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Gummy Smile
Treatment

Smile with confidence.

Smiling Woman

Gummy smile is the term used when someone smiles and the gums above the upper teeth become visible.

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A gummy smile is due to various things; from problems with the teeth, your bone structure, your gums, a short upper lip and overactivity of the muscles that create your smile.

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If the upper lip elevator muscles, that lift the upper lip are overactive/hyperactive, they reveal too much gum tissue on smiling.  This is one of the most common causes of a gummy smile.

HOW CAN I TREAT MY GUMMY SMILE?

Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem, so gingivectomy or oral surgery may be necessary in some cases.

 

However, if the problem is due to hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscles, a gummy smile can be simply and effectively treated with Botulinum Toxin to reduce this.

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Dr Chiké Emeagi has been treating these overactive muscles with Botulinum Toxin since 2012, so has years of experience.

 

It is a safe and effective procedure, so if you feel self-conscious about your gums when you smile, he may be able to help.

WHAT DOES A GUMMY SMILE TREATMENT INVOLVE?

At your first treatment session, Dr Chiké Emeagi injects a small amount of Botulinum Toxin both sides of the nostril to weaken the upper lip elevator muscles.

 

The effect can normally start to show after a few days however the full result takes up to 2 weeks.

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If it is your first treatment he will then assess you in a review appointment after 2-3 weeks.

 

Dr Chiké Emeagi will take photos to asses the success of the treatment and make further adjustments if necessary.

 

Some people respond to a small amount of treatment, however, others may need higher doses to achieve a similar result. Each person’s treatment is different and some people may need two or even three adjustments to achieve optimum results.

 

Once the desired results are achieved Dr Chiké Emeagi creates a personal treatment plan for you, so he can replicate the results, the next time you need treatment.

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You will be advised to keep the target muscles active for a few hours immediately after treatment.

Gummy Smile
Treatment Consultation London

Around 14% of people suffer from a gummy smile, although there is no official definition of how much gum should be visible when you smile. It has been said that for a perfect smile, the lip should sit just above the top of the teeth.

 

Some research has been performed which concluded that if two millimetres or less of gum tissue is showing, then a smile looks normal. However, if four or more millimetres of gum is visible the smile appears more gummy.

 

What really matters is whether you feel self-conscious about your gums when you smile.

Before & After Results

“Dr Chike was friendly & gentle and I had nice experience. I was happy with the result and the treatment wasn’t painful at all compared to other places!.”

- JinJolly78

“Dr Chike is extremely gentle, skilled and knowledgeable. He listened to my concerns and created a bespoke look on my face. I didn't get a single bruise - a bonus! Thank you so much, looking forward to seeing you again!"

- Justyna

“Dr Chike is very professional and puts you at ease. His technique is painless and results are great!”

- Xavier

“Can not praise Dr Chiké enough, he has been doing my Anti-wrinkle treatments  for years and I have alway been so happy with the results! I will never go to anyone else! Absolute genius at what he does”

- Chloe

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FAQs

Find the answers to your questions about gummy smile treatments with Hampstead Aesthetics.

If you would like to find out more, simply contact us for further information.

