The amount of gum show varies — up to 2mm is considered normal, while more than 3–4mm is typically considered a gummy smile. The LLSAN muscle (levator labii superioris alaeque nasi) runs alongside the nose and is responsible for pulling the upper lip upward when you smile. In patients with a gummy smile, this muscle is hyperactive, causing the lip to rise higher than necessary and expose excessive gum tissue.

Botox provides a simple, non-surgical correction by relaxing the LLSAN. Results appear within 3–7 days. Conservative dosing is essential — over-treatment can make it difficult to smile naturally or use a straw. This is why precision and experience matter, and why Dr Azra Vaziri starts with the minimum effective dose and fine-tunes at the two-week review.

Dr Azra selects the right neuromodulator brand (Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin) based on each patient’s anatomy, muscle strength, and the degree of gum show. The number of units required is typically 4 to 8 — making this one of the lowest-dose Botox treatments available.

• Target: LLSAN muscle (beside each nostril)
• Units: 4–8 (full dosage guide)
• Products: Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin
• Price: AED 500 – 800 (full pricing)
• Duration: 3–4 months
• Onset: 3–7 days

• Lip flip — adjust upper lip position and gum show together
• Lip filler — enhance lip proportion alongside gum correction
• Baby Botox — subtle, low-dose approach for natural results

Before treatment — Dr Azra assesses the degree of gum show, upper lip length, tooth proportion, and LLSAN muscle strength. She determines the optimal injection points and product. If your gummy smile is caused by skeletal or dental factors rather than muscle hyperactivity, she will advise whether Botox alone is sufficient or if a dental or surgical referral is more appropriate.

During treatment — Ice or topical anaesthetic is applied to the injection sites beside each nostril. Dr Azra administers 2 to 4 precise micro-injections using an ultra-fine needle. The entire procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. Most patients describe only a mild pinch.

After treatment — You can return to normal activities immediately. Small injection marks fade within an hour. Avoid rubbing the area, intense exercise, and lying face-down for 24 hours. Results begin developing within 3 to 7 days as the LLSAN muscle relaxes and the upper lip settles into a lower resting position.

Results timeline — Full effect is visible by day 10 to 14. A complimentary review at two weeks allows Dr Azra to assess the result and perform a small touch-up if needed. Because the LLSAN is a small, frequently used muscle, gummy smile Botox typically lasts 3 to 4 months — slightly shorter than larger treatment areas like the forehead.

For patients with mild to moderate gum show caused by muscle hyperactivity, Botox is an ideal first-line treatment — non-surgical, no downtime, and results are visible within a week. Surgical options such as lip repositioning surgery or gingivectomy (gum contouring) are available for more severe cases or patients seeking a permanent correction.

Many patients use Botox as a trial run — experiencing the aesthetic improvement for 3 to 4 months before deciding whether to commit to a permanent surgical procedure. Dr Azra can advise on the best approach during your consultation.

Gummy smile Botox has essentially zero downtime. Follow these guidelines for optimal results:

• Remain upright for 4 hours after treatment
• Do not rub, press, or massage around the nose
• Avoid intense exercise, hot yoga, saunas
• Skip alcohol for 24 hours
• Avoid lying face-down when sleeping

• Avoid facials and chemical peels
• Do not start new retinoid products
• Protect the area from prolonged sun exposure
• Attend your 2-week review for touch-up if needed
• Full results visible by day 10–14

For detailed post-treatment guidance covering all Botox areas, see our complete Botox aftercare guide.

• Excessive gum show (3mm+) when smiling
• Self-consciousness about gummy smile in photos or social settings
• Gum show caused by muscle hyperactivity (not skeletal)
• Patients wanting a non-surgical, reversible correction
• Those considering surgical correction but wanting to trial the result first
• Men and women of all ages

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active skin infection in the treatment area
• Allergy to botulinum toxin or albumin
• Gummy smile caused by skeletal excess or short upper lip (may need surgery)
• Excessive gum show caused by dental factors (may need gingivectomy)

Suitability is confirmed during your consultation with Dr Azra.

Gummy smile Botox with Dr Azra Vaziri starts from AED 500. Final pricing depends on the number of units needed (typically 4 to 8) and the product selected. Most patients pay between AED 500 and AED 800 per session.

This is one of the most affordable Botox treatments due to the low unit count required. Many patients combine gummy smile correction with a lip flip or lip filler in the same appointment for comprehensive lip and smile enhancement.

For a detailed breakdown of units and costs by treatment area, see our How Many Units of Botox guide and full Botox pricing →