Gummy Smile

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Gummy Smile Treatment

A subtle and natural way to balance your smile

At our Sydney clinic, gummy smile treatment is one of the most frequently requested non-surgical procedures.
A “gummy smile” describes when more gum tissue than usual shows above the upper teeth when smiling.
While this is completely natural, some people feel it draws attention away from other facial features.

Our practitioners use refined, evidence-based techniques to gently reduce gum show and create a balanced, confident smile tailored to each person’s facial anatomy.

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What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile can be influenced by:

• Active or elevated upper lip movement

• Short upper lip structure

• Smaller teeth or prominent gum display

• Genetic or hereditary traits

It’s a common variation, but for those who prefer a softer smile, subtle non-surgical options are available.

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Initial Consultation and Assessment

Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation to understand your smile, anatomy, and goals.
Your practitioner will discuss:

• Family history or genetic factors

• Any previous treatments and their outcomes

• The degree of gum display and your preferred level of change

• Lip length and muscle activity

• Symmetry, smile dynamics, and balance of the upper face

This helps ensure that your plan is tailored for a natural and harmonious result.

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Treatment Planning

Your personalised plan is designed based on:

• The amount of gum display when smiling

• Desired level of improvement (subtle or more noticeable)

• Past treatment response and metabolism

• Lip movement and facial symmetry

If the distance between the nose and upper lip is long, your practitioner will discuss whether treatment is suitable, as over-relaxation may lengthen the upper lip’s appearance.

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How the Procedure Is Performed

The area is cleansed and cooled for comfort, followed by precise, small-area application at specific sites near the upper lip.
The process takes only a few minutes, and most patients return to their day straight after.

Comfort options include:

• Cooling with ice to reduce sensitivity and bruising

• Topical numbing cream (applied beforehand if preferred)

• Nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) for relaxation during treatment

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Threads as an Alternative or Complementary Option

For some patients, collagen-stimulating threads may be suitable to support the lip and perioral area.
Threads can help improve skin firmness and contour by promoting collagen production over time, subtly enhancing the smile without adding bulk.
Your practitioner will assess if this option—or a combination approach—best suits your facial structure and goals.

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Aftercare Guidelines

To support recovery and ensure the best outcome:

• Avoid makeup for 4 hours

• Do not rub or massage the area

• Avoid strenuous exercise for the day

• Remain upright for 4 hours

• Pause active or exfoliating skincare for 24 hours

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What to Expect After Treatment

• Mild redness or swelling may appear temporarily and resolve within hours

• Most people have no visible downtime

• Subtle results develop gradually between 2–8 days

• The full effect is visible by around 3–4 weeks

A review appointment at approximately 3 weeks is recommended to assess your results and adjust if necessary.

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Possible Side Effects

Gummy smile treatments are generally well-tolerated.
Temporary effects may include:

• Mild bruising or redness

• Headache (in about 10% of first-time clients)

• Slight asymmetry while results settle

• Rarely, subtle speech or smile changes that improve as movement returns

Your practitioner will always use a conservative, precise technique to minimise risks.

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How Long Do Results Last?

Duration varies depending on metabolism, activity level, and treatment type.
As a general guide:

• Early improvement appears in 1–2 weeks

• Full result at 4–6 weeks

• Gradual return of movement from 3–4 months

Maintenance appointments are typically scheduled every 3–4 months, or slightly sooner for consistent results.

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Book a Consultation

If you’re ready to feel more confident in your smile, we invite you to book a personalised consultation with one of our experienced clinicians. We’ll work with you to assess your smile, explore your goals, and tailor a natural-looking solution just for you.