Gummy Smile Botox Fix Excessive Gum Show in Korea
A gummy smile — where more than 3-4mm of gum tissue shows above the upper teeth during smiling — affects an estimated 10-25% of the population and is one of the most common aesthetic concerns among patients seeking treatment in Korea. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, gummy smile correction is performed with precise botulinum toxin injection into the levator labii superioris muscles, reducing gum show in just 10 minutes with zero downtime. This non-surgical approach is reversible, safe, and delivers natural-looking results within one week.
What Is Gummy Smile Botox and How Does It Work?
Gummy smile botox is a non-surgical procedure that reduces excessive gum display (gingival show) during smiling by injecting small doses of botulinum toxin into the muscles that elevate the upper lip. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) is the primary target muscle. By partially relaxing its contraction, the upper lip descends 2-3mm during smiling, covering the excess gum tissue and creating a more balanced, aesthetic smile.
Excessive gingival display — commonly called a gummy smile — occurs when the upper lip retracts too far during smiling, exposing more than 3-4mm of gum tissue above the upper teeth. The causes include muscular hyperactivity (the most common, affecting the LLSAN and levator labii superioris muscles), vertical maxillary excess (bone-related), altered passive eruption (gum-related), or short upper lip. Botulinum toxin specifically addresses the muscular component, which accounts for approximately 60-70% of gummy smile cases. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Dr. Cho Sung-Jun performs a thorough smile analysis before treatment, measuring gum show at rest and during maximum smile to classify the severity and determine if botox alone will achieve the desired result. For mild to moderate cases (2-4mm excess gum show), botox is the ideal first-line treatment. Only 2-6 units of botulinum toxin are needed, injected at precise points along the nasolabial fold where the LLSAN muscle is most superficial. The entire procedure takes 5-10 minutes with no anesthesia required. Results appear within 3-5 days and reach full effect at 2 weeks. Unlike surgical lip repositioning, gummy smile botox is completely reversible and carries minimal risk. For patients also interested in complementary lip treatments, RE:BERRY offers lip flip botox which can be performed in the same session to create a fuller, more defined upper lip appearance.
Gummy Smile Correction Before & After
Results from botox-based gummy smile correction at RE:BERRY.
How Gummy Smile Botox Works at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
A precise four-step protocol for correcting excessive gum display.
Smile Analysis & Classification
Dr. Cho Sung-Jun photographs your smile from multiple angles and measures the gingival display at rest and during maximum smile. The gummy smile is classified by cause (muscular, skeletal, gingival, or combined) and severity (mild 2-3mm, moderate 3-4mm, severe >4mm). This determines whether botox alone is sufficient or if combination treatment is recommended.
Injection Point Mapping
For muscular gummy smiles, 2-4 injection points are precisely marked along the nasolabial fold at the junction point where the LLSAN muscle is most superficial and active. The injection depth (3-5mm) and angle are calculated to target the muscle belly without affecting surrounding structures that control other lip movements.
Precise Micro-Injection
Using a 30G or 31G ultra-fine needle, 1-3 units of botulinum toxin are injected at each marked point. Total dose ranges from 2-6 units, significantly lower than wrinkle botox or forehead botox doses. The small quantity is critical — overdosing can flatten the smile entirely. RE:BERRY physicians use conservative initial dosing with the option for touch-up at 2 weeks.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
No downtime or recovery period. Avoid touching or massaging the injection area for 4 hours. Do not lie flat for 4 hours. Normal activities including flying can resume immediately. Results appear within 3-5 days. A 2-week follow-up (in-person or via WhatsApp photo) confirms the result, and a small touch-up can be added if needed.
What to Expect from Gummy Smile Botox
- Non-Surgical & Reversible: No incisions, no scars, no general anesthesia. The effect naturally wears off in 3-4 months if you choose not to maintain.
- Quick Procedure: Entire treatment takes 5-10 minutes. No numbing cream needed for most patients.
- Natural Smile Preserved: Conservative dosing at RE:BERRY ensures your smile remains natural — just with less gum show.
- Zero Downtime: Return to all activities immediately. Fly the same day. No bruising in most cases.
- Combinable: Pair with lip flip botox for a fuller upper lip or with lip filler for complete smile makeover.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Treatment completed in 5-10 minutes. Tiny injection marks invisible within 30 minutes. |
| Day 3-5 | Upper lip begins to descend slightly during smiling. Gum show starts decreasing. |
| Day 10-14 | Full effect achieved. Gum display reduced by 2-3mm. Smile appears balanced and natural. |
| Month 1 | Stable results. Patients report increased confidence in photos and social situations. |
| Month 3-4 | Effect begins to gradually diminish. Maintenance session recommended to sustain results. |
| Month 6+ | With repeated treatments, some patients find longer-lasting results due to progressive muscle attenuation. |
Gummy Smile Botox vs. Other Correction Methods
| Feature | Gummy Smile Botox | Lip Repositioning Surgery | Gingivectomy (Gum Surgery) | Lip Flip Botox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Muscle hyperactivity | Muscle + mucosa | Excess gum tissue | Upper lip eversion |
| Procedure Time | 5-10 minutes | 45-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Anesthesia | None or topical | Local anesthesia | Local anesthesia | None |
| Downtime | None | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks | None |
| Reversible | Yes (wears off 3-4 months) | No (permanent) | No (permanent) | Yes (wears off 2-3 months) |
| Best For | Mild-moderate muscular | Severe muscular | Gum overgrowth | Thin upper lip |
| Results Duration | 3-4 months | Permanent | Permanent | 2-3 months |
Gummy Smile Botox Pricing at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
All prices exclude VAT. Non-covered medical service. April 2026 promotional pricing.
