acid. May last up to 1 year.
- Radiesse (+): Made of calcium hydroxyapatite for longer-lasting fullness. Results may persist 1 year or longer.
| Lip Filler | Key Benefits | Duration |
| Juvederm Volbella XC | Subtle lip smoothing | Up to 1 year |
| Restylane Silk | Designed for lips and mouth | 6 months+ |
| Restylane Kysse | Fuller lips | Up to 1 year |
| Radiesse (+) | Longer-lasting volume | 1 year+ |
Our providers will select the optimal filler and injection plan based on your individual needs and facial anatomy. We’ll discuss which products are best suited for you during your consultation at our practice.
Lip Filler Injection Techniques
One of the keys to achieving natural-looking results with lip fillers is the injection technique used. Our skilled aestheticians use advanced methods to provide precise enhancement.
Lip Filler Injection Methods
- Serial puncture: Multiple small amounts of filler are injected along the length of the lips using a series of punctures. This allows fine-tuned control.
- Fanning pattern: Filler is injected across the lips in a side-to-side fanning pattern to seamlessly distribute the product and prevent lumps.
- Cross-hatching: Injections are carefully layered across one another in a cross-hatch approach for smooth, even filling.
- Linear threading: The needle moves in a gentle linear threading motion as filler is injected for gradual, uniform augmentation.
- Microdroplet: Microdroplets of filler are applied using precise microneedles for a delicate lip enhancement.
With our advanced techniques and artistic vision, we can shape and define your lips for an eye-catching yet natural look with well-concealed gum lines. Your new smile will give you a major confidence boost.
Lip Filler Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare is essential for safe healing and optimal results following lip filler injections. We provide our patients with the following helpful aftercare instructions:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours: This helps prevent swelling and tenderness at the injection sites.
- Use cold compresses: Applying ice packs can help minimize swelling, redness, and discomfort. Use it for just 5 minutes at a time.
- Massage lips gently: Gently massaging the lips with a lip balm helps maintain even distribution of the filler.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking extra fluids like water supports healing. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
- Take OTC pain relievers as needed: Tylenol or ibuprofen can relieve mild tenderness at the injection sites.
- Avoid blood thinners: Stay away from medications like aspirin, NSAIDS, fish oil, and vitamin E which may increase bruising.
- Protect from sun exposure: Use SPF 30+ lip balm for several weeks to shield from UV rays during healing.
- Avoid extreme heat: Do not use hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for 2-3 days post-treatment.
- Schedule follow-ups: We’ll see you back in 1-2 weeks to check your progress and determine if touch-ups are desired.
Following our aftercare guidance will help you heal quickly and safely while enjoying your refined lips. Let us know if any concerns arise during your recovery.
FAQ About Lip Fillers for Gummy Smiles
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using lip fillers to fix a gummy smile:
How well do lip fillers work for covering a gummy smile?
In expert hands, lip fillers are highly effective for masking gummy smiles. Strategic injections can reshape and recontour the lips to cover more of the gumline. Most patients see a major improvement after treatment.
Can I fix my gummy smile with just one syringe of filler?
It depends on the severity of your case. Mild gummy smiles may require just 1 syringe. More significant cases often need 1.5-2 syringes for optimal gum coverage and lip reshaping. We’ll determine the right amount during your consultation.
How long do lip filler results for gummy smiles last?
A: With HA fillers, improvements may last 6 months to 1 year. Longevity depends on the type of filler, your metabolism, and how quickly your body breaks down the product. Maintenance touch-ups can sustain your new smile.
Will lip fillers get rid of my gummy smile permanently?
No, lip fillers don’t provide a permanent fix. Your body will gradually absorb the filler material over time. However, some patients only need treatments every 1-2 years for continual improvement.
Are there any risks or side effects?
When performed correctly, side effects are minimal. Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, and numbness are common. Avoiding certain medications and activities can reduce risks. More serious complications are very rare.
Does getting lip fillers for my gummy smile hurt?
A: Our use of topical numbing creams keeps discomfort to a minimum. The procedure involves some pinching and pressure during injections, but most patients tolerate it well. No general anesthesia is required.
How long is the recovery after lip filler injections?
A: Most patients recover within 3-5 days but swelling may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend scheduling injections at least 2 weeks before important events.
Can I fix my gummy smile with Botox instead of fillers?
Yes, in some cases Botox can be used to relax the upper lip muscles and limit elevation, reducing gum exposure. Your provider will determine if Botox is appropriate for your anatomy.
We hope this article helped you learn more about how lip fillers can enhance your smile.
Contact our friendly team at Bellava MedAesthetics today to schedule your gummy smile consultation!
