Gummy Smile & Lip Flip

As we have already pointed out, every smile has Its beauty, however, the typically ‘ideal’ smile would expose no more than 2mm of gum when the upper lip raises. A gummy smile however, generally exposes 3mm or more of gum tissue and can be a real cause of concern for many. A gummy smile can be caused by a number of different factors including:

• Overgrowth of gum tissue, known as ‘gingival hypertrophy.’
• A genetic pre-disposition causing excessive growth of the upper jaw.
• A short, or overly active upper lip.
• Small or short teeth.

What Are the Treatment Options?

While we do have surgical options available to treat a gummy smile, many people prefer to take a more conservative route, at least to begin with. This is where the injectable gummy smile treatment comes in.

We can safely and effectively treat a gummy smile using either a lip flip, a gummy smile injection, or in some cases where required, both treatments in coordination.

How Does the Treatment Work?

The injectable gummy smile treatment works by reducing the muscle activity around the upper lip resulting in less movement and reducing the amount of gum shown. Results can show fairly quickly, around 3-5 days after treatment you may feel it starting to kick in, however, full results will be seen after around 14 days. How long results last will vary on an individual basis, you could expect to get approximately 2-4 months out of a single treatment.

What Is the Difference Between a Gummy Smile Treatment and a Lip Flip?

A lip flip is a non-surgical treatment that essentially ‘flips’ the upper lip outward and makes it appear fuller. As with an injectable gummy smile treatment, the lip flip also uses botulinum toxin to relax the muscles around the upper lip, achieving the desired results of a larger top lip.

The lip flip has gained huge popularity over recent months, with many of us now choosing this over traditional dermal filler treatments. A lip flip can be used to alter the lip line, as with the gummy smile treatment it is also possible that a lip flip will reduce the amount of gum shown when smiling, a lip flip can also prevent the upper lip from ‘disappearing’ when we smile. The treatments differ in that a gummy smile treatment aims to reduce how much gum appears when we smile, with the purpose of a lip flip being to make the top lip appear fuller.

What Is the Difference Between a Lip Flip & Lip Filler?

Both the lip flip procedure and dermal fillers in the lips will make your lips appear fuller. Lip fillers can be applied to both the upper and lower lip, whereas a lip flip focuses on the upper lip only.

A lip filler treatment uses dermal filler to add volume to the lips, lip filler adds instant volume whereas the lip flip can take up to 2 weeks to kick in.

How Do I Know If I’m Suitable?

If you have been considering this type of treatment, we would recommend attending for a consultation, at which stage one of our expert clinicians will be able to assess your suitability and recommend personalised treatment options for you. As a guide you may find a lip flip is suitable for you if:

• You would like a subtle enhancement, a slightly more prominent ‘pout.
• You feel that your upper lip disappears when you smile.
• You want your lips to look fuller, without adding additional volume through lip fillers.
• You want to try something that is temporary, a lip flip will only last a number of months.

When should I Opt for Lip Fillers Instead?

• You would prefer to add volume to the lips.
• You want results that are instantly visible.
• You would like to also treat lines in the lips and make them appear smoother.
• You would like to alter the shape of your lips and to treat asymmetry.
• You would like something less temporary, dermal fillers can last up to around 12 months.

If you’d like to know more, or to arrange an appointment for a free consultation get in touch today!