What Is A Gummy Smile?
For some individuals, smiling reveals more gum than they would prefer. While entirely natural, it can shift the balance of the smile.
At Starr MedSpa in Westlake Village, carefully placed BOTOX® injections can soften the movement of the upper lip muscles responsible for excessive lift. The result is a quieter, more harmonious smile that feels true to your natural expression.
Our experienced team performs this treatment comfortably in-office with little downtime. Consultations are available for those wishing to explore their options.
How the Treatment Works
Before treatment, we take time to understand your aesthetic preferences, concerns, and the outcome you hope to achieve. During your consultation, your smile is carefully evaluated to determine how we can reduce excess gum visibility while maintaining a natural expression.
Treatment involves the precise placement of BOTOX® injections to gently relax the upper lip muscles that lift too high when smiling. The procedure is quick— typically around fifteen minutes— and performed comfortably in our clinic with minimal downtime.
Some individuals may notice mild swelling, redness, or slight bruising following treatment, though these effects tend to resolve naturally. Depending on your goals, more than one session may be recommended, and our team will guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequency of treatment: every 1.5 – 3 months
After Your Gummy Smile Treatment
Recovery is typically smooth and uncomplicated. Most patients experience only mild swelling or tenderness around the injection sites as the treated muscles begin to relax. A slight stiffness when moving the upper lip during the first few days is also normal while everything settles.
What to expect:
Immediately after treatment: You may notice mild swelling, tenderness, or slight redness at the injection sites.
First 1–2 days: Some patients feel a small amount of stiffness in the upper lip as the muscles begin to respond.
Within 24 hours: Most people comfortably return to their normal routine, as the treatment requires little to no downtime.
3–14 days: Results gradually appear as the upper lip relaxes and rests slightly lower, revealing a more balanced smile.
To support your results:
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area.
- Skip strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours.
- Remain upright for several hours after treatment.
If anything during your recovery feels unusual, our team is always here to guide you and ensure your results remain natural, comfortable, and beautifully balanced.
Benefits of Treatment
Subtle refinements can make a meaningful difference in how your smile feels and appears. By softening the movement of the upper lip, this treatment helps restore balance while preserving your natural expression. Benefits may include:
- Reduces the visibility of gums when smiling
- Offers a quick treatment time, usually around 15 minutes
- Minimal to no downtime required
- Results can be seen relatively quickly, often within a few days
- Effects last for several months, offering a temporary but long-lasting solution
- Minimal side effects with only occasional swelling or bruising
- Can be customized to meet individual aesthetic goals
- A nonsurgical alternative to more invasive procedures
Starr MedSpa Reviews
An amazing, amazing med spa! They are so welcoming, accommodating, honest and overall provide an exceptional experience no matter what type of service you are receiving—tox, filler, slim shots, peels, and lasers. I 100% trust Tenley and the team she has built around her! The slim shots work just have to trust the process and Tenley and her team are so open to answering questions quickly if I ever had any!
So thankful for Starr Medspa in helping me reach my health and wellness goals! So helpful in getting off stubborn stomach weight, or all overall toning up. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get the help they need for their aesthetic goals.
The GLP-1 shot has been a game changer for me. I am 4 yrs into my perimenopause and my weight gain was bad. Luckily I have healthy eating and gym habits but my body decided those are no longer “good enough”. After a lot of research on glp-1s I decided to give it a try with Starr MedSpa (Studio City). The team is very informative, kind and SO GENTLE with the shots. When I had minor side effects they adjusted my dose and now I’m back on track. I have lost 5 lbs in 1 month (this is a normal- healthy way to lose weight) and I feel really great on this medication!
I love coming to Starr MedSpa! It is incredibly beautiful and such a relaxing place. I've been going to nurse Alii to get my slim shot for the past couple months and omggg the results have been amazing!!! I've lost 15lbs within 3 months. I've had no side effects, everything has been great! Nurse Alii has been wonderful and I always feel comfortable in her care.
I have now done the orange peel twice and by far my favorite treatment of all time! I have very stubborn hyperpigmentation and this is the best treatment I have found. I have done lasers, peels, you name it but nothing gives me the radiant glow and clear skin. It is my new once to twice a year treatment.
78
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Price
from $179.00
Recovery Time
None
How Long It Takes
15 minutes
Follow-Up Time
10 - 14 days
Who This Treatment Is For
If your smile reveals more gum than you’d prefer, a subtle adjustment may help bring greater balance to your expression. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate factors such as gum visibility, lip movement, and overall facial harmony to determine whether this approach may be suitable for you.
For many individuals, this treatment offers a simple, minimally invasive option with little interruption to daily life—allowing your smile to feel more natural, proportioned, and confident.
Gummy Smile Treatment FAQ
Will the treatment affect how I talk or eat?
When performed by an experienced provider, gummy smile treatment with Botox should not impact your ability to talk, eat, or make facial expressions. The goal is to relax the upper lip muscles just enough to reduce excessive gum exposure without interfering with normal lip movement.
Is gummy smile treatment with Botox painful?
The treatment involves a few small injections; most patients describe the sensation as a slight pinch or mild discomfort. The procedure is quick, typically lasting around 10 – 15 minutes, and no anesthesia is required. Any discomfort usually subsides shortly after the treatment.
Can I combine gummy smile treatment with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, gummy smile treatment can be combined with other nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, such as dissolving fillers, SkinPen Microneedling, or IPL laser treatments. Combining treatments can help you achieve a more comprehensive facial enhancement. Discuss your goals with your provider at Starr MedSpa for a customized plan.
A Smile That Feels Effortless
If showing excess gum when you smile has ever made you feel hesitant, a subtle adjustment may help restore balance. Carefully placed BOTOX® injections can soften the movement of the upper lip, allowing your smile to appear more proportioned and natural. To learn more or explore whether this treatment may be right for you, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.