The presence of a gummy smile can often prevent oneself from smiling freely – it is our goal is to help you regain the confidence you deserve and smile with ease. Whether your gummy smile is caused by a lack of lip volume or inherent anatomical features, we can tailor a non-surgical treatment approach to reduce the prominence of your gummy smile and have you smiling with ease and comfort.
A gummy smile (also referred to as excessive gingival display), can be caused by many factors which include:
One of the most common treatment approaches involves the use of muscle relaxant products to relax the upper lip area. We use products that inhibit the neurotransmitters, thereby preventing the upper lip muscles from contracting which will result in a visible reduction of gummy tissue when smiling.
Understanding the causal factor(s) of a gummy smile is essential in determining the most effective non-surgical treatment approach.
We offer muscle relaxant products that block neurotransmittiers, minimising the contraction of muscles responsible for causing the gummy smile. This focused treatment approach will allow for more visibility of the upper lip.
Generally, after the first few sessions, the results last around two to three months. However, after regular treatments, the results can last longer because the treated muscles have been retrained. Please note: if you cease having the muscle relaxant treatment, your muscles will return to normal, and your gummy smile will return—the gummy smile does not become worse.
Most patients deem this treatment to be well tolerated. With that said, we understand that needles are being used during treatment and so we offer topical anaesthetic to help elevate discomfort during your treatment. If you would like topical anaesthetic applied prior to your treatment, please advise your treating cosmetic nurse, who can apply the anesthetic upon arrival at our clinic.
Normal activities can be resumed soon after your treatment. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or massaging the area for the first 24 hours after treatment. There is some addition post-treatment information that is recommended, and this information will be provided to you at the time of your consultation
Every non-surgical procedure including eye lines and wrinkles treatment, will involve a certain degree of risk, so it’s important that you understand what these risks are and also the possible complications associated which such treatment. While many of our patients do not experience the following, it is important that you discuss the following risks with your prescribing doctor and the treating cosmetic registered nurse, so that you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan.
Common side effects may occur immediately or may be delayed.
Pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site; local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids or eyebrows; swollen eyelids, skin tightness, itching or aching forehead, headaches, nausea and/or flu-like symptoms.
Although exceedingly rare, in some cases the effect of the product may be observed beyond the site of injection and the following symptoms may occur – loss of strength and muscle weakness, drooping of upper eyelid, double or blurred vision, trouble speaking, constipation, aspiration and trouble swallowing. These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and are more likely to occur in patients treated with high doses or who have underlying conditions that would predispose to the above.
The following are very common side effects after treatment and should resolve with time.
Final Results
You may notice the effects of your treatment within two – four days. It can take up to 14 days for the full effect. You may require further treatments to achieve your desired results.
Aftercare
Please contact the clinic immediately if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect. If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.
Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area. Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, IPL, laser or any other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.