Gummy Smile Botox Correction
- Smile analysis and classification
- 2-6 units botulinum toxin (KFDA-approved)
- Precise LLSAN muscle targeting
- 2-week follow-up via WhatsApp
- Touch-up if needed within 2 weeks
Smile Makeover Package
- Juvederm Lip Filler 1cc
- Korean Premium Mouth Corner Lip Botox
- Gummy smile correction add-on available
- Complete smile enhancement in one session
Korean Wrinkle Botox (Additional Areas)
- Forehead lines, crow’s feet, glabella
- Combine with gummy smile in same session
- KFDA-approved botulinum toxin
- Doctor-only injection
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Sung-Jun Cho
- Medical Director, RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport
- Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
- Located minutes from Incheon International Airport
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sung-Jun Cho, Medical Director / Aesthetic Medicine Specialist, RE:BERRY
The Science Behind Gummy Smile Botox Correction
Peer-reviewed evidence supporting botulinum toxin for excessive gingival display reduction.
Anatomy of the Gummy Smile: The LLSAN Muscle
The gummy smile is primarily caused by hyperactivity of the lip elevator muscles, particularly the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN). This muscle originates from the frontal process of the maxilla and inserts into the alar cartilage and upper lip. During smiling, the LLSAN contracts and elevates the upper lip, exposing the underlying gingival tissue. In patients with gummy smiles, this muscle either contracts more forcefully or has a shorter resting length, resulting in excessive vertical lip elevation of 4mm or more. The landmark study by Polo (2005) identified the Yonsei point — a specific injection site at the center of a triangle formed by the LLSAN, the levator labii superioris (LLS), and the zygomaticus minor — as the optimal target for botulinum toxin. Injecting at this convergence point allows a single injection per side to weaken all three lip elevators simultaneously, producing effective and symmetrical gum show reduction.
Clinical Evidence: Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin for Gummy Smile
Polo (2008) conducted a prospective study of 30 patients with excessive gingival display treated with botulinum toxin type A. The mean gingival display decreased from 5.2mm to 0.09mm at 2 weeks post-injection, with a mean duration of effect of 24 weeks. All patients reported satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, and no patients experienced difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking. Sucupira and Abramovitz (2012) confirmed these findings in a larger cohort, reporting a mean reduction in gingival display of 5.1mm using 2.5 units per injection site. Their study also demonstrated that repeated treatments at 6-month intervals led to progressive muscle attenuation, with some patients requiring lower doses in subsequent sessions. The low dose requirement (2-6 units total) makes gummy smile botox one of the most cost-effective and low-risk botulinum toxin applications in aesthetic medicine.
Classification System for Treatment Planning
Hwang et al. (2009) proposed a classification system for gummy smiles based on the underlying etiology: Type I (anterior gummy smile, LLSAN-dominant), Type II (posterior gummy smile, zygomaticus major-dominant), Type III (mixed), and Type IV (asymmetric). This classification guides injection site selection at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. Type I patients — the most common presentation — respond best to bilateral injection at the Yonsei point. Type II patients require additional injection points along the zygomaticus minor. Type IV (asymmetric) patients receive unilateral or asymmetric dosing to achieve balanced correction. This systematic approach ensures predictable outcomes regardless of the underlying anatomy.
References: Polo M. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005;115(6):1752-1756. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000162177.79027.6C | Polo M. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121(3):1023-1028. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000299370.40000.5d | Sucupira E, Abramovitz A. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2012;1(8):e74. doi:10.1097/GOX.0b013e3182a4b1de | Hwang WS et al. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2009;37(1):28-32. doi:10.1016/j.jcms.2008.07.009
What Our Patients Say About Gummy Smile Correction
“I have been self-conscious about my gummy smile for years and always covered my mouth when laughing. Dr. Cho at RE:BERRY fixed it in literally 5 minutes. Two weeks later, my smile looked completely natural — just without the gum show. I wish I had done this years ago.”
“I was worried the botox would make my smile look weird or asymmetric, but Dr. Kim explained the exact muscles being targeted and showed me before-after examples. The result is subtle but makes a huge difference in photos. Nobody can tell I had anything done — my smile just looks better.”