  • What are Anti-Wrinkle treatments?
    Botulinum toxin A often referred to as anti-wrinkle or muscle relaxant injections is a prescription only treatment. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to the muscles. The muscle becomes relaxed, in turn reducing the appearance of the lines and wrinkles.
  • What do muscle relaxant injections consist of?
    Muscle relaxants consist of a purified version of a protein and toxin produced by a bacteria found in meat. When injected into targeted muscles, these products work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscle. This controlled weakening reduces muscle movement, causing the wrinkles over the muscles to become smoother.
  • When will I see my results?
    Initial results start at day 4-5 post injection but the full optimum result typically is seen at 2 weeks. At 2 weeks we offer a review appointment.
  • How long will my results last?
    This depends on the area treated, and the individual client. Muscle relaxants usually last 3-4months, but in some cases can last as little as 8 weeks or can last up to 6 months Over time, you will notice the results of the treatment begin to fade, gradually returning your appearance to its pre-treatment state.
  • What is the difference between Muscle relaxant injections and Dermal Filler?
    Muscle relaxants are used to treat wrinkles and lines caused by repeated muscle movement, such as smile lines and forehead creases. They work by temporarily weakening the underlying muscles. Dermal fillers are used to plump up the skin by adding volume. They may be used to fill in wrinkles caused by sagging skin, to restore volume lost to the ageing process, or to enhance areas of the face such as the lips and cheeks.
  • Which areas can be treated?
    Muscle relaxants have been used successfully to treat most areas of the face, smoothing wrinkles caused by facial muscles. Common treatment areas include forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and horizontal lines on the forehead.
  • What is the ideal time to start?
    Many clients begin receiving injections of muscle relaxants as soon as they start seeing signs of wrinkles. Others wait until their wrinkles are more substantial before seeking treatment. There is no reason to delay seeking cosmetic injections. Many clients undergo decades of repeated treatments with no ill effects. While most clients begin seeking treatment in their early 30s or 40s, it can be performed safely on clients who are both younger and older. Some patients in their 20’s have injectable treatments to prevent wrinkles and lines from forming.
  • Is this Treatment available for men and women?
    Yes, muscle relaxant treatment works well on both men and women.
  • Are there any age restrictions?
    We do not treat anyone under the age of 18 years.
  • Can I have the treatment while pregnant?
    No, for safety reasons you cannot have this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Does this treatment hurt?
    The discomfort during this treatment is minimal. We use a very thin needle and the injection process is over in a matter of minutes. For very anxious clients a topical numbing cream can be applied if desired.
  • How long will the injecting take?
    The injection process itself is over in just a few moments. You can expect to spend half an hour or less in the clinic.
  • Can I still make facial expressions?
    One of the worries many clients express is that the injections will make it difficult for them to move their faces. While muscle relaxants do relax the muscle activity causing wrinkles, when used correctly they will not affect your ability to frown, look surprised, and make other facial movements. When overdone, muscle relaxants can have a tendency to cause a frozen appearance. This is why it is important to choose carefully when considering aesthetic treatments.
  • Will people know I have had the treatment?
    We aim to create a natural-looking enhancement to your appearance. Often, people who know you well will remark that you look healthier, well rested, or refreshed.
  • Do results vary from person to person?
    Yes, individual results can vary. The experienced practitioners at the Clinic can provide optimum results for each client through careful evaluation of their individual concerns and aesthetic goals. This enables us to provide a personalised treatment and use the right amount of product to achieve the results you desire. Choosing an established clinic with highly qualified experienced practitioners is key to achieving the best results possible.
  • Are the results permanent?
    No, the result is temporary. The results last between 3-4 months depending the facial area treated, and your body’s ability to absorb the injected toxin. It can wear off after as little as 8 weeks in some clients and it can last up to 6 months in others. Many patients undergo regular touch-up injections in order to maintain their rejuvenated appearance. If you opt not to have further treatment, the treated area will gradually return to its pre-treatment appearance.
  • Will it last longer if I have more product injected?
    With muscle relaxants it is better not to overdo it. In fact, over usage can increase side effects and lead to an unnatural looking appearance. Because most clients are unaware of how much product should be used to achieve their desired aesthetic result, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to recommend an amount of product that will create subtle yet noticeable results. You can trust the experienced practitioner at the Clinic to achieve optimal results by using the right amount of product to achieve your desired result.
  • What happens when the results wear off?
    The results of muscle relaxant injections generally last 3-4months, depending on the area treated. As its effects wear off, the skin will return to its natural, pre-treatment state. If you decide against further injections, your skin will be left in the same condition it was before treatment; it will not be any more wrinkled than it was before treatment.
  • How often will I need treatment?
    Many clients return for further treatment when they see the results of the initial treatment wearing off. For some clients top ups are sometimes necessary, as everyone is different, but are always free with us as we aim to provide sufficient levels in the first place.
  • How often can I have the treatment?
    You need to leave at least 12 weeks between one full treatment to the next. If you are exposed to the toxin too frequently your body can create antibodies to fight against the treatment resulting in anti wrinkle injections resistance where it no longer works.
  • Is the treatment reversible?
    Anti-wrinkle injections will naturally wear off over time, approximately 3-4 months.
  • Will the treatment prevent new wrinkles forming?
    In addition to smoothing existing wrinkles, muscle relaxant injections have some ability to prevent new wrinkles from forming. They can reduce the repetitive muscle movements that lead to wrinkle formation.
  • What can I expect afterwards?
    Immediately afterwards, minor side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising are common. The treated area may also feel tender. These effects usually last 2-3 days and do not prevent clients from returning to work and other normal activities immediately after leaving the clinic. Muscle relaxants take 4 10 days for the effects to show, and often continue to improve for up to 30 days following treatment.
  • Can I have a Top up?
    Our bodies response to muscle relaxants can vary. Some of us may need more than others to achieve the desired effect. Here at the Clinic we offer a free top up service. This is offered between 2-4 weeks following your treatment Should you feel you require it. Unfortunately a top up after 4 weeks would not be appropriate.
  • Are muscle relaxants right for me?
    Muscle relaxants may be right for you if you have facial wrinkles such as smile lines or horizontal forehead creases caused by overactive muscles. This treatment does not work on wrinkles caused by loss of skin elasticity or volume.
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