Less gum show when smiling · Myeongdong, Seoul

Gummy Smile Botox in Myeongdong, Seoul

Reduce how much gum shows when you smile by gently relaxing the muscles that lift the upper lip — quick, non-surgical and reversible.

Same price as locals
English-speaking team
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中文 · 日本語

Chat on WhatsApp Quick FAQ

Treatment room for Botox at Umi Clinic, Myeongdong — **About 5 min** Smile looks more balanced in 1–2 weeks

Quick answer

How does Botox treat a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is when a lot of gum shows above the upper teeth as you smile. Tiny doses of botulinum toxin near the sides of the nose relax the lip-elevator muscles, so the upper lip rises a little less and covers more of the gums.

It works best when the cause is an overactive lip muscle. If the gum show comes from jaw or teeth position, a dentist or surgeon may be more suitable. It is often combined with a Botox lip flip for a softer upper lip.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yoon Jong-woo , Medical Director, Umi Clinic (Korean-licensed physician) · Updated October 2026. Results vary by person; the doctor explains risks, side effects and alternatives at consultation.

Session: About 5 min
Numbing: Not usually needed
Downtime: None
Results: Visible in 1–2 weeks
Lasts: Often 3–4 months
Pricing: Same price as locals

Your visit

How Gummy Smile Botox works at Umi

Every visit is doctor-led and explained in English, from the first skin check to aftercare.

Smile analysis
The doctor measures how much gum shows and whether it is even across the smile.
Point selection
Usually one point on each side of the nose, at the junction of the lip-lifting muscles.
Low-dose injection
Small doses are used to keep the smile natural and symmetrical.
Aftercare
Avoid pressing the area or lying flat for a few hours.

Before & after

How Botox balances a gummy smile

Slightly relaxed lip elevators let the upper lip sit lower when you smile, so less gum is visible.

Illustration of the mechanism — not a patient photo. Individual results vary; real before-and-after photos can be reviewed at consultation.

Days 3–7

The upper lip lifts slightly less.

Week 2

Gum show is visibly reduced.

Months 3–4

Movement returns; repeat to maintain.

Is it right for you?

Who Gummy Smile Botox suits best

Good fit if you…

Show more gum than you like when smiling
Have even or uneven gum show from strong lip muscles
Want a quick, non-surgical option
Want to try a reversible change first

Consider another option if…

Gum show is due to jaw or tooth position — see a dentist or orthodontist
You have a long upper lip already — it may look too low
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You have a neuromuscular condition

Recovery & results

What to expect, step by step

Same day
Back to normal activities straight away.
First week
Smile may feel slightly different as the muscle relaxes.
2 weeks
Full effect; a small adjustment can fine-tune symmetry.
3–4 months
Repeat if you like the result.

FAQ

Gummy Smile Botox questions

Will my smile look unnatural?

With a low, balanced dose the smile stays natural; the upper lip simply rises a little less. Too high a dose can make the lip look long, so we start conservatively.

How many units are needed?

Usually just a few units per side. The doctor adjusts after your two-week review if needed.

Does it hurt?

It is quick and well tolerated; most people feel a brief sting.

Is it permanent?

No. Results last about 3–4 months, so the change is fully reversible.

Do foreigners pay more?

No. International patients pay the same price as local patients at Umi Clinic.

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