Gummy Smile

No — results are not immediate. Following your treatment, the botulinum toxin takes approximately 1–2 weeks to take full effect as the LLSAN muscle gradually relaxes. Most patients begin to notice an improvement within the first week, with full results visible at around two weeks.

The treatment is very well tolerated. The injections are extremely precise and use very fine needles, with most patients describing the sensation as a quick, mild pinch. The procedure is over in a matter of minutes and no anaesthetic is required.

At Karwal Aesthetics, we use only the highest quality, clinically proven botulinum toxins — Allergan Botox, the world's original and most trusted anti-wrinkle injectable, and Relfydess by Galderma, an innovative next-generation toxin known for its fast-acting and long-lasting results. YDr Karwal will recommend the most suitable product for your individual needs during your consultation.

No, although they are sometimes confused. A lip flip uses a small amount of botulinum toxin placed along the upper border of the lip to cause the lip to roll outward slightly, giving the appearance of a fuller upper lip. Gummy smile treatment targets the LLSAN muscle at the sides of the nose to reduce how high the lip rises when smiling. The injection sites, technique, and intended outcomes are different. Some patients benefit from both, but they are not interchangeable treatments.

When performed correctly by a qualified practitioner, gummy smile treatment is very safe. However, as with any injectable treatment, there is a small risk of temporary asymmetry or, in rare cases, the lip feeling slightly different when smiling. These effects are temporary and resolve as the product naturally wears off. A two-week review appointment is included with every treatment at Karwal Aesthetics to assess your results and address any concerns.

Gummy smile Botox is suitable for anyone who feels self-conscious about the amount of gum visible when they smile, provided the cause is an overactive LLSAN muscle. During your consultation, Dr. Karwal will assess the underlying cause of your gummy smile to confirm that Botox is the most appropriate and effective treatment for you.

Aftercare is simple and straightforward. We advise avoiding touching or massaging the treated area for 24 hours, refraining from strenuous exercise on the day of treatment, avoiding alcohol for 24 hours, and remaining upright for at least 4 hours following your appointment. Full aftercare instructions will be provided at your visit, and our team is always available to answer any questions.

Gummy smile treatment is available at our Mayfair clinic, located at 15 Dover Street, London W1S 4LP, in the heart of Central London. We welcome patients from across London and beyond. Click the Book Now button below to schedule your consultation at Karwal Aesthetics and take the first step towards a smile you'll love.

Results develop gradually over 1–2 weeks as the muscle relaxes. Most patients notice a significant and natural-looking reduction in gum visibility when smiling, with results typically lasting 3–4 months. With regular treatment, many patients find results are maintained with fewer units over time.

When placed correctly, gummy smile Botox should have no noticeable effect on eating, drinking, or speech. The injection targets the muscle responsible for raising the upper lip, not those involved in the mechanics of the mouth. In the first few days after treatment, a small number of patients notice very mild unfamiliarity with their lip movement, but this settles quickly as the result stabilises.

No, when the treatment is carried out correctly, your smile should look natural and expressive. The goal is not to eliminate all lip movement but to reduce the range of the upper lip's upward travel. You will still smile fully and naturally; your gums will simply be less visible when you do. Over-treatment is the most common cause of an unnatural result, which is why we are conservative with dosing and assess the outcome at your two-week review.

Your smile will simply return to how it looked before treatment. There is no rebound effect, and the muscle does not become more overactive as a result of having been treated. If you decide not to continue with repeat treatments, you will return gradually and naturally to your baseline.