How does Botox for gummy smile work?

Botulinum toxin for gummy smile is injected into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle — the muscle responsible for lifting the upper lip excessively when smiling. The toxin relaxes this muscle, reducing how much gum is visible. Results appear within 5 to 7 days and are fully visible at 2 weeks.

How many units of Botox for gummy smile?

Gummy smile Botulinum toxin typically requires 2 to 4 units per side — one of the lowest doses used in aesthetic medicine. This precision is why the technique demands significant experience: small differences in injection point or dose can affect smile symmetry.

How long does gummy smile Botox last?

Gummy smile Botulinum toxin lasts between 4 to 6 months — slightly longer than the forehead or crow's feet, because the muscle involved contracts less frequently. With regular treatment, the effect often extends gradually over successive sessions.

Home Treatments Gummy smile botox

Gummy smile botulinum toxin

Q: How does Botox fix a gummy smile?

By relaxing the elevator muscles of the upper lip, Botulinum toxin limits how high the lip rises, reducing gum exposure.

€15015 min

Cosmo Clinic Team

Gummy Smile Botox is a non-surgical treatment used to reduce the appearance of excessive gum exposure when smiling. By injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip too high, the treatment gently relaxes the area and helps achieve a more balanced, natural-looking smile.

At Cosmo Clinic in Lisbon, gummy smile treatment requires precise anatomical assessment to determine the correct injection points and dosage. Our doctors take time to evaluate each patient's smile dynamics before proceeding. Effects typically last three to four months.

If you would like to discuss this treatment, book a free first consultation with one of our English-speaking doctors at Cosmo Clinic Lisbon.

Results

Reduced visibility of upper gums when smiling.

No change to natural facial expressions.

A more harmonious and confident smile.

Quick results in 3–5 days, lasting around 3–4 months.

Key Features

Fast and precise: only a few injection points.

Short treatment time: 10 minutes.

Ideal for patients who feel self-conscious about a “gummy” smile.

No downtime, no anesthesia required.

FAQ

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is when too much of the gum line is exposed while smiling, often due to hyperactive upper lip muscles.

How does Botox fix a gummy smile?

By relaxing the elevator muscles of the upper lip, Botox limits how high the lip rises, reducing gum exposure.

Are the results permanent?

No – results typically last 3 to 4 months and can be maintained with routine sessions.

Will it affect my ability to smile?

No – your smile remains natural, just more balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

What is gummy smile Botox

Gummy smile Botox is an aesthetic medicine treatment in Lisbon aimed at those who expose more than 3 millimetres of gum when they smile. Botulinum toxin type A is applied at specific points near the base of the nose, targeting the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles. By relaxing this musculature, the upper lip covers more of the gum line when smiling, bringing the smile into a more balanced and natural proportion.

Who is it for

Best suited to those whose gummy smile is caused by upper lip hyperactivity, the mechanism that responds most predictably to Botox. Where the cause is skeletal or dental in origin, orthodontics, gingivoplasty, or maxillofacial surgery may be a better path; a consultation with our medical team distinguishes the underlying causes. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in neuromuscular disorders.

What to expect from the session

During the consultation, smile dynamics are carefully analysed, the elevation of the upper lip and the proportion of gum exposed are both assessed. Botulinum toxin is then applied at 1 to 2 points on each side, near the base of the nose, using an ultra-fine microneedle. The session takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can return to your routine immediately.

Results timeline

Initial changes begin between day 3 and day 5 after treatment. Full effect stabilises between days 10 and 14, with the upper lip covering more gum when smiling. Average duration is 3 to 4 months, shorter than other applications, due to the high activity of the muscles in the mid-face. A follow-up review consultation is scheduled after treatment.

Aftercare

For the first 4 hours after the session, avoid lying down or bending the head forward. During the first 24 hours, skip intense physical exercise, saunas, and very hot baths. Throughout the first week, avoid massaging the treated area, postpone facial treatments, and apply sunscreen whenever you are exposed to the sun.

Why Cosmo Clinic

Gummy smile treatment demands a careful reading of labial anatomy, an imprecisely calibrated dose can affect speech or the naturalness of the smile. At Cosmo Clinic in Lisbon, the procedure is carried out by doctors with specific experience in this application, within a philosophy of natural-looking results. Consultations are available in Portuguese and English.

Gummy smile botulinum toxin

Results

Key Features