Gummy Smile Treatment in Cape Town

A non-surgical solution for a more balanced, confident smile — administered by doctors at Fluid Medical.

A “gummy smile” happens when the upper lip lifts higher than usual during smiling, showing a larger amount of gum tissue above the teeth. In many people this is not due to the teeth or gums themselves, but rather to overactive upper-lip elevator muscles.

Gummy Smile work is a quick, non-surgical treatment that gently relaxes these muscles so the lip does not rise as far, creating a more balanced and confident smile while preserving natural expression.

Treatment involves placing small, precise doses of neuromodulator into the muscles that elevate the upper lip, most importantly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN). By reducing its upward pull, the lip rests slightly lower when you smile, which decreases gum display without making the smile look stiff or unnatural.

The procedure takes only a few minutes, with minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime. Results gradually appear over 5–14 days and typically last around 3–4 months, with the option to fine-tune dosing at follow-up visits depending on your desired degree of improvement.

This treatment is ideal for patients seeking:
• Less visible gum tissue when smiling
• A more harmonious relationship between lips, teeth and gums
• A non-surgical and reversible option
• Subtle, natural-looking smile enhancement

Your treatment is tailored to your unique anatomy and smile dynamics to ensure you still look like yourself — just with a smile you feel more confident showing.

A gummy smile is more common than most people realise, and for many it is a source of genuine self-consciousness. The good news is that it is highly treatable — quickly, precisely, and without surgery. At Fluid Medical, we use carefully placed muscle relaxing injections to reduce gum display and create a more harmonious smile, while keeping your expression entirely natural.

What Causes a Gummy Smile?

A gummy smile occurs when the upper lip lifts higher than usual during smiling, exposing a larger area of gum tissue above the teeth. In most cases this is not a dental or gum issue — it is a muscular one. The upper lip elevator muscles, particularly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), are overactive and pull the lip upward further than aesthetically ideal when smiling.

Because the cause is muscular, it responds exceptionally well to muscle relaxing injections — without any need to alter the teeth, gums, or lip tissue itself.

How the Treatment Works

Small, precise doses of purified protein are injected into the muscles responsible for elevating the upper lip — primarily the LLSAN. By gently reducing the upward pull of these muscles, the lip rests slightly lower when smiling, decreasing gum display and creating a more balanced relationship between the lips, teeth, and gums.

The treatment does not freeze the lip or alter your smile mechanically — it simply reduces the range of muscle movement enough to bring the lip to a more aesthetically balanced resting position when smiling. Expression and natural movement are preserved throughout.

What to Expect

The procedure takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort. There is virtually no downtime — normal activities can be resumed immediately. Results develop gradually over five to fourteen days as the muscle relaxes, and are fully visible at the two-week mark.

A follow-up review is offered after two weeks to assess the result and fine-tune dosing if needed — the degree of lip elevation can be adjusted at this stage depending on your preferred outcome.

Treatment typically lasts three to four months, after which a repeat session is needed to maintain the effect.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

Gummy smile treatment is ideal for patients seeking:

• Less visible gum tissue when smiling
• A more harmonious balance between lips, teeth, and gums
• A non-surgical, reversible treatment option
• Subtle, natural-looking smile enhancement without altering dental structure

A full assessment of your smile dynamics and facial anatomy is conducted before any treatment is proposed — ensuring the approach is tailored to your unique muscle pattern and aesthetic goals.

Our Approach

Gummy smile treatment requires exceptional precision. The muscles involved are small, closely situated, and directly connected to natural smile function — incorrect placement can affect lip movement and expression. At Fluid Medical, all injections are administered by qualified doctors with detailed anatomical knowledge and clinical experience in perioral aesthetics.

Treatment is tailored to your specific anatomy and smile dynamics, ensuring results that reduce gum display while keeping your smile looking entirely like your own — just more balanced and confident.

Why Choose Fluid Medical for Gummy Smile Treatment?

• Doctor-administered muscle relaxing injections — precise, anatomy-led technique
• Targets the LLSAN and upper lip elevator muscles for natural smile rebalancing
• Non-surgical and reversible — no alteration to teeth, gums, or lip tissue
• Results develop over five to fourteen days and last three to four months
• Full smile and facial assessment before every treatment at Fluid Medical, Gardens, Cape Town

Book a Gummy Smile Consultation

Ready for a more balanced, confident smile? Contact us via WhatsApp or book online to arrange a consultation at Fluid Medical in Gardens, Cape Town.

All treatments are subject to individual clinical assessment. Results vary between patients.