Private practice for aesthetic medicine & surgery
Botulinum toxin for gummy smiles – when the smile reveals too much
Gentle treatment with botulinum toxin for gum smiles
A radiant smile is an expression of joie de vivre – but sometimes people perceive their facial expression as unbalanced because excessive gum tissue is visible when they smile. This so-called "gummy smile" can disrupt the overall expression of the face and be perceived as aesthetically disharmonious. Treatment with botulinum toxin offers an elegant, minimally invasive way to subtly harmonize the relationship between the upper lip, teeth, and gums – entirely without surgery. At our private practice Schoenheits-Hand-Werk in Wallerfangen Dr. med. Gunther Oldag approaches this procedure with particular sensitivity and precision.
What is a gummy smile and why does it occur?
The term "gummy smile" describes a situation where significantly more gum tissue is visible above the upper teeth when smiling than usual. While a certain amount of gum tissue is perfectly normal when smiling, many people find an excess bothersome or unbalanced. The causes can be varied:
- Overactive upper lip muscles that pull the lip upwards too much when smiling
- Short or narrow upper lip that does not adequately cover the gums
- Dental causes, e.g., long tooth necks or excessively high gum line
- Jaw anatomical peculiarities, such as a high upper jaw (vertical maxillary height)
Not every gummy smile is medically significant, but if those affected suffer from the visible disharmony, treatment may be a possible option.
How can botulinum toxin help with a gum smile?
Botulinum toxin, known from wrinkle treatment, can be injected precisely into the muscles responsible for the pronounced lifting of the upper lip – specifically the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle. This muscle pulls the lip strongly upwards when smiling. The targeted injection slightly reduces its activity. The result: The upper lip no longer lifts as much when smiling, and the gums appear less prominent.
The effects of botulinum toxin begin approximately 4 days after treatment, with the maximum achievable result appearing after about 4 weeks.
When is treatment a possible option?
Gummy smile therapy with botulinum toxin is suitable, for example, for:
- Patients who show clearly visible gums when smiling
- People with overactive upper lip muscles
- People who prefer a non-operative, gentle solution
- Cases in which no surgical or orthodontic intervention is necessary
The prerequisite is that the cause of the gummy smile is primarily muscular. If there is a pronounced bony component, botulinum toxin alone may not be sufficient. In any case, we will advise you honestly and individually.
What is the goal of botulinum toxin treatment for a gummy smile?
The goal is to restore balance to the smile, visually harmonizing the proportions between lips, teeth, and gums. This isn't achieved by "paralyzing" or "hiding" the muscles, but rather by precisely regulating their activity. This results in a natural appearance that remains true to the individual's facial expressions.
Treatment with botulinum toxin for gummy smile
This is how the treatment proceeds
- Consultation and information: Dr. Oldag will analyze your facial proportions, your smile expression, and the cause of your gummy smile together with you. Based on this analysis, a decision will be made on an individual basis as to whether treatment with botulinum toxin is a suitable option for your gummy smile or whether other options are more appropriate.
- Precise injection: When indicated, the botulinum toxin is injected precisely into the affected muscle area using a very fine needle. The treatment takes only a few minutes and is generally perceived as painless. Anesthesia is usually not necessary.
- Aftercare: You can resume your normal social activities immediately after the treatment. However, you should avoid sports, saunas, tanning beds, and intense heat for 48 hours. Slight redness or minor bruising may occur, but these usually subside quickly.
How long does the effect last?
The effects of botulinum toxin treatment typically last for about a few months. Afterward, another injection can be administered to maintain the effect. In many cases, a repeat treatment after a few months may be advisable, depending on individual facial expressions, the course of the treatment, and the treatment goal.
What treatment options does botulinum toxin offer?
- Minimally invasive: No incision, no surgery, no downtime
- Natural effect: The smile remains individual and vibrant.
- Fast effect: First results usually visible after a few days
- Adjustable dosage: The effect can be individually adapted.
- Reversible: The effect diminishes after a few months – a reversal is possible
What is medically important to know?
Botulinum toxin is an active ingredient that has been used for decades and is produced under the strictest regulations. In aesthetic medicine, it is used to selectively modulate facial muscle activity. It works by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This temporarily inhibits muscle contraction – thus reducing muscle strength.
Botulinum toxin acts locally, meaning only at the treated area, and does not affect other muscle groups or overall health. In our aesthetic medicine and surgery practice, we use a high-quality preparation that is distinguished by its purity and very low resistance rate.
Safety and efficacy
As with any medical treatment, there are possible, albeit rare, side effects. These include:
- slight swelling or redness at the injection site
- temporary feeling of tension
- In very rare cases: slight asymmetry of lip movement (usually disappears spontaneously)
Thanks to sound anatomical knowledge and many years of experience Dr. Oldag offers treatment with high precision and safety in our practice.
What expectations are realistic?
Many patients report a more confident smile and a more relaxed overall expression after treatment. However, it's important to note that botulinum toxin does not change tooth position or jaw structure. It's a muscle-modulating treatment that works where the cause is facial expression. Therefore, we place great emphasis on honest communication and realistic goal setting.
Treating gummy smiles – but please on an individual basis
At his private practice, Schoenheits-Hand-Werk Dr. Oldag takes the time to consider your personal anatomy and facial expressions holistically. His experience as a physician, as well as his aesthetic sensibility, are incorporated into the treatment plan.
Will my smile change completely?
No. The lip movement is merely slightly dampened. Her smile remains recognizable, just less pronounced with the gums.
Can I speak and eat normally after the treatment?
Yes. The dosage is chosen so that functions such as speaking, chewing, or lip movements remain unaffected.
Is the result immediately visible?
The effects begin after about 4 days, and the maximum is reached after about 4 weeks.
Botulinum toxin for gummy smiles: Why Schoenheits-Hand-Werk
Our private practice in Wallerfangen stands for precise aesthetic medicine of the highest standard. Dr. med. Gunther Oldag brings his surgical experience and his keen eye for naturalness to every treatment. Our goal: a result that respectfully enhances your personality – for a smile you'll be proud to show.
Schedule an appointment now – discreet & personal: Would you like to harmonize your smile and learn about treatment options for a gummy smile? Then schedule a consultation appointment now at our practice Schoenheits-Hand-Werk , in Wallerfangen. We will take the time to address your questions, your wishes, and your aesthetic needs.
Legal note: This page serves exclusively for general information. It does not replace medical advice. We clarify whether treatment can be an option for you in a personal conversation.
Price list aesthetic medicine
Botulinum toxin (Bocouture, Merz):
- Large zone (glabella, forehead lines, crow's feet): from € 150
- Small zone (e.g. LiPlip, lat. Eyebrowlift, etc.): from 80 €
- Grinding teeth, faces limming: from 300 €
- Rubber Smile (gum smile)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating): € 200-400 (depending on the zone)
Hyaluronic acid (Belotero, Merz) from € 250:
- Filler for marionet folds and nasolabial folds
- Lip ax
- Cheek Bones (cheek modeling)
- Jawline (lower jaw line)
- Wrinkle injection
- Sacrifice
- Full Face Approach
- Rejuvenation face and détacheté
Contact us!
Schoenheits-Hand-Werk
private practice Dr. med. Gunther Oldag
Hauptstrasse 53
66798 Wallerfangen
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Telephone: +49(0)6831/4005904
Email: info@ schoenheits-hand-werk .de
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