“Got gummy smile botox during my Incheon layover on my way to Japan. The airport pickup made it incredibly convenient. Total time from airport to clinic and back was under 2 hours. The procedure itself was so quick I could not believe it when it was done.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy Smile Botox in Korea
Expert answers about non-surgical gummy smile correction at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport.
Gummy smile botox at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport falls under the wrinkle botox menu at ₩9,900 per site (regular ₩40,000). The total cost depends on the number of injection sites needed, typically 2-4 sites. All prices exclude VAT.
For mild to moderate muscular gummy smiles (2-4mm excess gum show), botox is the preferred first-line treatment because it is non-surgical, reversible, and has zero downtime. Gum surgery (gingivectomy) is better for cases caused by excess gum tissue rather than muscle hyperactivity. RE:BERRY doctors will assess your specific cause during consultation.
Results typically last 3-4 months at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. With repeated treatments every 4-6 months, many patients find the effect extends progressively longer as the muscle gradually weakens (muscle attenuation effect).
No. RE:BERRY uses conservative dosing (2-6 units total) that reduces gum show by 2-3mm while preserving a natural, dynamic smile. Dr. Cho starts with minimum effective dose and offers a touch-up at 2 weeks if additional correction is desired.
Yes, this is a popular combination at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. Lip flip botox relaxes the orbicularis oris to create a fuller upper lip appearance, complementing the gummy smile correction. Both can be done in a single 10-minute session.
Yes. There is zero downtime. You can fly immediately after treatment. Simply avoid rubbing the injection area for 4 hours and do not lie flat for 4 hours. Many RE:BERRY patients get gummy smile botox during Incheon Airport layovers.
No. The conservative doses used for gummy smile correction (2-6 units total) do not impair lip function. You can eat, drink, speak, and kiss normally. The effect is limited to reducing the vertical elevation of the upper lip during smiling.
Typically 2-6 units of botulinum toxin in total, split between 2-4 injection points. This is significantly less than forehead botox (10-20 units) or jaw botox (25-50 units per side). The low dose requirement makes it one of the most affordable botox applications.
Very minimal discomfort. Only 2-4 tiny injection points are needed, each lasting less than 2 seconds. Most patients describe a brief pinch sensation. Topical numbing cream is available but rarely requested due to the quick procedure.
Initial effect appears within 3-5 days as the lip elevator muscles begin to relax. Full gummy smile correction is visible at 10-14 days post-injection. RE:BERRY offers a 2-week follow-up assessment with optional touch-up.
Yes. Botulinum toxin is naturally metabolized by the body, so the effect wears off completely within 3-4 months. There is no permanent alteration. This reversibility is a major advantage over surgical gummy smile correction methods.
Gummy smiles can be caused by hyperactive lip elevator muscles (most common, 60-70% of cases), vertical maxillary excess (long upper jaw bone), altered passive eruption (excess gum tissue), short upper lip, or combinations of these factors. Only the muscular component responds to botox.
Gummy smile botox works best for mild to moderate cases (2-4mm excess gum show). For severe cases (>4mm), it can still provide partial improvement. RE:BERRY doctors may recommend combining botox with dermal filler for lip volume or referring for surgical evaluation in extreme cases.
Absolutely. The procedure takes only 5-10 minutes. With RE:BERRY’s complimentary airport pickup and return service, plan for 1.5-2 hours total. You need at least a 3-hour layover to be comfortable.
Yes. RE:BERRY provides 8-language support including English, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Farsi. All consent forms and aftercare instructions are available in your language.
The Yonsei point is the optimal injection site identified by Polo (2005), located at the center of a triangle formed by the LLSAN, LLS, and zygomaticus minor muscles along the nasolabial fold. Injecting here allows a single point per side to affect all three lip elevators simultaneously.
Yes. Popular combinations at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport include gummy smile botox + lip flip, gummy smile + forehead wrinkle botox, and gummy smile + chin filler (₩390,000 package). All can be done in a single session.
No. Gummy smile botox is classified as a non-covered aesthetic procedure in Korea. It is not covered by Korean national health insurance or most international travel insurance policies. RE:BERRY provides English-language receipts for personal records.
Gummy smile botox targets the lip elevator muscles (LLSAN, LLS) along the nasolabial fold to reduce gum show. Lip flip botox targets the orbicularis oris muscle along the lip border to evert the upper lip outward. They target different muscles for different purposes but can be combined.
The change is subtle and natural-looking. Others will notice that your smile looks better but typically cannot identify what changed. Your smile remains dynamic and expressive — just with less gum showing.
For the first 4 hours: avoid rubbing or massaging the injection area, do not lie flat, avoid intense exercise. For 24 hours: avoid alcohol, hot saunas, and steam rooms. After that, resume all normal activities including flying.
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- ✓ Free consultation with our doctors
- ✓ 8-language support (EN, JA, ZH, TH, VI, MN, FA)
- ✓ Inside Incheon International Airport
- ✓ Perfect for layover treatments
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- ✓ Current promotion pricing available