Treating a gummy smile with botulinum toxin in Wolfsburg
With a gummy smile, more gum above the front teeth shows when laughing than many people would like. In Wolfsburg, physician Rafee El Kaddour relaxes the muscles that strongly lift the upper lip with a small, precise dose of botulinum toxin. The lip then pulls up less when you smile and reveals less gum – making the smile more harmonious without looking unnatural.
How does botulinum toxin help with a gummy smile?
A small dose of botulinum toxin relaxes the lip elevators – above all the muscle that lifts the upper lip and nostril (levator labii superioris alaeque nasi). The upper lip then pulls up less when you smile, so less gum is visible. The dose is very small and limited to a few points.
A gummy smile caused by very active upper-lip muscles responds well to botulinum toxin. If, however, the cause lies in the bone structure (for example a pronounced upper-jaw height) or in tooth position, the options are limited – we clarify this honestly in the consultation.
The key is fine dosing at a few precisely chosen points beside the nose. Too much, or too deeply placed, botulinum toxin can "flatten" the upper lip or make the smile look stiff. We therefore start deliberately conservatively and can adjust if needed.
Often a very small amount per side is enough. Because the effect in the mouth area wears off comparatively quickly, a top-up after a few months is usually sensible.
How the treatment works
- 01Free introductory appointment and an initial look at your smile and gum line
- 02Assessment of the cause (muscle activity, bone, tooth position)
- 03Marking of a few precise points on each side of the nose
- 04Very fine injections of a small dose; duration about 10 minutes
Results & longevity
First effects appear after three to five days, the final result after about two weeks. Less gum is then visible when you smile. The effect usually lasts about three to four months; it can then be refreshed.
Results are individual and can vary depending on your starting point, muscle activity and dosing. You will receive a realistic assessment for your situation in a personal consultation.
Risks & side effects
Risks & side effects
- Common and temporary: mild redness or a small bruise beside the nose.
- If dosed too strongly: a slightly stiff or "flat" smile, or a temporarily longer-looking upper lip.
- Possible: a slight asymmetry of the smile – usually easy to adjust.
- Rare: a temporary heavy feeling of the upper lip in the first few weeks.
When should treatment be avoided?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Certain neuromuscular conditions (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
- Known allergy to ingredients of botulinum toxin
- Acute infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- An already long upper lip, or a gummy smile caused by bone structure or tooth position rather than muscle activity – here botulinum toxin has little effect and can make the upper lip look too long
Aftercare
- Do not rub the area beside the nose for the first few hours
- Keep your head upright for about 4 hours; do not lie down
- No intense sport, sauna or tanning for 24 hours
- Avoid exaggerated facial expressions in the first few hours
Who is it for?
Suitable when a very active lip elevator is the cause and you show a lot of gum when laughing. If the cause lies in the jaw bone or teeth, the options are limited – we check this honestly beforehand.
Every medical treatment carries risks. This information does not replace a personal medical consultation. The individual medical guidance on suitability, the procedure and possible side effects takes place before the treatment, at your in-person appointment.
Price
from €119
The exact price depends on individual scope and is discussed in the consultation.
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Frequently asked questions
Will my smile still look natural afterwards?
Yes, as long as it is finely dosed. The aim is a harmonious smile with less gum – not a stiff or mask-like expression.
Does botulinum toxin help with every type of gummy smile?
No. It helps when very active upper-lip muscles are the cause. With bony causes or tooth position the options are limited.
How long does the effect last?
Usually about three to four months. The treatment can then be refreshed easily.
How much botulinum toxin is used?
Only a small amount at a few precisely chosen points. We start conservatively and adjust if needed.
What does a gummy smile treatment cost in Wolfsburg?
The treatment starts from €119. The introductory appointment is free and without obligation.
What should I keep in mind afterwards?
Do not rub the area beside the nose for the first few hours, keep your head upright and avoid sport, sauna and tanning for 24 hours. Please avoid exaggerated facial expressions in the first few hours.
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Ready for the first step?
Arrange your free, no-obligation introductory appointment – we take time for your questions, goals and an honest first impression.
The introductory appointment is a no-obligation information meeting and is not a medical consultation or diagnosis; the individual medical guidance takes place before any treatment.