What Is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue is exposed when a person smiles. Gummy smiles can occur for a variety of reasons, most notably due a hyperactive muscle controlling the lift of a person’s upper lip.
Are Botox Treatments for a Gummy Smile Safe?
Botox has long been used to treat wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing targeted facial muscle groups. It has also become a great tool to address gummy smiles in patients. As with most medical treatments, Botox is not entirely without risk, however, complications are rare.
Are Botox Treatments for a Gummy Smile Painful?
Botox treatments can be administered with or without a topical numbing agent. The needles used for Botox injections are quite fine, however, and as a result, have little to no discomfort when used.
Side effects of Botox injections are usually minor. After the topical anesthetic has worn off, patients might experience some minor and temporary tenderness or sensitivity at the treatment site. Additionally, some patients might experience minor bruising, redness, or swelling for a day or two after treatment.